Category: scene
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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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Writing Advice Page Updated
Have you ever wished you knew more about writing short stories and novels? How to write realistic dialogue? How to create smooth prose? I’ve updated my writing advice page by collecting links to articles on fiction elements. Feel free to explore them to hone your writing craft through learning or reference. Topics include: Backstory Beats…
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Writing a Strong Scene
Have you ever written a scene and wondered if it was good enough? What criteria can you use to determine whether that scene is strong or weak? Here’s a writing infographic from xterraweb.com on writing strong scenes. Photo by Mary Taylor from Pexels
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How I Write My Scenes
“How do I write this story?” Take a deep breath. Writing a novel or short story starts with writing one word. Then one sentence. Then one paragraph. Then one scene. Stop right there. Let’s focus on the scene in fiction writing. Scenes are the basic building blocks of the fiction process, but how do I…
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Friday’s Findings
Writing a novel, or even a short story, can be daunting. “I’ll never finish.” “I don’t have time.” “I’m not a good writer.” Everyone who writes fiction feels this way at times. Here are some habits I’ve picked up along the way to keep me from feeling overwhelmed: I email a scene idea to myself.…
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A New Course of Action
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Friday’s Findings
Two days ago, I engaged in a Skype call with an illustrator who specializes in book covers for science fiction and fantasy novels. While we were on the call, he produced a rough sketch of what will become the cover of my current WIP novel, Oblivion’s Hope. Yesterday, he sent me the first draft. I’m…
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Friday’s Findings
During this period of COVID-19 crisis, each person who writes finds himself or herself in his own unique situation. Some are furloughed from work. Some are working at jobs considered essential. Some who write full-time already may not find their writing routine changed much. I am blessed to have a job during this time. Fortunately,…
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Writing Style Outcasts: Telling
Geez, “telling” gets treated like like the weird kid at school, but it’s an important tool in the writing and editing process. Stop harassing it! You’ve all heard, “Show don’t tell.” The thing is, the writer is suppose to use both. Usually, I use telling at the beginning of the scene. If the reader needs…
Andrew M. Friday 