Fiction Writing Rule #4: Choose (And Stick With) a Point Of View
A third of the population look at a glass containing 50% water and 50% air, and they say the glass is half-full. The next third say it’s half empty. The final third say screw it and grab a drink. Each third have a different point of view.
Perspective is everything.
As authors of our self-created universes, the point of view we choose to tell a story in sets the stage. It is, perhaps, the single most important decision we make because telling the same tale from a different point of view (POV) creates an entirely different novel. Continue reading “Fiction Writing Rule #4: Choose (And Stick With) a Point Of View”
What Is A Bestselling Author?
“By Bestselling Author…”
Twitter is flooded with tweets from hundreds (maybe even thousands) of authors advertising their latest work via these three words.
We think they think that it has the same impact on readers as the deep booming voice in the movie theatre saying, “From critically acclaimed” whatever. From the depths of the narrator’s voice come three words that make heads snap forward and minds say, “Oo! It must be good.” Bonus points if they know the name mentioned and have loved their previous work. Continue reading “What Is A Bestselling Author?”
5 Ways to Be a More Productive Writer
Guys! Guys! Guess what!
It’s Tuesday.
Do you know what that means? Continue reading “5 Ways to Be a More Productive Writer”
The Writer’s 2016 Guide to Better Writing
You know they think we’re crazy, right? Continue reading “The Writer’s 2016 Guide to Better Writing”
Fiction Writing Rule #3: Create Dimensional Characters
A story isn’t a story without characters. Much like reality, it doesn’t matter how small a person appears because their actions and personality can cause an explosion.
Throughout literature there are stunning examples of deep, multifaceted characters, without which stories would be drab and boring. Take, for example, characters like Sherlock Homes and John Watson whose depth rival that of some real life individuals.
In continuation of our Fiction Writing Series, our next topic of discussion is how to create dimensional characters. Continue reading “Fiction Writing Rule #3: Create Dimensional Characters”
The Guide to Clear and Concise Writing
As National Novel Writing Month ends, the beginning of the holiday season strikes. The time of the year has come where you embark on reading stories about obnoxious gingerbread men, elves that watch naughty children, talking turkeys, and an incessant use of the word ‘Tis.’
You find yourself watching terribly scripted made for TV holiday movies and ridiculous commercials that make you want to poke your eyeballs out. Now, imagine having to read this stuff year round.
It’s a safe bet you would never again read or watch TV, and the survival of your eyeballs would be debatable.
As you feast your eyes on your NaNoWriMo work, or set your sights on your next writing project, it’s important to focus on the importance of clear and concise writing. Let’s take a minute and review some important tips that will help you prepare a fresh and crisp piece of writing for your readers. Continue reading “The Guide to Clear and Concise Writing”
A Guide to Split Infinitives
Whether you are writing a novel or a simple short story, the infancy stages of your piece will not be perfect. It is also a safe bet that one of the biggest grammatical headaches, the split infinitive, has been a thorn in your side. Don’t worry, you are not the only writer to enter split infinitive hell! Continue reading “A Guide to Split Infinitives”
Fiction Writing Rule #2: Show, Don’t Tell
Books are the closest thing to magic. It’s why so many of us nerds love a good novel. Books have the uncanny ability to transport us to new places, introduce us to new people, and take us on unforgettable adventures. But not all books are created equal. Continue reading “Fiction Writing Rule #2: Show, Don’t Tell”
5 Ways to Market your eBook on Google Plus
In the realm of social media, Google+ has been the black sheep. Built by Google with the intent to meet and surpass Facebook, it has been “disparaged and shunned by much of the public.” The Google Plus network is primarily trafficked by professionals and individuals interested in networking or specific interests. Despite it not reaching the fame of Facebook and LinkedIn, it is still a good platform from which to market an e-book if you know how to use it. Continue reading “5 Ways to Market your eBook on Google Plus”
You Get What You Pay For
Editor’s Note: This post originally appeared on LinkedIn.
Mama said there’d be days like this, and she probably also warned you get what you pay for. In the world of writing – especially freelance writing – truer words have never been spoken. As the business or brand ordering content, you get what you pay for. And as the writer, well, sometimes – okay, most times – you don’t get paid what you’re worth.
A vicious storm is brewing atop the waves of the Internet. It’s been bubbling and brewing for some time like the witch’s brew of Macbeth. It’s an ugly and monstrous storm; a squall directly linked to the SEO-driven monsoon of mediocre material audiences around the globe are currently drowning in. Let’s face it; so many people want written content for practically free that quality has grown atrocious! Continue reading “You Get What You Pay For”
