Word Magic
When you’re writing fiction, your characters are everything. “Plot” is what your characters do. Since characterization is so vital, let’s look at simple ways to get characters clear in your own mind… So you can make them real to readers. I’ve been rereading Anthony Trollope, just for his characters. He’s masterful at characterization. Not only do you believe in his … Read more
How do you create drama in your fiction? When I coach fiction authors, it’s often simple to make their novels more exciting. Many authors fall into the trap of creating perfect characters. You need to give your characters flaws, and I suggested: (Although) it’s advisable not to use your family and friends when writing fiction… you can use people’s flaws—and … Read more
Do you enjoy writing fiction? One of the joys of fiction is spending time with people who do things you’d never do, are way braver than you, and have a better sense of humor. Characters are fun. I love creating them, even though I always procrastinate naming them; finding names for characters is frustrating. If you enjoy your characters, be … Read more
Will you be a NaNoWriMo author next month? Whether you’re accepting the NaNoWriMo challenge this year, or are pushing forward with writing fiction on your own, these tips will help. NaNoWriMo author or not, a fiction pitfall to avoid In their first novels, beginners stick to what they know — they tell their own story, or a version of it, … Read more
You’re writing fiction and you’re bored. You wonder whether you should trash the novel and write something else. Before you do that, consider this: to entertain readers, you must entertain yourself first. Start by daydreaming. Writing fiction: forget the words, daydream To write great stories, you need to get on familiar terms with your own emotions, the emotions of those … Read more