Most writers will integrate some level of foreshadowing into their first draft on instinct. Where it really makes its impact though, is in the 2nd draft when you have time to take a good look at where you want to… Read More ›
tension
Editing Tip #66
Push Your Writing to the Limits ~ In first drafts most writers are more interested in getting the story down than they are in refining every key moment – and that’s the way it should be. What you need to… Read More ›
Editing Tip #54
Tightening the Belt on Your Prose, Pt.5 ~ Changing your passive narrative voice to an active voice means understanding what you’ve done (and should be doing) with your verbs. Yes, verbs. Any form of the verb “to be” is considered… Read More ›
Editing Tip #53
Tightening the Belt on Your Prose, Pt.4 ~ One of the most straightforward ways to tighten your writing is to match your sentence structure with your emotional intent and manipulate the pacing in your manuscript. Create or reduce tension/suspense in… Read More ›
Editing Tip #52
Tightening the Belt on Your Prose, Pt.3 ~ What does it mean to balance intent? Well, I suppose you could call it clarifying purpose or keeping it simple – but for me, it’s all about “balance.” It’s not just shortening… Read More ›
Editing Tip #49
First Impressions, Pt.4 ~ Your first chapter has to be your “Wow” chapter. It’s the one that pulls readers, agents, and small publishers into your story. I’ve touched on the first sentence, the first paragraph, and the first page… Read More ›
Editing Tip #48
First Impressions, Pt. 3 ~ The contents of your first page need to capture the interest of your target reader immediately. We know how important the hook, or first sentence, is as well having a first paragraph that follows through… Read More ›
Editing Tip #43
~ Teasing out a Tale: Weaving Back Story ~ It’s one thing to have someone say, “you’re telling too much of the back story” or give the general advice to, “just give your reader little hints along the way.” But… Read More ›
Editing Tip #33
Writing A Page Turner: Pt 4~ Are You Challenging Your Characters or Cheating Them? When a reader opens your book and reads the first page they should be immediately caught up in tension – not necessarily action (because not all… Read More ›
Editing Tip #30
Writing A Page-Turner: Pt 1 Have I hooked you yet? If you’re looking for a “sure-fire” formula to follow, my suggestion would be to buy a book: Creating Tension (Speculative Fiction Writers); Conflict & Suspense (Elements of Fiction Writing); On… Read More ›
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