Word magic.
You’re writing fiction. Sooner or later, during your first draft, you’ll realize “this isn’t the book that’s in my head. WHY can’t I write what I can see and feel so clearly in my imagination?” Although you’re tempted to stop writing because you’re convinced you’re writing garbage — keep writing. Chances are that you’ll hit this painful psychological wall with … Read more
All fiction is constructed of scenes, including novels, movies, and TV shows. So, getting to grips with scenes is the foundation of fiction writing. Every novel you write has a certain number of scenes. Even if you hate outlining, the number of scenes gives you a clue to the action at various points in your novel. I know that many … Read more
When you’re plotting fiction, here’s the essence: your plot is what your characters DO. If you focus on what your characters do, and WHY they do it, plotting your novella is simple, even if you’re a dedicated pantser, as I am. (Mostly.) Plotting fiction: create a goal for your main character As soon as possible when you’re writing and plotting … Read more
Want to plot a novella? Avoid complex, multi-layered plots. How to plot a novella: keep it simple Think of a novella as a stripped-down version of a novel. If you were writing a novel you’d have time to write leisurely scenes, expand on minor characters, create a subplot or two… in a novella, you need to stick to the point. … Read more