Writing Tips
How to Create Setting in Fiction
by Carol Harrison Because setting can be anywhere, what ultimately matters is how setting influences the story. Setting creates the image for the readers of where and when the story takes place told from the viewpoint of the characters. It also provides a context for the story, whether fictional or non-fiction. Because setting can be… Read more »
What is a Story Premise?
Steph Beth Nickel What do you think of when you hear the word premise? According to The Write Practice, a premise is “a single sentence summary of your central plot or argument of a story book or other kind of writing.” According to Kat of The Novel Writing Roadmap, “You should be able to express… Read more »
Writing During the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Steph Beth Nickel
Before ad agencies began to promote back-to-school as “the most wonderful time of the year,” the majority of people would say the phrase applied to Christmas. And while I do enjoy the Christmas season, to me, Easter is the focal point of the year for believers in Christ. What would Christmas be if it hadn’t… Read more »
Acknowledge This by Brenda J Wood
Do you struggle with acknowledgments for your inside book cover? Yes, me too. What I have to say isn’t always what I want to say. Alan Greenspan said, “I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”
Wait, Weight, and Getting Swept Away by Pamela Mytroen
Before we get swept away in crafting an exciting plot, we need to wait! Wait until we weigh down our main character. Susan May Warren pointed out recently in a blog post on Novel Rocket how important it is that we connect with the characters. “Plot is interesting, but not unless it is about someone… Read more »
7 Valentines for the Writing Craft by Violet Nesdoly
It hit me recently that I’ve been at this writing thing for 20+ years. I sold my first story—a Keys for Kids devotion—in March of 1997. Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised, then, that the honeymoon with the writing craft is long past and some days my love for it falters. I’ve done many things to… Read more »
A Premise is a Promise by Pamela Mytroen
Every story hinges on the premise, which is the idea that drives the story from beginning to end. The premise is a short blurb, often found on the back cover. The author may or may not write it out, but it is always there, at the very least in the author’s mind before and during… Read more »
6 Unconventional Writing Tips by Steph Beth Nickel
GET SOME SLEEP This is a case of do what I say, not what I do. (I’m writing this post at 11:36 PM the day it’s supposed to go live.) Most of us think more clearly and are far more productive if we’ve had adequate sleep. For some, that means getting eight hours every night…. Read more »
To Write or Not to Write by Steph Beth Nickel
That is the question. This month we’ve been discussing writing while on vacation. Do you take a break or use the slower pace to do some writing without day-to-day distractions?
Seven Ways to Grow Your Writing by Janice L. Dick
Writing involves not only good technique but also personal investment. It involves practice and learning. An acquaintance said recently that practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect. In other words, if we continue to repeat our mistakes, we are not getting any closer to perfection. Michael J. Fox said he doesn’t aim for… Read more »