Tuesday April 28
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Character Voices Shouldn’t Sound Like Yours

September 15, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Characters should use words specific to their backgrounds and histories, and not sound like the author who created them. Explore the importance of word choice for characters.

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Head-Hopping Gives Readers Whiplash

September 10, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Head-hopping—changing viewpoint characters or the point of view without warning or in mid-paragraph—can pull readers right out of your fictional world. Discover why head-hopping is a no-no.

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You Got My Attention, But Where’s the Action?

September 5, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Stories need action events. Something needs to happen, not only to keep characters moving forward, but to keep readers interested.

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Using Time Wisely

August 23, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Deadlines and too much to do in too few hours can wear down writers. A few quick tips to keep writing tasks in perspective.

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New Experiences? Use Them in Your Writing

August 14, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Unfamiliar situations and places can be disconcerting for any of us. But the unfamiliar and stressful can be great for creating character unease and increasing tension.

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One-Manuscript Diva or Working Novelist?

August 5, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

A writer with a diva attitude can turn agents and publishers away. And such an attitude can keep a writer from producing his best work. Discover why it’s not good to be a one-manuscript diva.

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Sub-plots, Main Plots, and Digressions

July 30, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Sub-plots can add great depth to story. But these secondary plots can detract from the main plot. A look at sub-plots and their limitations.

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Multi-Tasking Characters or Impossible Actions?

July 27, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Characters look phony and unreal, making fiction seem unreal, when writers give them concurrent actions that can’t possibly happen at the same time.

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Tips for Writers—The Down and Dirty

July 23, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Some lists of writing tips are written for those looking for easy fixes, for those who want to play at being writers without taking on the work of writing. This list is not one of those.

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Writers Are World Creators

July 21, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

All writers, not only those who write sci-fi and fantasy, are world builders. Explore the elements of fictional world building.

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