If all the writing I do today is sending a note to my English teacher, does that mean it hasn’t been a good day writing?
We often set our word count goals dangerously high, challenging ourselves to push harder than …
craft of writing
What’s the Story on Backstory?
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
One of the biggest challenges for novelists—new and seasoned alike—is avoiding too much backstory in the opening of the book. A lot of people ask me questions about backstory, and often argue with me about it. So …
Punctuation Challenge!
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
I receive a lot of email from aspiring writers, and one thing that frustrates me is an alarming lack of attention to punctuation. It’s important! But many these days seem to be too lazy or just don’t …
Fiction Craft and Story
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
I often have discussions with authors about craft, or writing technique, vs. having a great story. Obviously, the formula for a good book includes both.
Craft refers to all the mechanics of fiction: plot, characterization, …
The Exclamation Point!!!
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
When I was an editor, I found myself the heartless eliminator of … exclamation points!!! Seriously, I developed a hatred for them! People tend to WAY overuse them! Not to mention italics and bold, and that …
Cut Thousands of Words Without Shedding a Tear
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
Is your book too long? Does it feel a bit wordy, perhaps slightly bloated?
Or . . . does it feel perfect but it’s a little high in word count?
There comes a time in every writer’s …
Three Olympiad Traits for Writers
Blogger: Mary Keeley
This year I’ve been watching the Olympic athletes from a different perspective. Physical ability aside, several attributes contribute to producing a medalist. These qualities are equally important for writers.
I like to hear about the athletes’ personal …