Crutch words or phrases lack meaning. They take away from our voice, leaving readers to face wordy prose. Every writer suffers from the use of crutch words. We add them to our novels without conscious thought. So while you’re editing, how can you find the crutch words in your novel? It’s simple! Scour the internet… Continue reading Crutch Words (Part 2)
Writing on the bad days. So you’re doing your best to make time for the keyboard, but when you sit down, it’s a struggle. Every sentence seems painstakingly poised to harm the soul of your piece, and you feel like you’re wasting time. Writers have bad days. You’ve carved a small amount of time out… Continue reading Write a Novel Around Your Busy Schedule (Part 2)
As we’ve discussed how to increase tension, we’ve primarily focused on the external conflicts. But the internal conflict may matter just as much, if not more. We write stories for imperfect people, in an imperfect world. Many readers desire the happily-ever-after. I don’t think this irony should be lost on us. See, our readers engage… Continue reading Increase Your Novel’s Tension (Part 3)
Last week, we discussed the basic development of tension in our novels. Today, we’re diving deeper. What strengthens the existent tension? I think the answer is really two-fold. 1.) The cost. Great novels force readers to invest. Have you ever heard someone say make your characters likable? They’re saying that to help increase your tension. When a… Continue reading Increase Your Novel’s Tension (Part 2)
Writer’s block–it may come on suddenly during a scene or at the very beginning of your novel. Every writer experiences this syndrome in a unique way, and each project may encounter it somewhere new. So what’s the remedy for this unpredictable syndrome? 1. Take a break. It may sound counterproductive, but our brain often overheats.… Continue reading How to Right Writer’s Block
You’ve finished the first draft of your WIP…congratulations! Now enter with me into a new stage–editing. For some writers, editing is the nemesis, but it doesn’t have to drive you insane. Let’s set some practical standards. First, take advice. You have spent hours writing your piece. You’re invested. It’s hard to separate from the words… Continue reading Obtaining Your Goals (Part 3): Editing
Besides a cup of coffee and lots of caffeine, obtaining our writing goals requires work. However, there are practical tips to help you reach your target. Over the next 3 weeks, let’s dive deep into some of this advice. Many writers struggle with word count regardless of writing style. For the reader, long prose can… Continue reading Obtaining Your Goals (Part 1): Word Count
