If you want to rev up a group of passionate writers, just bring up the topic of backstory. As much as we love our stories, we often love our backstories even more. If plot offers a what and a how, backstory is often the why. It can provide both context and subtext, bringing depth, understanding, and […]
July 3, 2013 by 22 Comments BackstoryIs Your Novel’s Backstory Big Enough?
With all the superhero movies these days, we are seeing a lot of origin stories. And I gotta say: I love that. I love origin stories, not just because they’re a fun glimpse into the beginning stages of a familiar character, but mostly because they’re stories with psychological ramifications. They’re stories about becoming, about making choices. […]
June 17, 2012 by 36 Comments Writing LifeThe Top 25 Ways to Ruin a Book
There are only so many ways to do things right in creating a book. But there an infinity of ways to blow a book. Nothing anyone writes completely escapes every mistake and pitfall. But some of those mistakes are more costly than others. Let’s take a look at the top twenty-five ways to blow a […]
May 13, 2012 by 78 Comments Structuring Your NovelThe Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 12: Your Questions Answered
Because of its fixed nature, story structure, once learned, is easy to grasp. However, it’s also a subject that inspires endless questions. A few weeks ago, while I was finishing up the last of the posts in this series, I asked those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter for story-structure questions you’d like me to address before […]
December 4, 2011 by 44 Comments Most Common Writing MistakesMost Common Writing Mistakes: Are Your Flashbacks Flashy or Flabby?
To flashback or not to flashback? Sooner or later, that’s a question every writer must face. A good flashback can sometimes bring to life an important event in your character’s past. But constructed poorly or plopped in at the wrong place, a flashback can end up irking readers more than impressing them. Let’s search for […]
