Tag Archives: fiction writing

Pacing, the Toughest Hurdle

Posted on November 7, 2018 by Laura Orsini

Pacing, the Toughest Hurdle by Vaughn Treude When we begin writing fiction, a number of issues confront us as novices. Issues of technical proficiency such as spelling, grammar, and punctuation are first on the list. Then come dialog, plotting, and … Continue reading →

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Straying from Conventional Grammar Can Help Tell a Story

Posted on July 21, 2017 by Laura Orsini

Straying from Conventional Grammar Can Help Tell a Story by Kathleen Watson Authors sometimes take license with grammar to create a mood, a scene, or a character. I usually don’t object to storytelling that deviates from standard usage, as long … Continue reading →

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Bam! Smack! Pow! Tips for Writing Violence

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Laura Orsini

Bam! Smack! Pow! Tips for Writing Violence by Elizabeth Blake If your book contains action, then chances are you’ve agonized over how to make a fight scene engaging and titillating for your reader. Here are some quick and dirty tips … Continue reading →

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GOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL!!!! (Said like a soccer announcer)

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Laura Orsini

GOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL!!!! (Said like a soccer announcer) by Cody Wagner For this post, I’m going to go back to basics. But don’t skip over it! For serious! I think this topic is so absolutely crucial. It’s one of the most prevalent … Continue reading →

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A Sense of Place: Its Role in a Story and What to Capitalize

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Laura Orsini

A Sense of Place: Its Role in a Story and What to Capitalize by Kathleen Watson [NOTE: Stop by to greet Kathy at Barnes & Noble, 13719 W. Bell Road in Surprise, Ariz., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on … Continue reading →

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Character Personalities

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Laura Orsini

Character Personalities by Elijah Shoemaker When I started writing my first novel, coincidentally the novel that I am working on at present, I began with your basic brainstorming/mind-mapping/prewriting methods. It was extremely haphazard, since I honestly had next to no … Continue reading →

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How Much Is Too Much in Writing Fiction?

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Laura Orsini

How Much Is Too Much in Writing Fiction? by Cody Wagner In my novel, The Gay Teen’s Guide to Defeating a Siren, our protagonist goes off to a pray-away-the-gay boarding school. The homophobia at Sanctuary Preparatory Academy is completely over … Continue reading →

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A Leap of Faith

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Laura Orsini

A Leap of Faith by C. K. Thomas A dove has made her nest under the eve of our back porch, a situation I’m sure Jan Karon would find delightful. I read Karon’s books to enjoy and learn from her … Continue reading →

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Dialogue Basics

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Laura Orsini

Dialogue Basics by Patrick Hodges If there is one thing I’ve learned a lot about over the last year – as a writer, a reader, and an editor – it’s how NOT to write dialogue. And believe me, I have … Continue reading →

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Am I a Writer… or an Emcee?

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Laura Orsini

Am I a Writer… or an Emcee? by Mary Ellen Stepanich I attended the annual Southwest Writers Conference in November – I attend every year because it’s nearby and not too costly. I suppose I’m trying to become a writer. … Continue reading →

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