Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
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.
Is it a comma before which or before who or before that? Are there really rules and do I have to follow them in my fiction? Tips for comma use with essential and non-essential phrases and clauses.
Continue reading Restrictive or Not—When Do Clauses Need Commas? »
Every novel writer should create at least one summary of each manuscript in the form of a synopsis. Tips for formatting your synopsis and ideas for how to approach creating one.
Continue reading Clear the Dread from the Dreaded Synopsis »
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 »
Writers often become so lost in their stories that they can’t look at them dispassionately. Remember to step back and away from your fiction so you can get a true picture of a story.
Are your characters and plot so predictable that even you are bored? Add surprises to make stories fresh and characters engaging.
Writers can’t write novels of any length, not if they want to be published traditionally. Word count is important, especially for the first-time novelist.
Speech and thought patterns should differ from character to character. Learn tips for differentiating character voices.
Tips for writing character thought and inner dialogue. There are options for punctuation and method.
Continue reading Inner Dialogue—Writing Character Thoughts »
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.
