The do’s and don’ts of dialogue
Dialogue is a powerful tool. Do make it sound lifelike, don’t let it drone on forever. Read More “The do’s and don’ts of dialogue”
characters
Writing disabled protagonists in children’s and YA literature
Authors have called upon their experiences as parents of children with disabilities, and on volunteer work or extensive research, to create characters who reflect the physical, emotional, and developmental challenges that readers and their peers may face. Read More “Writing disabled protagonists in children’s and YA literature”
Building the foundation
Fast-moving plot: Check. High stakes: Check. But did you do enough to ground readers in your novel’s fictional world? Read More “Building the foundation”
The psychology of world building
Use these tips and exercises to make any story come to life on the page. Read More “The psychology of world building”
Creating fully developed fictional characters (that are not secretly you)
This week on Extreme Hoarders: Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Read More “Creating fully developed fictional characters (that are not secretly you)”
Toss the roadmap. Let your characters lead you.
Even plotters can use a little off-roading now and again. Read More “Toss the roadmap. Let your characters lead you.”
Drilling down
A universal story must also be a specific one. Read More “Drilling down”
Keep your story promise
Establish theme early and stick with it. Read More “Keep your story promise”
Mia Alvar: Within an inch of truth
The short story writer looks slant at real life to create compelling fiction. Read More “Mia Alvar: Within an inch of truth”
Katherine Heiny: How I Write
“I grew to love the challenges and rewards of the short story – the way you have to be precise and condensed and make every word count.” Read More “Katherine Heiny: How I Write”