Three Easy Steps to Build a Scene
Scenes are the building blocks of fiction. Every scene contributes to your novel in some way whether through characterization or plot progression. Let’s take a look at three easy steps to build the framework of a scene.
7 Essential Elements of Scenes in Fiction
Scenes are the building blocks of fiction. Make sure every scene in your novel contributes to the story in a compelling way by including these seven essential elements.
Four Reasons your novel needs backstory
Understanding your characters’ backstory can deepen motivations (why they want what they want) and solve plot problems (what they do next). The heart of your protagonist’s story is buried in their past.
Why Characterization Charts Don’t Work
No doubt you’ve seen them — the charts that allow you to get to know your novel’s characters by filling in the blanks. These charts prompt you with basic questions about each character: Siblings? Age? Education? Many writers spend hours diligently completing these charts and still don’t really know their characters.
4 Most Common WIP Problems
As a developmental editor, I see many of the same issues in novel and memoir manuscripts. The good news is that none of these issues are deal breakers for your WIP. Here are the four most common problems I find in manuscripts…and a few tips to fix them.
I’m Reading
