Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
A reader wondered what she should study to help her become an editor. Study whatever interests you and a whole lot more.
Continue reading Jack of all Trades? That’d Be an Editor—A Reader’s Question . . . »
There is not only one way to write a sentence, a scene, a chapter, or a story. Writing a novel isn’t only about plugging in words and events and scenes in accordance with a formula. It’s writing with skill and artistry.
There’s a lot of contention concerning narrative tense—should stories always be told using the past tense or is present tense a true option.
Continue reading Narrative Tense—Right Now or Way Back Then »
Readers bring perceptions to every novel. Put those perceptions to work for you rather than allowing them to annoy your readers.
Readers can get really ticked off when you use coincidence to solve story problems. They are pulled out of the fiction and made aware that you’ve been fooling them.
Continue reading Coincidence Destroys the Suspension of Disbelief »
Many modern writers are discouraged from using adverbs. But adverbs have their uses. And no part of speech should be banned from the writer’s toolkit.
Apparently some in the writing community think semicolons have no place in fiction. But all punctuation has a purpose and can be put to use in novels and short stories.
Continue reading Punctuation in Fiction—Are There Prohibitions? »
All writers leave something out of their early drafts. Learn your writing weaknesses and then plan your rewrites around strengthening your stories and overcoming those weaknesses.
Continue reading Use a Rewrite to Add What Your Story Lacks »
Links to the most popular (as of the end of 2011) articles at The Editor’s Blog as well as links to a few of Beth’s favorite articles.
Continue reading Recap of Past Articles—2011 Year-End Review »
Ramp up story conflict by repeatedly denying characters what they want or need.
The reader will focus on what stands out. Turn the reader's attention where you want it to go.
Thank you for reading The Editor's Blog, an Internet resource for fiction writers,
freelance editors, and everyone who loves words
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Copyright © 2010-2018 E. A. Hill Visit Beth at A Novel Edit
Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
