Writing Fiction: Plot Your Big Scenes First To Make Plotting Easier

If you’re writing fiction, you’ll struggle with translating the story in your head onto the page. Use scenes to make this process easier. You may be wondering… What’s a scene? In brief, a scene is action, which happens in real time, on the page. A scene is showing the reader, rather than telling him. Much … Read more

Write Fiction Readers Love: 3 Tips To Convey Emotions

Write Fiction Readers Love: 3 Tips To Convey Emotions

At a recent writers’ group meeting, we discussed how to write fiction that readers love and remember. The discussion started when one author said: “Last week I caught up on my reading. I read four (genre) novels. After I finished them, I struggled to remember the characters. And the plots.” (I won’t mention which genre … Read more

Writing Fiction: Start With People To Avoid Plot Disasters

Writing Fiction: Start With People To Avoid Plot Disasters

In our latest writers’ group meeting, we talked about writing fiction and character creation and development. We’re back to our regular meetings, thank heavens. Sadly, our group’s been decimated, but we’ll build it up again. Start with plot or characters? That’s a topic which never gets old because of the two groups of fiction authors. … Read more

Self-Publishing And “Real” Publishing: Tips For New Authors

Self-Publishing And “Real” Publishing: Tips For New Authors

Interested in self-publishing? It’s a popular topic in our online writers’ group. We’re online-only for now, until things get back to normal. One of the benefits of being online is that we can support each other through this global madness. Self-publishing—the big question: is it “real” publishing? An aspiring author in the group asked: “Self-publishing’s … Read more

Fiction Writing: The Most Popular Posts This Year

Fiction Writing: The Most Popular Posts This Year

The fiction writing posts on the blog were popular this year. Continuing with our annual review, let’s look at the most popular ones. Fiction writing: emotion, plotting, and suspense Plotting and suspense are challenges for many authors—and how do we create emotions readers can feel? Check out these posts. Entertain your readers: help them to … Read more

Write Fiction: 3 Easy Tips To Develop Your Characters’ Motivation

Write Fiction: 3 Easy Tips To Develop Your Characters’ Motivation

You write fiction because you’re inspired; you have many ideas you want to share. Unfortunately, the nitty gritty of writing can be challenging. Sooner or later, your inspiration flags. You despise your characters and decide that your plot is silly. Want to light a fire under your characters? Motivate them. Writing becomes easier when you … Read more