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How To Write a Simple Summary
When I first query an editor with an story idea, I break it down into a few simple parts. A summary is not an overview of the entire novel, but rather a summary that will hopefully hook the editor into wanted to know more. This type of summary can be used on a One-Sheet (popular at…
Avoid Comma Drama
Punctuation, blech! Yes, I know, but it’s not as bad as grammar—a subject we’ll tackle another time. In my craft blog today, I’ll share a few simple comma guidelines. And I do mean simple! Okay, now that you’re wiping the sweat from your brow, let’s go. Introducing: The Comma That little flip on the page…
My Best Writng Advice
Early on in my writing journey, my quest for publication, I received a bit of advice that at first I balked but now, in clear hindsight, value more than any other counsel I was offered. I was never a big reader. In school I skimmed, jumped, skipped, and trotted through books, pulling out the highlights…
Do You Struggle with Procrastination?
Hello, my name is Julie, and I’m a procrastinator. Procrastination something that I struggle with often. I have a short attention span, which isn’t helpful when you’re writing novels. I’m the mom of a four-year-old and have a full-time job. If I procrastinate, I’m not going to get it all done. It has forced me…
The Power of Love Stories
When my first romance novel released in 2010, I took it to a local Christian bookstore only to have the older gentleman in charge tell me that Christians shouldn’t read romance. We should only read about stuff that will change our world, like politics. My first reaction was to feel sorry for his wife. But…
I Do My Best Writing in the Shower
The key to a more productive writing life, for me, may be an increase of distractions. I’m not kidding. I can sit down in a quiet house, long hours stretched before me, all allocated beautifully (according to my DayTimer) for writing. Nothing happens. My fingers idly tap the desk. I take another sip of coffee…
The Importance of Character Arcs and Outlining
By Ron Estrada For some time now, Super G and I have been engaged in a bloody battle to the death* over whether or not we should plot and outline our novels before typing “Chapter 1.” I have now written 4 novels, mostly with the SOP method. Oh, there were notes and I had a…
Romantic Suspense
by Margaret Daley What is a romantic suspense? That’s a good question and one I’ve been asked by more than one person. Obviously it’s a story that has a romance and a suspense. Well, duh—hence the term romantic suspense! Okay, then how much romance and how much suspense? That’s a good question, too. And a…
Avoiding Apostrophe Catastrophes
My family refuses to enter a restaurant with me until they have conducted a search and seize, emptying my purse of anything that even resembles a writing instrument. They tell me they are not going to tolerate waiting to order while I correct, “Its the best!” or “Joes’ Diner loves it’s customers.” Apostrophes. Little marks…
Show Emotion Instead of Naming It
By Camy Tang Instead of naming an emotion, show the character under the strain of the emotion. Instead of writing, “Anger burned through her,” show the anger burning through her, without writing the word “anger.” A volcano exploded in the pit of her stomach, spewing gases up to sear her nose and make her eyes…