Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
A character thrust into an unfamiliar world is a character off balance. Such characters should respond to the unusual in their lives. And their responses should draw them into deeper trouble.
Why write? Why sit at a desk and connect words into scenes and stories? One reason is to entertain readers. But writers don’t only entertain readers. Great writers and good stories can change a reader’s life.
Be aware of the trap of making your viewpoint character a mind reader. Characters can’t always guess what others are thinking and the motivations for their behavior.
Many writers face the curse of first-person narration—too much exposition at the expense of scenes. Guard your novels against the overuse of telling. Yes, one more article on showing vs. telling.
Writers tend to highlight what a character sees while ignoring the character’s other senses. A reminder that characters should react to their worlds through all the senses.
An exploration of the omniscient POV. This is part three in a series on point of view.
Second of three articles on point of view. This is an examination of first, second, and third points of view in fiction.
Point of view is one of the basic elements of fiction. This is the first of three articles exploring point of view.
Continue reading Point of View, the Full Story—Introduction »
You’re a fiction writer? Then by all means feel free to make up words for your story world.
There is more to story than a character’s thoughts. Be sure to step outside a character’s head so readers can experience a full story that includes action, dialogue, emotion, setting, and thought.
Continue reading Claustrophobia—Don’t Imprison Readers in a Character’s Head »
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.
