Story Structure Revisited

Story Structure Revisited

by | Nov 12, 2023 | Blog, Method, Writing, Writing Craft

There are so many different types of story structure. and they have anywhere from three parts to six, twenty-four, or more. I happen to be fascinated by story structure. It’s a fundamental piece of writing fiction—and can be used for nonfiction as well. Story...
Going into the Backstory

Going into the Backstory

by | Oct 8, 2023 | Blog, Method, Writing, Writing Craft

Sometimes when you’re writing a novel, things just begin to get… stuck. You aren’t quite sure where your characters are going. Maybe you don’t know how they’ll grow, or what is holding them back from doing so. It’s at times like this that it’s best to go back to the...
Smiles, Nods, and Moving Body Parts

Smiles, Nods, and Moving Body Parts

by | Sep 24, 2023 | Blog, Writing, Writing Craft

Is now a good time to think about all of your overused words and phrases? Yes, it is! It doesn’t matter where you are in writing your novel, now is always a good time to think of these things. Well, yes, there is always a caveat to that. If you’re a pantser or someone...
Writing Outside In

Writing Outside In

by | Sep 10, 2023 | Blog, Method, Writing, Writing Craft

I’m in the plotting phase of my next book. Being a plotter I develop my characters and plan out a good number of my scenes before I even put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. Being a conscientious, professional writer and well as someone who teaches writing craft,...
It’s all in your head

It’s all in your head

by | Jul 30, 2023 | Blog, WIP, Writing, Writing Craft

Did what you meant to write make it to the page? When I first started writing, my husband would read my work and then ask me why I didn’t put in this or that, or he would say that he didn’t understand the characters or their motivations. I would explain that I was...
Complete the Character

Complete the Character

by | Jul 2, 2023 | Blog, Writing, Writing Craft

Endings are on my mind today. I just spent the last three days with my father (90 years old) who is dying—his body is simply shutting down. Now, we don’t usually write about death in our novels, unless it is a sudden one that must be investigated, but we do write...