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Category Archives: Craft
Advice on Writer’s Conferences
At some point in your writing career, you’ll probably consider attending a Writer’s Conference. That idea may seem daunting. How do you prepare? What do you do once you’re there? How do you follow up when the conference is over? … Continue reading
Poke a Wound
you know, or something you don’t know? Let me answer by going sideways. Write about what hurts. I attended Colorado State University at the turn of the century (sounds so long ago when I phrase it that way), studying English … Continue reading
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Punctuation is Sound Direction
Given that so much of today’s writing is done via text, punctuation might not seem important 2 u. But for the author, there’s a good reason (beyond convention) to adhere to an internally consistent set of rules. Punctuation … Continue reading
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Story Openings: Simple Advice
‘How on earth did Brian work me into this essay on writing?” Story openings are daunting. Just trying to start can bring you to a full stop. Like a golf swing, there are so many things to bear in mind: … Continue reading
Write Your Obsession
You may have heard the advice— “Write about what you know.” I’ve read good arguments on this theme, both pro and con, and have come away with the thought that there’s better advice to be had. My advice is to … Continue reading
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PLAYING TAG
Authentic-sounding dialog is tough. But the presentation of that dialog on the page is also problematic. Common mistakes include simple punctuation, word choices, and tag strategy. Going over a few examples can help make a positive impact in your writing. … Continue reading
Starting Your Story
Story openings are daunting. Just starting out can freeze a writer. Like a golf swing, there are so many things to bear in mind: Grab the reader. Introduce the POV protagonist. Initiate character and thematic arcs. Start immediately with the … Continue reading
Kill Your Adverbs
Stephen King said, “I believe the road to Hell is paved with adverbs.” But the pesky devils sneak into your fiction—pull out any work-in-progress and there they are, lurking. According to author Beth Ann Erickson, schools are still teaching adverbs … Continue reading
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It Wasn’t
This is the excerpt for your very first post. Continue reading
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