• Working on your manuscript? Here is a post discussing The Art of Fast-Drafting Your Novel.

    The Art of Fast-Drafting Your Novel

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    Writers tend to fall into two camps regarding how much time it takes to finish drafting a book. There are those who can take upwards of 10 years to write their manuscripts. Then, there are those who fast-draft their manuscripts in as little as 14 days. While no clear-cut rules exist for fast-drafting a manuscript, writers who use the technique know what it takes to get as many words on paper in as little time as possible. What is the secret sauce to churning out a fast-drafted manuscript in less than one month? Aside from proactive preparation and a well-planned…

  • The do's and don'ts of writing character dialogue.

    The Do’s and Don’ts of Dialogue

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    From an early age, we’re taught that good description is the key to excellent writing. I’d argue that well-written dialogue is the true key to writing. A description will never move your story forward in the same way dialogue can. It’s not as hard to write dialogue as you might think. Plus, once you’ve mastered it, the rest of your book will fall into place. The pacing will increase and you’ll find yourself clicking away on your keyboard to keep up with your characters’ conversations. The Do’s and Don’ts Do use quotation marks at the beginning and end of a…

  • 3 Writing Prompts for Fiction Writers

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    Let’s face it; sometimes we just don’t know the first word to type. That’s fine if you’re a mathematician, but as a writer, words are as necessary as air to breathe. Instead of fuming at your desk, staring at a cursor that’s mocking you with every blink, try your hand at one of these fiction writing prompts to get your creative juices flowing. Feel free to tell us how your story ended in the comments below!   1.) Write a scene using only dialogue, and start with the line, “He was just here two minutes ago!”   2.) Paint the picture…

  • Gather Ye Rosebuds: What Stubborn Weeds and Good Writing Have in Common

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    Many authors believe that only bad writers need editing and revision. I can assure you, that idea is false. Every author needs editing; savvy writers actually get it. Here’s why: The process of writing is quite a bit like having a big backyard. I can plant beautiful, bountiful blooms. I can water them. I can watch with delight as those seedlings break ground into grand, gorgeous displays. But around those blooming plants leaves will fall from the trees above. Naughty weeds will sprout in and try to camouflage themselves as if they belong amongst my flowers. Birds will drop twigs, rabbits will…