Have you ever noticed when you’re watching TV or starting a new book how many of them begin with the characters at a big event, like a wedding or a funeral, a graduation ceremony, birthday party or moving day? Why is that? It’s on purpose. I first heard about this tactic from screenwriter Michael Jamin….
A friend of mine and a talented writer in my writers’ group invited me to an upcoming event that she’s hosting, a “Bookish Tea Party,” where her friends will discuss any book they’re currently reading. I love this! I have come to accept the fact that I’m not a good fit for traditional book clubs…
I ran into an interesting issue last week with a story I wrote. In the narration, as well as the dialogue, I made references to some classic literature. Those people “in the know” (agents, editors, published authors) have admonished writers not to reference current literature or cultural items or events because it will date the…
Overwriting. Over-explaining. Over-doing. Over-extra-ing. Whatever project you have going on in your life right now, take a step back from it and ask yourself if you’ve done too much? But wait. Aren’t we supposed to go the extra mile? That’s not exactly what I mean. If you’re painting a picture, do you have so much…
