Author, Compulsively Readable Thrillers
All your characters, whether major or minor, have their own character ARC. That means they change. It may be a small change; it may be a huge one. But to write fiction is to write about characters, and unless they are stereotypes you include for a reason, a three-dimensional character needs to change. Here’s more. … Read more
When I finished my first manuscript and sent it to an editor, she broke the news to me that my characters sucked. That they weren’t believable, they did things because I wanted them to, not because it was in their nature. I learned the hard way that I’m really not in charge of my characters … Read more
Had a blast last night with Pam Stack who hosts the “Authors On The Air” radio show. If you missed the live show (it was a Friday night, after all) no worries. You can catch the podcast here. We went over an hour, but it really was fun. Pam is terrific! … Read more
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
How many times have you stayed up waaay too late reading a book, because you just had to read one more chapter? In this video I discuss how to end your chapters so that your readers won’t be able to put your book down. How’s your Nanowrimo novel going? Comments welcome.
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.
Hi, again. Here is Nanowrimo Writing Tip #2 — Beginnings. I’m still talking about suspense, but this time I start at the beginning: The all-powerful first line. I’ll talk explain how to approach it, then give you some of my all-time favorite examples. It is a little longer than I anticipated (at three and a half minutes) but hang … Read more
Hi, all. In honor of National Novel Writing Month, I decided to repost my Writing Lite video series. I hope you find them useful, even if you’re not participating. There are twelve videos, and none are over four minutes– most are under three. I’ll try to post a few each week so you have them all … Read more
Hi, all. The following blogpost first appeared on Jungle Reds about a month ago. Unfortunately, not much has changed except that I had to put my dog down. He had cancer. I miss him. I came across an article not long ago titled “My Friend Thinks I Don’t Work Because I’m a Writer…” In defense, … 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