Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

Here's a strong way to make our sentences pop, to make our writing lively and energetic.   Also: how to keep the reader engaged by reducing disbelief and so making our story more real.Support the show

Let's apply the wonder factor to our stories, giving readers elements that will make them shake their heads and smile, and so remember our writing.  And here also are techniques to avoid inertia in our writing.The Write NoteExploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture.Listen on:   SpotifySupport the show

The ending of our novel should be a surprise but not a complete surprise.  Here are techniques for crafting that balance.  And famous character descriptions can inspire us to create our own fascinating character portraits.Support the show

If we are going to spend a year or two writing a novel, shouldn't we avoid a mistake in our very first chapter that ruins the novel's chances with agents and publishers?  Here's the mistake and how to avoid it.  Also mentioned are techniques on keeping the point of view tight.Support the show

Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read.  What's the best way to mix dialogue with action?  How can we make sure dialogue and action work together to propel the story forward?  And how science fiction legend Ray Bradbury came up with his plots.The Write NoteExploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture.Listen on:   SpotifySupport the show

Sometimes when plotting we run out of ideas.  Here's a good way to prime the plotting pump.  And more on qualifiers, the leeches that infest the pond of prose.Support the show

No one in line to buy an autographed copy of your novel?  You are not alone.  The Wall Street Journal tells of famous authors who have suffered empty bookstores.  And techniques for fitting our narrative voice to our genreThe Write NoteExploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture.Listen on:   SpotifySupport the show

Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read.  Here is a strong technique to make our dialogue fascinating for readers.  Also, novel writing's rule of exceptions.Support the show

We'll talk in this episode about another big mistake, one that will cause agents and editors to put aside our manuscripts after four or five pages.  Also, some dialogue is better than other dialogue, and so here are tips on writing fascinating dialogue.Support the show

Dialogue that does only one thing might be inert.  Talk between our characters should do double duty, and here are techniques about how to write double-duty dialogue.   Also, how to avoid the as-you-know syndrome in dialogue.The Write NoteExploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture.Listen on:   SpotifySupport the show