Stronger Narrative Structure, 3 Ways
On a panel at this year’s Creative Ink Festival, three of us talk about planning processes for strong narrative structure. The first describes himself as […]
Narrative Structure
Creating Suspense and Sustaining Tension, Part 1
At the wonderful Creative Ink writing festival I sat on panels on creating tension and suspense. I have been thinking ever since about ways to accomplish these. And, from the […]
Great Openings Via Tone and Setting
Establishing tone and setting right away is a good way to get point of view quickly and firmly established. It’s not the only way to […]
Four Quick Fixes for Chapter Starts and Finishes
Most writing exercises are useful in some way or other, but some take us so swiftly and directly towards our goals, that they’re worth identifying and […]
Getting Past Editorial: Narrative Structure
“I don’t want to spoil the party, so I’ll go.” –Lennon & McCartney Of the three top reasons for rejecting short fiction, the too-slow emergence […]
Scene Cuts: What Can You Teach Me Today, Lee Child? Part 2
How can a writer cut scenes to raise tension and keep the reader up late at night? Returning to A Wanted Man, I notice that […]
Outlining with Brooks and Da Vinci
“He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards ship without a rudder and compass and never knows where he may cast.” […]