Word Magic
Writing fiction for self-publishing authors, as well as aspiring authors
A new author will often ask me to tell them whether their short story is “good”. In response, I ask them how the story makes them feel. Did they achieve what they set out to do? Are they satisfied? If not, why not? Then I read the story. I’m looking for just one thing… entertainment. If the story entertains, then … Read more
Want to write short fiction? Short stories and novellas can be great fun to write, as well as profitable. A word regarding short fiction and copyright. I’ve spoken to several writers who’ve sold short fiction on the freelance marketplaces, then regretted it. When you sell your stories to someone who pays for it on one of the marketplaces, you’re selling … Read more
Recently, a writing student asked me for tips on how to write a series. “How do I create a character who’ll be popular with readers?” She asked. That’s an excellent question. You want to create a character readers will enjoy, but you need to enjoy him too. Otherwise you could end up like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who got tired … Read more
Thinking about writing fiction? Here’s a secret. Start with the idea. When we read fiction, we may be bored… Or we’re living through an unbearable life event and need to escape for a while. Perhaps we enjoy stepping into another world. Whatever a reader’s reason for reading your novel, they read for entertainment. When you’re writing fiction, you’re an entertainer … Read more
Do you wish you could write fiction? Currently I’m working with a group of authors to write and publish fiction in eight hours. One of the authors, who’s been working on a novel for a couple of years, decided that she wanted to work on her novel during the class. The group’s focus is on completing a project in eight … Read more