Author, Compulsively Readable Thrillers
You crack open a new book or click on the first page of an ebook. You’re greeted by that all-important first line. Does it make your heart sink or soar? As every author knows, that first sentence gives you the opportunity to hook your readers. Provided you’ve crafted the sentence the reader knows something is … Read more
Happy Thanksgiving, all. Hope it was a good one. The last Writing Lite Video tip is a little longer than the others; then again, I’m explaining a terrific system you can use to structure your chapters. It was developed by Author Nancy Pickard, whose thriller THE VIRGIN OF SMALL PLAINS is one of my … Read more
We’re almost at the end of the Writing Lite tips for Nanowrimo. But I couldn’t ignore a topic that I not only enjoy but think is really important. And that’s the rhythm of language. Listen in.
In Writing Lite #9, I talk about the power of language and recommend a book that will help you write more consciously.
You’ve heard it ever since you started writing. Show, Don’t Tell. You know what it means. You really do. But do you? Learn more.
What happens when your characters do something that’s not in their nature? How do you know? What do you do to get them back on track? Find out in Writing Lite #6.
There are many exercises and techniques with which you can experiment to develop your characters, but this is my favorite. I use it all the time with important characters, and once I get into it, I’m always surprised to learn who a character really is, what shaped them, what motivates them, and how they’re going … Read more
In Writing Lite #2 we talked about opening sentences. Now in Writing Lite #4 we go to the other end of the chapter.
One of the points we’re always told when plotting a novel, no matter what genre, is to raise the stakes. The protagonist (or his/her loved ones) must confront obstacles, jump over hurdles, or solve problems… or else… But what does that really mean? I explain in this short video. Hope it helps your Nanowrimo project.
Welcome to WRITING LITE #2. I’m still talking about suspense, but this time I’m starting at the beginning. I talk about the power of that first line, how to approach it, and give you some of my all-time favorite examples. It is a little longer than I anticipated (at three and a half minutes) but … Read more