Lesson #26: Description Overload

Ah, description… Until I read Jeff Gerke’s The Irresistible Novel, I had no idea description was such a controversial booger. People either love it or hate it. Both Jeff and I agree, that there is a balance to be stuck between too much and none. So what is description anyway? Jeff defines it as: “text the portrays the appearance […]

Lesson #58: Purpose of Crit Groups

Purpose of Crit Groups  Let me preface this post by stating this: I am part of one of the best critique groups on the planet. You’ve heard me reference my bloodthirsty crit partners several times. And I probably should point out that my bloodthirsty crit partners are also contributors to this resource. Kim, Becca, and […]

Lesson #62 Strengthen Your Plot

  Read any good book on writing, attend writer’s conferences, and you’ll hear this warning again and again—beware the sagging middle. These fine folk are not speaking of the aftermath of that dozen donuts downed in despair over a deadline. Nor are they eluding to the need of sturdier foundational garments. Rather, they are warning […]

Lesson #66 Unique Characters

  While you lathered up under the shower’s spray, a character pushed himself into your mind. He was tall, dark and handsome AND–get this– he was a professional mouth organist who toured the world playing harmonica while taking care of his schizophrenic, bi-polar mother who had rickets. He also bred a bouncing brood of howler monkeys […]

Lesson #70 The Hero’s Journey

Hold on, this is gonna be a wild ride. I’m gonna take you on a journey—the hero’s journey—in 800 words or less. When I teach this, it’s a six-week course! I can do twelve hours of lecture and worksheets on this topic, so this will be very basic. First off, it’s important to know that […]

Lesson 78: Got Setting?

Does your life take place in a vacuum? If I zapped you with a transporter ray and dropped you in the middle of Saudi Arabia, would that make a difference to your everyday life? Think about this for a minute. Pick today and lay out your day. Could you do your life in Saudi Arabia? […]