Writing Lite Tip 46: Write backstories for major characters

Writing Lite Tip 46: Write backstories for your major characters. You'll be surprised what you learn.

I talk about character backstories and how to write them here. Basically, I believe they’re the best way to get to know your characters and what motivates them. How passionate or emotional they are. What their style of interacting is. The lengths they’ll go to to achieve their goals. A backstory will help you create … Read more

I’m A Published Author — I Don’t Need a Writing Group

A friend asked me why, after publishing 11 novels, I’m still in a writing group.”You’ve already published a lot of novels.” The answer was in his question. I can tell you with absolute certainty that I would not have published 11 novels without my writing group. I joined 18 years ago… way before I was … Read more

Writing Lite Tip 2: One clause sentences. Two at the most

LIbby Hellmann Writing Lite Tip No 2

Long, languorous sentences make it difficult for the reader to follow, unless he or she is a very patient reader. Most readers aren’t, sorry to say. They’re interested in story. Not the prose you’ve so carefully crafted. So, make it easy for your readers. Limit your sentences to easily understood thoughts. Each sentence should add … Read more