A minor or supporting character is vital in developing a well-crafted novel. For example: Harry Potter and Mr. Filch Filch delights in the misery of the students and is still far from likable; however, he is devoted to Hogwarts. Office Space and Milton Waddams Milton is famous for his rant…
Allison stepped onto the patio, enjoying the coolness of the desert southwest evening. Saguaro cacti were silhouetted against the sunset, and a roadrunner darted behind an agave plant. A cactus wren perched nearby. Allison walked further into the yard and stopped to stand beneath a giant magnolia tree… Okay, I…
One criterion publishers use to determine whether they should take a risk on a writer is the ubiquitous author platform. I know. You’re rolling your eyes and sighing. Maybe getting a little queasy feeling in your stomach. All authors—traditionally published, self-published, or hybrid—need a platform to market their work. There…
Critique groups. Critique partners. For many writers, the idea of joining such a group or linking with another writer is scary. New writers, in particular, may be hesitant about sharing their work. Some might be afraid of what other members will say or think. Still, others may feel inferior to…
Last week we discussed a few tips to help you create a good manuscript. This week we have more tips to keep you going. Keep it Simple Long words, complicated sentences, and off the cuff tags only distract the reader. Don’t force your audience to stop to look up words…
Every writer experiences it. Distractions. Anxiety. Doubt. It can come from anywhere. And it always come at the worst time. Honestly, writing success boils down to hard work, imagination and passion—and more hard work. Give yourself every chance possible to be successful. Use these tips as guide—or better yet, print…
You’ve finished the first draft, edited, re-written, and maybe even edited some more. You’re satisfied with the results, and now it’s finally time to send your manuscript to a publisher. Or in the case of self-published writers, time to format and upload into various online retailers. But before you do…
So last week we talked about ways to get a first draft into fighting shape as a manuscript. This week, we’re going to cover the last five tips about turning that manuscript into something worth submitting. Any manuscript in its final phase has been edited so many times the writer…
We all get them. The butterflies that populate our stomachs before submitting a manuscript to a publishing company. The process is nerve-wracking enough without second guessing our submissions. It all starts with the first draft. The brainstorming, stream-of-consciousness, and outlines have all been converted into an organized draft that resembles a manuscript. Now…
Okay, confession time. As much as I love my Kindle and the opportunity to carry an entire library in my purse, I often miss making visits to a brick and mortar bookstore. There is something to be said about perusing the aisles filled with dozens of books. And way back…
