In spite of all the brouhaha about iPads, Kindles, Nooks, et al. I’m not seeing a lot of discussion about the actual content publishers plan to provide for these pricey little appliances. That’s why I was fascinated by the piece in the Huffington Post this week from thriller writer Jason Pinter, arguing against the publishing industry dictum that “MEN DON’T READ.” He points out this is simply a self-fulfilling prophecy: don’t market to men; don’t publish what they like and—guess what? They don’t read! He supports this by relating some of his own...
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Does Your WIP Have Too Much Dialogue?
Posted on 11:25 by Unknown
I’ve been looking over some of my much-rejected early novels recently and discovered they have something in common with a lot of other unpublished fiction: way too much dialogue. They’re too LOUD. The characters need to shut up already and get on with the story.And yet, in all the classic how-to writing books, we’re urged to put in, “more scenes! more dialogue!” Here’s my theory of why that is: A lot of classic books on writing, like Strunk and White came out before the era of TV. They are full of warnings against the author intrusion...
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Join the Maassketeers!
Posted on 11:11 by Unknown
This is hysterical. An inspiring video for all writers. Thanks to Janet Reid for the li...
Saturday, 10 April 2010
A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY WITH A GREAT AMERICAN WRITER
Posted on 12:03 by Unknown
Self-editing is the hardest thing a writer has to learn. Yes, you can read that “kill your darlings” advice over and over in the how-to books, but without a professional editor, most of us are blind to our own work’s flaws. We keep saying, “But I LOVE that scene. That’s where I explore the hero’s touching relationship with his pet griffin and…what? It doesn’t further the plot? Yeah but…”Unfortunately, very few beginning novelists can afford to hire a professional freelance editor to help commit those verbal murders. But without a good edit, your...
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Seeking Zoticus Weatherwax: Tips for Naming Fictional Characters
Posted on 11:16 by Unknown
In his painfully funny 2006 book, Famous Writing School, a Novel, Stephen Carter’s writing teacher-protagonist advises his students to seek character names in the obituaries. But although Carter’s bumbling protagonist offers mostly dubious advice, that tip is a keeper. Obits are full of great names. I keep a list in a notebook by the breakfast table. I haven’t yet written about Normal Peasley or Lamia Trowbridge, but they’re ready when I need them.My favorite name source is spam, although, since I increased my security, it isn't as colorful...
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