Blog
The Do’s and Don’ts of Writers’ Conferences
It's that time of year when many of my writer and illustrator friends and I are deep in preparation for what many of us consider the highlight our creative year-our regional Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) conference. As an aside, if you're...
How To Mass Change Straight Quotes To Smart Quotes In A Word Document
No matter which original font the author uses, Word changes the quotes, single and double, to straight quotes, when it goes from the author’s computer to mine.
4 Ways to Increase Drama in Your Plot
A so-called “quiet book” is cause for many a rejection in today’s publishing market. If you’ve received feedback that your novel is too quiet, rest assured that most likely the problem can be solved with revision. Often just a few significant additions and adjustments will make a difference in the way your novel is received. […]
Minding The Gap: Stay Organized To Stay Focused As An Author
Most likely, you’ve heard the famous line “Mind the gap!” in relation to the warning given to railway passengers. It’s a warning for people to watch that short distance between the railcar and the platform. It’s such a small thing, but potentially disastrous if someone isn’t minding the gap. In the same way, many novelists […]
How Many Drafts Must a Writer Draft?
How many drafts must a writer draft Before you call it a book? How many times must you read the text Before your editor looks? Yes, how many times should it be revised To get a reader hooked? The answer my friend is seven. by D. Brady (retired) Last week I was invited to speak […]
How To Introduce Secondary Characters
Many authors struggle with introducing secondary characters into their novels, and while there are no set “rules” these guidelines may help make sure that players new to the book are introduced well and that they read as distinctive and memorable.
So You Want To Hire An Illustrator — 5 More Things To Know
I’m sure the vast majority of illustrators will agree that we prefer to be presented with a full final text prior to starting the illustration process. That’s how we get a proper sense of the story and its characters. I once worked with an art director who was confined to giving me a list of […]
Setting The Scene In Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror
Science fiction or fantasy stories often start with paragraphs of description that start to explain how the world works, and who the characters are. The problem is that there is no problem. a reader doesn’t have to understand that much about the world in order to sympathize with the character. All we need to do is get hooked on an interesting person with an interesting problem. This is the go-juice that keeps readers interested — we want to know what happens next.
Living a Healthy, Happy Freelance Life, Part 3: Work-Life Balance
Dividing your workday into Prime Time and Distraction Time will create a much less stressful workday. Distraction Time: Since my child is home by 2 PM, the energy changes in the afternoon, so I segue to activities I can tackle successfully in short bursts, those that don’t suffer from interruptions. I get a lot of […]
Living a Healthy, Happy Freelance Life, Part 2: Staying Focused
So now we know when we can work, how do we stay both on target and in focus? The List: The first task on my agenda each morning (and the last before I finish for the day) is making The List. Everything I need to achieve that day goes on The List. EVERYTHING (except things […]
He Said, She Asked, It Replied: Rein In Your Dialog Tags!
As a writer, you probably find it awfully boring and repetitive to keep using the words “said,” “asked,” and “replied” in your dialog. But the fact is, these dialog tags are so widely accepted that readers barely notice them, especially the first two. In a sense, they’re transparent, which allows the reader to get into […]
The Hidden Traps of Plurals – Plurals of English Words
Plurals are no easy matter in English. The plural of mouse even led one cartoon cat, Mr. Jinks, to exclaim amusingly that he hated “meeces to pieces.”
3 Elements Of Developmental Editing
If you contract with a content (developmental or substantive) editor, you might wonder what, specifically, the edit will entail.
What’s an Idea Worth?
Don’t Lose Great Story Ideas in the Depths of Your Imagination By Editor John David Kudrick Novelists seem to be able to come up with great story ideas at any given time and in any given situation: morning walks, feeding the baby, staff meetings, sitting in traffic, discussing politics with a friend, etc. So you […]
Top 4 Pitfalls In Writing Young Adult Fiction
It’s no secret that Young Adult literature — particularly series fiction that appeals to both adult and teen readers — is successful. Literary agents’ and editors’ inboxes are flooded with the next best thing in YA.
