One tenet for writers, besides write, write, write, is read, read, read. I don’t recall where I read it, but a published author said (paraphrasing), “Don’t just read the great stuff, read lousy stuff too.” A couple years ago, I put the first ten thousand words of my story (working title: Timber Beast) on YouWriteOn.com,Continue reading “Multiple POV or Head Hop?”
Tag Archives: Top Ten Mistakes Newbie Novelists Make
One More Resolution for 2009
“I readily and resolutely resolve to not ponderously, pretentiously, or portentously contemplate; nor to passionately pontificate, nor to ostentatiously overwrite as the over-writer here does,” the wanna-be published writer purposefully averred vociferously and adamantly.
Ten Words You Don’t Want Used to Describe Your Story
Starting with “pretentious,” the Mysterious Matters blog lists “[T]he 10 worst words we can use to describe a manuscript.” I scanned the list and think my ts fits, eight out of ten. Ouch. I’ll keep at it. My story is simply waiting for a writer to appear to let it out.
Ten Words You Don't Want Used to Describe Your Story
Starting with “pretentious,” the Mysterious Matters blog lists “[T]he 10 worst words we can use to describe a manuscript.” I scanned the list and think my ts fits, eight out of ten. Ouch. I’ll keep at it. My story is simply waiting for a writer to appear to let it out.
Writing’s Aphorisms
Over the past couple weeks I have passed along a list that my instructors mentioned in class. It is a list of some mistakes that beginning storytellers (like me) make. Top Ten Mistakes Newbie Writers Make 10. Flat writing with weak verbs 9. Setting and description delivered in large chunks 8. Telling instead of showingContinue reading “Writing’s Aphorisms”
Writing's Aphorisms
Over the past couple weeks I have passed along a list that my instructors mentioned in class. It is a list of some mistakes that beginning storytellers (like me) make. Top Ten Mistakes Newbie Writers Make 10. Flat writing with weak verbs 9. Setting and description delivered in large chunks 8. Telling instead of showingContinue reading “Writing's Aphorisms”
Reason #2 – Head Hopping
Head hopping Head hopping is where the point of view for the characters is not fixed and hops from head to head. One of the things we look for when we read is a narrator who’s voice we like. The narrative voice chosen to tell the story affects the tone of the story and howContinue reading “Reason #2 – Head Hopping”
The #1 Mistake – No Scene Structure/Episodic Action
No scene structure and action is episodic Why would scene structure matter? Have you ever noticed how things work better when the work is organized? Whether it’s a space launch or a pancake breakfast, organizing makes the whole thing work more efficiently. Certain people have certain tasks. Organization applies to stories too. Communication is underpinnedContinue reading “The #1 Mistake – No Scene Structure/Episodic Action”
Reason #3 – Limited conflict or attention
Limited conflict or attention I don’t want to talk about this. It could start a fight.
Reason #5 – Throat Clearing
Too far removed from the inciting incident Don’t spend time warming your engine. Start close to the point where the hero’s world starts to change. James N Frey says, “…beginning writers falsely believe they have to ‘set the stage’ and ‘inform the reader about past events’ before getting on with the story.” In his TopContinue reading “Reason #5 – Throat Clearing”
Nullius in Verba 