by Patricia Bradley, @PTBradley1 We all struggle with where to start our stories. It’s been said a novel’s opening is the most important thing to nail, and you’ve heard the advice: …
Jesus Wore a Dress: Reactionary Ideas in Our Novels
by Peter Leavell, @PeterLeavell I met a girl, Tonya. Yowzers. I liked her, and on our first date, I could do no wrong. However, the next time we got together, …
Finding the Quirky in the Mundane
by David Rawlings, @DavidJRawlings I find characters memorable when they have a certain something that stays with me when they’re gone. That doesn’t mean they’ve got the stereotypical chiseled jaw and swept …
It’s All About Character
by Katherine Reay, @Katherine_Reay Our ability to engage our readers comes down to the characters we share with them. Compelling characters make a rich and rewarding story — and keep readers wanting …
Sketching Scenes
Sarah Sundin, @sarahsundin Ever had one of your characters shake someone’s hand—but a few sentences earlier he was carrying a huge box? Ever had a scene filled with cute banter—but nothing …