Accuracy in Fiction

Accuracy in Fiction

If you’re writing a novel, does that mean you can just make up whatever you want? Yes and no. If you are writing a completely fictional world where you are creating everything, then yes. But the moment any aspect of the real world creeps in, then you’d better be...
Your Book World—Spread It Around!

Your Book World—Spread It Around!

We authors work really hard on creating the perfect setting for our novels. We agonize over every little detail—is the map right? Is the magic/history/whatever believable? Is it a logical world? The same goes for the cast of characters. And I mean not only the...
Craft: Creating Realistic Characters

Craft: Creating Realistic Characters

There is nothing that makes a reader put down a book faster than boring characters. Even if your plot is fascinating and action-packed, if the reader doesn’t care about the characters, why should they read on? I know there is a lot written on how to write characters...
Craft: Adding Jargon to Your Novel

Craft: Adding Jargon to Your Novel

A brief word about this blog first: The absolutely hardest thing about writing a weekly blog post is coming up with topics to write about. Since I’ve been publishing this blog for fifteen years now (!!!), I feel as if I’ve covered everything and sometimes many times...
Ten Ways to Give Your Character Their Voice

Ten Ways to Give Your Character Their Voice

Writing distinct character voices might be one of the most difficult parts of writing fiction. It is one thing to write great, believable dialogue that moves your story forward, but then to imbue those words with the individual voice of the character who speaks takes...
Non-Linear Storytelling–Should You Attempt It?

Non-Linear Storytelling–Should You Attempt It?

A client of mind recently sent me a novella. It started out with “four years ago.” Okay. I can deal with a little backstory to begin with. The next chapter was “one year ago.” Cool, we’re coming up on present day. A little slowly, but we’re good. Next chapter “present...