Writing Resources
Although I've always enjoyed writing creatively, the only thing I knew about novels is that they are fun to read. I was 200 pages into my first novel (on and off in a happy haze for a good ten years!) when it begin to occur to me I should investigate the craft of good writing, and the publication process generally.
Oh, the things I've learned....
Who ever knew that novels follow a three or five part structure? And that every character should have clearly indicated needs, wants, motivations? (Elizabeth Lyon, A Writer's Guide to Fiction).
And I was deeply shocked to discover that adverbs must be ruthlessly sought out and bitterly destroyed (ha! three adverbs in that sentence alone.) Similarly, that using 'said'--even without adverbs--provides the cleanest dialogue. As kids, my sister and I made long lists of alternatives to the word 'said,' just like those strewn throughout the Nancy Drew books. Chortle! Obfuscate! Interject! Apparently, not a good idea (Roy Peter Clark, Writing Tools).
Conflict on every page! (Donald Maass, The Fire in Fiction).
It's okay, too, to put aside a novel and start something new, (Rittenberg & Whitcomb, Your First Novel). Your brain will thank you!
And finally, that agents and editors aren't trying to be mean when they turn you down. If you can't take rejection, you're probably in the wrong line of work. (Morrell, Thanks, But This Isn't for Us). But for all kinds of help, check out Nathan Bransford's blog.
Oh, the things I've learned....
Who ever knew that novels follow a three or five part structure? And that every character should have clearly indicated needs, wants, motivations? (Elizabeth Lyon, A Writer's Guide to Fiction).
And I was deeply shocked to discover that adverbs must be ruthlessly sought out and bitterly destroyed (ha! three adverbs in that sentence alone.) Similarly, that using 'said'--even without adverbs--provides the cleanest dialogue. As kids, my sister and I made long lists of alternatives to the word 'said,' just like those strewn throughout the Nancy Drew books. Chortle! Obfuscate! Interject! Apparently, not a good idea (Roy Peter Clark, Writing Tools).
Conflict on every page! (Donald Maass, The Fire in Fiction).
It's okay, too, to put aside a novel and start something new, (Rittenberg & Whitcomb, Your First Novel). Your brain will thank you!
And finally, that agents and editors aren't trying to be mean when they turn you down. If you can't take rejection, you're probably in the wrong line of work. (Morrell, Thanks, But This Isn't for Us). But for all kinds of help, check out Nathan Bransford's blog.