Writing a book - fiction or non - takes dedication, commitment, time, and plenty of hard work. In essence, it's a relationship and like any relationship, the love you bear for your book can flounder. Early Days After wooing an idea into our heads and courting an outline, it's time for the heart-pounding excitement and … Continue reading Falling Out of Love (with your novel)
The Terrible Twos of Drafting
As my readers may know, I'm deep in the mire that is Draft Two of The Voyage, the second book of my fantasy series The Osteria Chronicles. For me, working through draft two is like slogging through knee-deep muck - it's scary, it's exhausting and you feel like you might never make it out alive … Continue reading The Terrible Twos of Drafting
Saturday Selections: My Top 5 Books for Writers
As I mentioned recently, I'm heading into the oh-so-long process of revising the second book of my fantasy series The Osteria Chronicles. Part of my revision ritual is to re-read some of the top books I've found for fiction writers to refresh my memory of certain techniques, help myself hone in on my weak areas, … Continue reading Saturday Selections: My Top 5 Books for Writers
A Test of Writing Skill: The Synopsis
I don't know who said it, but to write well is to write concisely. Yes, I know there are plenty of writers who get away with flowery language and overly long descriptions of events and objects that don't contribute much to the story, but in general, concise writing keeps your reader interested. For those of … Continue reading A Test of Writing Skill: The Synopsis
Stop Saying That! Avoiding Repetition in Your Writing.
I have to admit it. I'm a complete nerd, which is why I'm completely addicted to the Song of Ice & Fire series by George R.R. Martin (you know them as the books that form the basis of the Game of Thrones TV series). I love the intrigues, the world details and all the plot … Continue reading Stop Saying That! Avoiding Repetition in Your Writing.
Three Steps to a Fabulous Book Description
So, you've written a book. Now, how do you get people interested in that book? There's plenty of (very similar) advice on how to market your book on social media, via press releases or through public speaking, but not many of these advice-givers focus on the main selling point of your book: The Description. Luckily, … Continue reading Three Steps to a Fabulous Book Description
Need a Writing Kick? Read a Book!
Last week I dosed you up with ways to kick your imaginary writer's block to the curb. One of my tips was to read a book on writing to inspire yourself when you feel stuck. And then cruel, cruel me left it at that. No recommendations, no advice for picking a writing book, nothing. To … Continue reading Need a Writing Kick? Read a Book!
The War on Adverbs. Bring It On!
THE WAR ON ADVERBS That's right bring it on! Who started this war? Twitter. Well, actually it was tweeting captain at Writer's Digest. See, a couple days ago they tweeted, "Remove all the adverbs from your writing. Yes, even the ones that really work." If you're as big a smart ass as I am, … Continue reading The War on Adverbs. Bring It On!
Tammie Painter 