Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
I’ve been studying various philosophies of success and mastery, in an attempt to better understand how to help writers reach their goals. I came across this idea that Talent is Overrated and that, in fact, it is …
writing craft
All Those Confusing Words!
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
We agents read a great many manuscripts, proposals, and of course, published books. I think I can speak confidently for all of us when I say that we find poor grammar and misused words less than impressive. …
Is Your Writing Getting in the Way of Your Reading?
Blogger: Michelle Ule
Sitting in for Rachel Kent and the rest of the Books & Such agents as they prepare for our biennual writer’s retreat next week.
I’m not reading the same way I used to. How about you?
Has …
Is Your Writing Getting in the Way of Your Reading?Read More
A Manuscript’s Finishing Touches
Blogger: Michelle Ule,
filling in for the camping Rachel Kent
Following up on Mary’s blog from yesterday, now your manuscript is clean, how to put on the finishing touches!
It can be hard to know when you’re done, but …
Think of Your Muse as a Puppy
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
One of the difficult things about being a writer is having those days when you’re lacking inspiration, the words aren’t flowing, and you feel stuck. Pile enough days like that on top of one another and pretty …
Action Reveals Character
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
In real life, it’s not what a person says that shows us who they are. It’s what they do. The content of a person’s character is revealed in action and behavior. Who a person says …
The Effective Use of Flashbacks
Blogger: Mary Keeley
I have read a few submissions lately in which the writer used a flashback in the first several chapters of their novel, and I thought maybe it’s time for a flashback refresher. Personally, I enjoy a great …
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 …
3 Thoughts About Writing Rules
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
If you’ve been studying the craft of writing for long, you’ve heard all the “rules.” You know that you’re supposed to show not tell, use active not passive verbs, eschew adverbs, maintain consistent POVs, avoid repetition, and …
Writer, Give Yourself a First Quarter Report
Blogger: Mary Keeley
The first quarter of 2013 is behind us. Are you satisfied that your writing is going according to your plan–your hopes–thus far? Perhaps making some early adjustments to what you’re doing will help propel you toward your …