I recently finished a big project for a client that involved many hours in the Executive Director’s office, fine-tuning copy and making sure that what I thought the client wanted to say was actually what was showing up on the page. There was a very quick turn-around, and while the project wrapped before the hard … [Read more…]
This month I’m going to talk about craft–specifically, plotting a young adult novel or structuring the plot of your YA novel. Often when I’m instructing writing classes, I find that there’s some confusion about plotting. If I ask “What’s your book’s plot?” I get vague answers along the lines of “It’s about a girl who … [Read more…]
Freewriting is a terrific way to sneak your way into the writing zone and then write your way to an idea. I use freewriting any time I’m stuck. Instead of staring at a blank page (whether paper or a blank page on a computer—all that white!) I grab a pen or wiggle my fingers over … [Read more…]
When developing and writing characters, a writer’s number one goal is creating characters who will connect with and intrigue readers. Five Tips for Writing Characters Who Will Intrigue Your Reader Writing Characters Tips 1 & 2: Secrets and Lies One of the best ways to build conflict and suspense in your character and intrigue your … [Read more…]
Just when you think it’s quietening, some author raises his or her head and starts another brouhaha. It’s always something! * Does spelling matter? Hmm, yeah, it does… * The “slow death of the American author” — what’s your thoughts on this? * Oh, wait. No, we’re not dying a slow death! * And another … [Read more…]