Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
A reader’s belief in your fictional world and characters can be easily destroyed. One way is when writers intrude into the story with explanations that have no place in the fiction. Resist the urge to explain.
Facts or setting details that are out of era or simply wrong weaken stories and distract readers. Check your story facts, check setting details, to keep stories tight and enjoyable.
We’ve all seen bad, laugh-worthy dialogue. Examples of bad dialogue and ways to avoid writing it.
Are your characters more than verbal, talking more than they do anything else? Determine if your characters talk too much and learn some fixes for getting them to shut up.
Character reaction propels story from initial event to climax and resolution. Remember to include character responses as your plot progresses.
Continue reading Character Reaction—Make Your Characters Respond »
Setting is the place and time of story. It can include physical locale and social milieu and the props that characters handle as they move through the story.
Writing advice tends to focus on the basics, but many writers are beyond simple basics. Encouragement for successful and published writers who nonetheless want to improve their writing skills.
Continue reading Beyond the Basics—Push the Story and Push Yourself »
Stories can gain strength and meaning when the words we use suit characters and genre and story events. Create memorable stories by clothing characters with words that fit.
Continue reading Clothe Characters Well—Choose Words that Fit »
Story passages have a rhythm, a pattern, a sound. Yet I don’t want to talk about rhythm so much as I do flow. Rhythm can affect flow, but it’s only one element that can. Let’s look at other story elements that can interfere with flow. Stories should flow, move along without impediment, and lead ever […]
Punctuation can overwhelm a sentence or paragraph. Poor punctuation can be a distraction, pulling readers out of the fiction and out of the mood to read your work. Let words tell the story. Use punctuation for other purposes.
Continue reading Use Words, Not Punctuation, To Tell Your Story »
The reader will focus on what stands out. Turn the reader's attention where you want it to go.
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Copyright © 2010-2018 E. A. Hill Visit Beth at A Novel Edit
Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
