Authors sometimes feel pressured to dive right into the action of their stories—at the expense of important character development. Because the last thing we want to do is write a boring story, we sometimes overreact by piling on explosions, fight sequences, and high-speed car chases to the point we’re unable to spend important time developing […]
May 4, 2011 by 26 Comments Beginning Your BookWhy Opening With a Characteristic Moment Is So Important
One of your first scene’s most important jobs is introducing the main character as someone readers will find worth their time. This is best accomplished by opening with the protagonist in a “characteristic moment.” The characteristic moment will either put leading characters in a situation that shows them performing an action that will figure prominently […]
April 27, 2011 by 44 Comments Beginning Your BookUse a Question to Create an Unforgettable Opening Chapter
Creating an opening chapter that hooks readers into your story is the trick you have to master in every one of your stories. But once you know the secret of a good opening chapter, it’s not so tricky. The single most important element in convincing a reader to continue reading past your first page is […]
April 13, 2011 by 12 Comments Plotting Your NovelHow to Keep the Wrong Subplots From Sinking Your Story
Subplots are vital for many reasons. They can deepen your story’s plot and theme. They can provide contrast and resonance for the main plot. And they can give your characters and their world a feeling of verisimilitude. The wrong subplots, however, can water down your plot with parenthetical information. Writers must realize not every moment […]
April 10, 2011 by 56 Comments Characters3 Traits Your Hero and Villain Should Share
When we think of good guys and bad guys, we think of people who are diametrically opposed to one another. Yet the best kind of story is usually one that features a hero and villain who share more in common than not. In fact, the more similar your hero and villain, the stronger your story, […]
March 23, 2011 by 79 Comments CharactersHow to Avoid Confusing Readers With Similar Character Names
It’s important for authors to avoid confusions big and small. We understand the importance of creating a plot and a character progression that keep readers from wrinkling their faces in confusion. But it’s equally important to avoid smaller confusions—such as confusing readers with similar character names. Consider, for example, a sci-fi book that featured as […]
February 15, 2011 by 8 Comments Beginning Your BookThe 3 Integral Components of a Story’s Beginning
Today, I’m honored to be hosted by Larry Brooks on his fabulous site Storyfix. Be sure to stop by his site to read my guest post “The 3 Integral Components of a Story’s Beginning.” Below is a sneak peek: Beginnings are tough for a number of reasons, not least among them the fact that we’re wading blind into […]
October 27, 2010 by 16 Comments Beginning Your BookThe Best Way to Make Use of Your Story’s Normal World
Writers can’t afford to waste readers’ time or test their patience by meandering about in their opening scenes. At first glance, this would seem to mean you have to get right to the point of the story. You might feel compelled to open your story right at the moment when your character’s world is changed […]
October 24, 2010 by 27 Comments NarrativeUse Motion to Spice up Your Scenes
Ever had one of those days when you sit down at your computer, only to find your character twiddling his thumbs? I was having one of those days last week. Chapter seven of my work-in-progress features all kinds of exciting conflict, including a long-awaited confrontation between two friends-turned-enemies. I got to introduce a fabulous new […]
October 17, 2010 by 23 Comments CharactersWhy Writers Can’t Afford to Judge Their Characters
Every once in a while, a reader will ask which of my characters is my favorite. Usually, I come up with an answer based on the whim of the moment. But really, no matter what I say, it’s a lie. I don’t have a favorite character. As an author, I can’t afford to. If you’re […]
