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Conversations About Craft, Process, the Business of Books, AND A LITTLE BIT OF INSPIRATION
Speaking of Which: Writing Realistic Dialogue (Part 2)
Speaking Of Which: Writing Realistic Dialogue (Part 2) This week, we will continue to explore the ins and outs of dialogue. Check out last week’s post here to get caught up. He Said, She Said Once you have the goals, desires, text, and subtext formulated, it’s...
Speaking of Which: Writing Realistic Dialogue (Part 1)
Speaking of Which: Writing Realistic Dialogue (Part 1)Dialogue is one of those things that is easier said than done. It’s all too easy to find oneself, having written a conversation or two into your prose, reading over and marveling at how awkward, unnatural, or wordy...
Good Bones: Crafting the Chapter
Good Bones: Crafting the chapterAt the beginning of each chapter, a few things should become quickly apparent to the reader. These include the setting, the mood and mindset of your protagonist and/or narrator, and a goal for the next series of scenes. Consider the...
Which Point of View is Right for You?
Which Point of View is Right for You? As you sit down to write the first draft of your story, you go through what you have so far: a scintillating plot? Check. A cast of unforgettable characters? Check. An immersive and vivid setting? Check. You put your pen to the...
“Mother Died Today” and Other Ways to Start Your Novel Off With a Bang
“Mother Died Today” and Other Ways to Start Your Novel Off With a Bang “My mother died today. Or maybe yesterday, I don’t know.”And with that irresistible opening, Albert Camus’ The Stranger has entranced readers for a century. The challenge with any novel is to...