Category Archives: Writing Tips
First and Last Lines In Scenes
Most writers know it’s important to have great first and last lines in novels. But did you know first and last lines in every scene can make the difference between whether the reader sets the novel down or continues reading. That doesn’t … Continue reading
Filed under Sharpening Our Writing, Writing Tips
Writing Good Dialogue Part 2
Writing good dialogue is more than getting the mechanics right. It is one of the most important parts of characterization. Here’s some things to remember when writing good dialogue. Character:Your characters will determine how you write dialogue. Every person’s speech … Continue reading
Filed under Sharpening Our Writing, Writing Tips
Writing Good Dialogue Part 1
Writing good dialogue is one of the most important techniques of fiction writing. But often, many writers consider it one of the hardest things to do. Hopefully these pointers will help. Grammar and punctuation: When writing dialogue, place the spoken … Continue reading
Filed under Sharpening Our Writing, Writing Tips
Naming Characters
Shakespeare said, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” That may be true. But it wouldn’t bring up the same image if it was called a skunk. When you write your novel, the names you call your characters … Continue reading
Filed under Sharpening Our Writing, Writing Tips
Episodic Writing
Many times, new writers fall into the trap of episodic writing. Episodic writing is when you write a number of scenes loosely tied together that don’t lead from one scene to the other. There’s no growth in the characters … Continue reading
Filed under Sharpening Our Writing, Writing Tips
How to Format Your Novel or Manuscript
Industry standards on formatting a manuscript change from time to time, and not all publishers agree on formatting. But this is what most publishers consider standard today. Font: Times New Roman or another standard font in 12 point size. Page … Continue reading
Filed under Computer/Internet/Blogging, Editing, Sharpening Our Writing, Writing Tips
Guest Blogger Mary Connealy – Kissing Scenes
Today, I asked Mary Connealy who writes romantic comedies with cowboys to talk about writing kissing scenes. She shared a kissing scene from her newest novel Wildflower Bride as an example of a great kiss. Wildflower Bride Kissing scene Wade … Continue reading
Filed under Author Interviews, Sharpening Our Writing, Writing Tips
The Basics Of Point Of View
You can’t write for very long without coming across this phrase. Point of view or POV is an important tool in every writer’s toolbox but can easily be misunderstood by beginning writers. This post will help the novice sort it … Continue reading
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Pity The Poor Prologue
Today, I have a guest blogger who is an author, Tommie Lyn, who is an expert on how to write prologues. Pity the poor prologue, the Rodney Dangerfield of the literary world. Some folks say they won’t read prologues; some … Continue reading
Filed under Author Interviews, Sharpening Our Writing, Writing Tips
Increasing The Word Count In A Manuscript
Although some writers have problems writing too many words for their novel, other writers find when they finish their first draft, they have too few words. Here’s some ways too increase your word count without making your story boring. Flesh … Continue reading
Filed under Editing, Sharpening Our Writing, Writing Tips
