Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
Writers sometimes don’t know how to begin writing a new story, but you can begin anywhere, with any story element. You can begin at any point in the story.
A story can’t be about everything and everyone; there must be focus. Direct characters and readers by pointing them where you want them to go and cut out everything that distracts or doesn’t belong.
Readers bring perceptions to every novel. Put those perceptions to work for you rather than allowing them to annoy your readers.
Ramp up story conflict by repeatedly denying characters what they want or need.
Give your main character a tour de force moment where he reveals his true personality and all the needs and fears he’s been repressing and stuffing deep for a lifetime.
Continue reading Character Rants and Breakdowns—Let ’em Rip »
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.
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.
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 »
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 »
Stories need action events. Something needs to happen, not only to keep characters moving forward, but to keep readers interested.
Continue reading You Got My Attention, But Where’s the Action? »
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.
