Part 2 of an editing series Editing my manuscript has been a long process, mostly because I keep teaching myself things as I go along. Herewith, a cheap way for you to learn from my expensive lessons. 1. Specificity Outperforms Vagueness Specific words trigger your mind while vague words don’t. Want evidence? It’s all around […]
Part 1 of my editing series If experience leads to expertise, I should be rolling into Expert at the next exit. With all the time I’ve spent editing my (formerly) 90,000-word manuscript, I am now a maestro using my red pen as a baton. I’ve learned a lot, and I want to pass it on […]
It’s not Kafka’s Metamorphosis, but a dog is an interesting narrator Reading time: 2 ½ minutes – There are three captivating stories here, the finale of which is still being written. Let’s them in order. Story 1. My favorite of the three is a lesson in the art of perseverence. Stein wrote Racing and sent […]
Shortest Books I’d Ever Write Reading time: 1 minute — I just finished writing an 84,000-word manuscript. It took me approximately 150,000 words to arrive at the final count. So now, let’s the opposite. A blog comment a week ago got me thinking about the shortest book I’d ever write. So here is my list […]
Writing Advice from the Masters Reading time: 1 1/2 minutes — My computer was on the Disabled List last week, so I missed Tuesday’s Top 9. I enjoyed missing it so much, I might make it a habit. But on to this week! These quotes come from writers about the craft, and for one reason or another, […]
Even after 600 pages, you might want more – and you can get it! Reading time: 2 ½ minutes – If a book’s value can be measured by how much you think about it in the days after finishing, Night Film measures up as a valuable book. That’s not a universal opinion I’ve learned in […]
Greatest Opening Lines from Novels Reading time: 3 1/2 minutes — First of all, only getting to select nine is ridiculous. There are so many great opening lines in literature. So, a rule for my list: the selection must be from a book I’ve read. Hence, “Call me Ishmael” doesn’t make my list. For me, […]
My Favorite Mondegreens Reading time – 2 minutes Everybody know what mondegreens are? Good, let’s proceed. Also, this would be a great character trait for one of the folks in your next story. Leads to wonderful dialogue, both in real life and fiction. As if anyone around here cares about real life! To make this […]
Reading time: 4 minutes — New blog thing. The Tuesday Top 9, because 10 is too many. Also, Letterman already claimed the Top 10. Today’s topic: Going Topless: Lessons Learned From Driving a Convertible. Oh sorry, was that headline misleading? You were expecting something more titillating? Sorry, totes didn’t mean that. 9. Strap down important […]
Welcome a new player to the world of Jack Reacher and Jason Bourne Reading time: < 2 minutes – Something seems to draw me to Baltimore even when I don’t try. I can’t get enough of Laura Lippmann. And I’ll never be able to consume too much George Pelacanos. Both of those authors stay close […]
John Davis Frain 