Author, Compulsively Readable Thrillers
If you, like me, are a “reluctant” writer (one who can find a million things to do instead of writing), I have a suggestion. Set a timer for 45 minutes, and during that time, write new material. Don’t edit, don’t revise, don’t even go back over your material. And don’t answer emails, check your book … Read more
The first book about writing I ever read was Bird by Bird, and it just might be the most valuable. I particularly love Lamott’s discussion about “Shitty First Drafts.” You see, I am one of those writers who hates to write. Who always thinks she is unequal to the task. Who always second-guesses … Read more
OK. I’m lying. You can also use “asked.” But anything else calls attention to itself and indicates you don’t have enough confidence in the dialogue without adding a declaration of how someone spoke. If your dialogue is clear and strong, you will rarely need anything beyond “said” or “asked.”
The first sentence of every chapter, and especially the first sentence of the book itself, should begin in the middle of the action. It will intrigue the reader and make them wonder what’s been going on before.
Read Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing. Simply the best advice you’ll ever get about writing.
Some authors swear by their agent. Other authors think they get in the way. But, just like authors, agents are adapting to the new world of publishing too. Before you dismiss them, think of what an agent MIGHT be able to do for you. You could be surprised.
Query letters are not your resume. They are a one page letter that tells an agent or publisher what your book is about and why it matters. Query letters, as my friend Marcus Sakey says, should seduce the reader. Make them WANT and NEED to ask for the entire manuscript. Everything else is irrelevant. Mostly.
This is probably the most valuable tip I can think of. It IS a business, whether you want to be traditionally published or you self-publish. Learn the business. Read the daily emails from Digital Book World, PW, and The Passive Voice to start. Then expand your horizons. Learn how this business works—or doesn’t work—in today’s … Read more
Never forget that a villain is a hero in his own eyes. He believes he is totally justified in what he’s doing. As the author, you need to find that justification. The dysfunctional childhood is an overworked trope, but I’m sure you can come up with a LOT more reasons why good people do bad … Read more
Before I was a writer, I studied to be a film-maker. Watching tons of movies gave me a sense of pacing. It showed me when to cut in and out of a scene. And how long it should be, Not to mention how to show, not tell. Or build suspense. I recommend movies highly. Cut … Read more