This is courtesy of one of author Michael Stackpole’s lectures at Dragoncon, which is a science fiction convention that happens to have a Writing Track with great advice for any author. First, remember that you are not editing as you go along. As Stackpole says, “first, dig the hole” – get the manuscript down before you play…
Dialogue is a multi-tool for writers. You can advance the plot, hint at setting, give backstory, & describe the characters all in a line or two. Here are a few dialogue tips you can use:
I recently came across a compilation of various “Rules for Writing” from 45 different authors. Neil Gaiman’s Rules of Writing: Michael Moorcock’s 10 Tips for Good Storytelling: Michael Morpurgo’s 10 Rules for Writers:
It’s First Wednesday, so time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post. May 3 question – When you are working on a story, what inspires you? When I’m working on a story, many things can inspire me. As a science-fiction author, I’m more likely to be inspired by a science article or news byte I’ve seen,…
I hear this question a lot. How long is a chapter supposed to be anyway? Of course, the correct answer is usually “As long as it needs to be” — within reason. There’s actually a rationale behind keeping your chapters shorter, and it has to do with your readers and their attention spans. In days…
I had an interesting question at my recent talk: How do you know how much research to do when you’re putting your setting into place? If you’ve been writing for a while (or if you’re just interested in learning), you know what a rabbit hole research can be! You start out trying to find what…
It’s First Wednesday, and that means a new Insecure Writers’ Support Group post! This month’s question is: November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not? I have been doing NaNoWriMo since 2011 and have usually managed to “win” (you don’t get any real prizes, just satisfaction at making your…
The SCWA Conference is over (sadness) and now that I’m home, I can transcribe some of what I’ve learned for your edification and amusement. I’ll be posting a photo album over on the official website. Friday afternoon I signed up for Leigh Stein’s Tailgate Workshop “How to Pitch Your Book.” Wow, did we learn a…
I’ve been working on stories to submit to various anthologies lately. Here are some of the ones I’ve sent off: Rough Cut Press is doing an anthology on the theme “Exiles,” which, of course, is perfect for a velyr story. I revamped one I’d already finished, cutting about 300 words to make it under 650…
Packages are starting to arrive! These will be the giveaway prizes for the two raffles I’ll do during the party. All the guests need to do is write down their name and email address and join my newsletter! I’m also going to have temporary tattoos (electric guitars), baggies of candy with the book cover on…