Category: Friday’s Findings
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Friday’s Findings: A Fiction writing Experiment in Layering
I’ve been experimenting with layering as a way to develop a scene. One aspect of layering I find helpful is how it can focus on the dialogue and action. I believe those two fiction elements are where a writer should begin when writing a scene draft. Here’s how I’ve been doing it: I make a…
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Friday’s Findings
Writing advice from one of my favorite science fiction authors: I’d just like to say that writing advice is just that: advice. It’s not a set of rules; it’s contextual. I know I’ve contradicted myself in the advice I’ve given in the past, and that’s because the needs of each writer and story are different.…
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FRIDAY’S FINDINGS
Layering helps the writer flesh out her stories and novels. Applying this technique can break down the intimidation when it comes to a blank page and motivate the writer to tell the story one bit at a time. Before she knows it, the scene has been written. Here are some articles on layering: Layering and…
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Friday’s Findings
A few weeks ago, I started to read a book by a self-published author. As I chugged through the first chapter of this science-fiction novel, I was getting into the story, but one thing was annoying me. The author had really overdone it with the exclamation marks. Now, I’m not saying never use an exclamation…
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Friday’s Findings
One of my goals this year is to write at least one or two short stories. Short fiction is a great way to get some writing practice in — hone the craft, so to speak — and attain the satisfaction of completing a writing project. What are some writing goals for you in 2021? Inspirations…
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Friday’s Findings
It’s the first day of a new year, and I’m in my man cave. I’m sitting at my computer next to the window and it’s still dark outside. I can hear the rain falling and I find it soothing. First thing for 2021, I’m doing some of my favorite things: drinking caramel creme coffee; setting…
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Friday’s Findings
What makes writing bad? A thousand answers exist to that question. While it’s always a good idea to focus on honing the writing craft in a positive direction, knowing what not to do can’t hurt. The Bulwer Lytton contest has been showcasing disasters in fiction since the 80s. They’re cringe-worthy. They’re shocking. They’re hilarious. And…
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Friday’s Findings
It’s hard to believe almost a year ago I attended my first Imaginarium conference. This event brings together writers and editors of science fiction, fantasy, horror and other genres that fit into the “speculative fiction” category. Imaginarium offers workshops on honing the fiction writing craft and marketing a writer’s products This year, due to COVID-19,…
