characters | characters
Apr.20.2011
On Monday, I talked about how descriptions are tied into the depth of POV you're using for your story. I write deep POV, generally 3rd person. I prefer it, so this post is geared toward descriptions using that viewpoint.
Seven things to consider when writing descriptions.
1. What's happening in...
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Apr.15.2011
One of the many maxims we learn in journalism is to not just report a story, but to get at what the story is really about. The difference between the two perspectives is the difference between a cloud and solid ground. The principle applies to all nonfiction (see The Art of Nonfiction: A Guide for...
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Apr.07.2011
Right now, if college degrees were cashed in everyone would be walking around with heads full of knowledge and handfuls of change. No longer are students being given freshly-minted dreams along with their freshly-minted diplomas. Instead, they find themselves applying critical thinking skills to...
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Mar.26.2011
Even fictional detectives have to say goodbyeUnlike Conan Doyle, most authors don’t want to kill off their successful creations. However, time moves on, even for detectives like Wallander, says Judith Flanders
Fight to the death? Holmes and MoriartyBy Judith Flanders
No more Wallander? Nearly a...
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Mar.24.2011
There are images of her beauty. It’s gone. It was slowly going away, except for those speaking eyes and tranquil mouth. These were skin-deep. I don’t know if Elizabeth Taylor was among the greatest as far as her acting prowess goes. Larger-than-life she was and it was only fitting that...
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Mar.11.2011
What do you do with an unplanned character who decides he wants a bigger role?
I'm only in chapter 2 of my work-in-progress, and I've already got one of those. This happens a lot to me, probably to many fiction writers, so I'm not surprised. Many times this situation has worked out well for...
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Mar.04.2011
Ever have an idea ignite to suddenly reveal a new dimension of a character or story? It could be the light at the tunnel's end or an oncoming train. Here's how to vet sudden inspiration.
As an editor, I get queries from writers saying they were suddenly inspired on how to fix a complex character...
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Feb.24.2011
The hardest thing about rewrites is getting back into a story after several months have passed and you've moved on to other things. It's like you've broken down the set in your mind where these characters rehearsed and performed, and now you have to call them back to the studio, get wardrobe to...
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Feb.04.2011
From that little bunny that pops out of the magician’s hat?
From dragons who’ve run out of knights to fight?
From bookies who moonlight as creative content dispensers?
Ya think??
One of the most common sources claimed for the brilliant ideas writers sometimes display is the fabled Muse. I’ll come...
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Feb.03.2011
A couple of weeks ago, my printer died. Then, last week, my keyboard decided that hitting a key would produce a random response. No telling what you'd get, if anything.
Both of those tools are critical for my work. I have backups—there's another printer in Hubster's office, although it's not a...
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