We’ve all heard the rule to “show, don’t tell.” Heck, we’ve talked about it here. So, is it ever okay to tell instead of show? As a matter of fact, there are some particular circumstances where it’s better to tell. After all, we’re called storytellers, right? Showing engages the reader, so try to show as […]
Excise weak adverbs; insert strong verbs. Did you know the road to hell is paved with adverbs? Stephen King told us that. If you’re ready to punch up your writing, culling out adverbs is a good place to start. (Just like the passive voice, there’s a time and place for adverbs, but generally you can […]
Compelling characters In general, it’s wise to describe your character when they first enter your story. (There are exceptions, of course, and all rules here can be broken. ) You want your reader to be able to picture your character as early as possible. Just like grounding the reader with your setting, showing some detail […]
Personal example for this week’s tip. When your characters speak, use the attribution “said.” A kind agent who asked to read my manuscript told me I had a character who “uttered” when she should have “said.” The agent was right. “Said” becomes invisible in your story, but “uttered” or anything else calls attention to itself. […]
Act I We were in love. Hadn’t admitted it yet, but there it is. I arrived late—that is, fashionable—for her party. Toured her apartment. Her highlight: Chekhov’s gun on the mantle. Framed certificate of authenticity just below. Act II Twice, we made eye contact across the crowded apartment. Smiled. Grinned, even. In the kitchen, I […]
Writing Rules for you to break. Here’s something I’ve been doing over the past year, and the results have been fantastic. I took a break from working on a novel and cobbled together some short stories. My goal was to finish at least one per month. Attainable and measurable. At the same time, I tried […]
How’s that for an alliterative title? Continuing with my favorite writing rules. This should have been #1, but I forgot about it last week. This tip is courtesy of Elmore Leonard, the brilliant and prolific crime writer (yeah, yeah, formerly western writer too — 3:10 to Yuma, anyone?) and his 10 Rules of Writing. Barely […]
My Favorite Writing Rules (All of which can be broken) This is my all-time favorite because of its simplicity and the aha moment you have when you realize its truth. This rule is born from the idea to respect your reader. They don’t need backstory. If your scene has four parts in your mind, leave […]
Groucho Marx vs. Abbott & Costello: Does anybody care?
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, […]
JD Frain 