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Read to Write
When I give my school presentations to young, aspiring writers I always tell them that in order to write, they must read. In fact, I say the three most important things they need…
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Show Me, Don’t Tell Me in Writing
Who likes to be told what to do? Think? Does anyone like to have everything explained to him or her? The answer is no. An emphatic no. As humans, we like to interpret…
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Name that Character
How do you name your characters? Some popular authors have created unique names for their characters, while others have used common names. JK Rowling uses names like Dumbledore, Romilda, Lovegood, and Nymphadora. Stephenie…
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Credibility in Writing Fiction
Credibility in your writing is crucial if you want readers to suspend disbelief and immerse themselves in your story. You have to take the time to do your research and make sure any…
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Learn How to Focus
I was once asked by an interviewer if I listened to music while I write. The answer is: not on purpose. Does that mean I write only when there’s silence? Ha. Far from…
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The Manuscript Revision
For some writers, the word revision makes them squirm. Many novice writers go into the writing process fantasizing that they will only have to write one draft of their novel and it will…
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Character Story Goal
Every novel must have a story goal and that goal should be clearly stated for the reader. Let me say that again: every novel must have a story goal. In my novel, Heaven…
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Too Coincidental
Have you ever read a book and said, “That’s too coincidental. I just don’t believe it?” Or felt like you were manipulated through the story? I hate when that happens. I finished reading…
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Write from Experience
For those of you who aren’t aware, I’m a mom to 10 kids (yes, 10, and yes, I delivered all of them). People ask me if I always wanted a large family…
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Creative Writing Devices
You can change the mood of a scene by employing some writing devices. For example, if you’re writing a tense scene in which the protagonist is being chased by the police, short, choppy…
