Tag Archives: forwriters

Recognize ideas “when they show up”.

From Stephen King’s On Writing. Let’s get one thing clear right now, shall we? There is no Idea Dump, no Story Central, no Island of the Buried Bestsellers; good story ideas seem to come quite literally from nowhere, sailing at you right out of the empty sky: two previously unrelated ideas come together and makeContinue reading “Recognize ideas “when they show up”.”

What’s the difference between a scene and a summary?

What a Scene Isn’t. This excerpt is from James Scott Bell’s Plot & Structure: [Start of quote —] Summarizing is when the author tells us what has happened “off scene.” Think of this as the stuff that is not unfolding for the reader in linear time, beat by beat. A scene is like this: JohnContinue reading “What’s the difference between a scene and a summary?”

Can you end a sentence with a preposition?

Here we have a video about ending sentences with prepositions. In short, it’s fine! Go right ahead. But be aware of context and clarity. Here’s some further useful info, including where this preposition ‘rule’ came from. More information here: https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/prepositions-ending-a-sentence-with

Indie authors:  why not tell your story as an after-dinner speech?

After delivering my first after-dinner speech to a local Rotary Club, I discovered the power of sharing our indie publishing journeys. Learn how indie authors can inspire communities by stepping up to tell their story.

‘We remember not the art but the impact’ – advice for fiction writers from Donald Maass

How many of you own or have read The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass? Today I’m interested in these ideas: “How many novels have moved you to tears, rage, and a resolution to live differently? How many have left a permanent mark, branding you with a story that you will never forget? TheContinue reading “‘We remember not the art but the impact’ – advice for fiction writers from Donald Maass”