Looking for more readers? Be specific.

Looking for more readers? Be specific.

by | Craft

Being specific.   I read a well-loved book (and I enjoyed it, too, don’t get me wrong) but I discovered that the reason there were jarring elements was that she’d intended for the story to take place, believably, “anywhere.” It’s set in the U.S., or at least...
How to make riveting dialogue scenes.

How to make riveting dialogue scenes.

by | Craft

  Sometimes, the scene you’re writing focuses on an exchange between characters: maybe witty banter, tense negotiation, subtle questioning, some necessary information. Whatever it is, the emphasis is on the dialogue. Unfortunately, even if you’ve...
How to Beat Imposter Syndrome.

How to Beat Imposter Syndrome.

by | Writing Life

How do you beat Imposter Syndrome?   Ever feel like you’re not good enough as a writer, and worse, that perhaps you’ll never be good enough? Almost every writer I know has had Imposter Syndrome: the depressing, anxiety-inducing feeling that I’m going to refer to...
How to Fix your Plot Twists.

How to Fix your Plot Twists.

by | Writing Life

The problem with plot twists.   Honestly, personally, I have no problem with plot twists. I used be glued to the TV when they ran Twilight Zone marathons on the odd holiday weekend. I watched The Sixth Sense and was blindsided by the ending. Now, in a world where...
How to Write More Natural Dialogue

How to Write More Natural Dialogue

by | Craft

How do you write natural sounding dialogue?   Here are two examples of dialogue: “If I see you again, Mr. Anderson, I promise that the outcome will be far less civil… and you will regret it.” “Get outta here, Jack. Because next time I see you, I swear, I’m...