As we draw to a close this month’s National Novel Writing Month, novel writers everywhere will be basking in the glow of accomplishment from completing their first novel. Ah, your first novel in your hands — it’s a beautiful thing! Yet, someone is bound to ask the inevitable question: “So, when are you going to write the sequel?” Unless you are J.K. Rowling, Tom Clancy or J.R.R. Tolkien, it will be a question that many new novel writers will have to answer. So, how do you go about writing a sequel, much less a trilogy or series, after your first…

Written by: Eddie Cruz Because I’m currently doing penance for my last gigantic post, this one will need your input to see completion. Also, if you lack the time—or the energy, or the inclination—to read this through, take away this one thing, which will transform your dialogue: Read it aloud; I promise your ear will tell you what’s right and what’s wrong. Now. Review the First draft, then the Rewrite. Note what was changed, and figure out why. Pay attention to formatting conventions, too; they make more of a difference than you might think. First draft: “Good morning, Mr. Cruz,”…