Every work of fiction is fueled by some grand conflict or tension, but on the paragraph-to-paragraph level, the story gains momentum through micro-tension. Author Donald Maass states: “Micro-tension is the moment-by-moment tension that keeps the reader in a constant state of suspense over what will happen, not in the story but in the next few…
Tag: writing tips
Make Your Characters More Relatable
Honestly, I was kinda blogged out—until, after a multitude of phone calls and emails to kickstart a LOA from my night job, the following thought occurred to me: “Rainey, you forgot to give characters in your new WIP health challenges, and/or physical limitations.” Oh, for Heaven’s sake. Below, I’ve listed those that came to mind:…
Brainstorming Characters that Leap Off the Pages
BlindSpot, my second book and first psychological suspense, releases in May, so before the whirlwind of marketing for that starts up in earnest, I’ve been spending time ruminating about the next one – my favorite part of the process. My first step is always to purchase a new Moleskine lined notebook where I can jot…
My Experience with a Reedsy Live Editing Session (with Tom Bromley)
First, I’d like to wish, wherever you are Edgar Allen Poe, a happy birthday. January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849. A free one-hour editing advice given by author, Tom Bromley via Reedsy, (Reedsy https://reedsy.com), was worth every cent—and more. Tom–author, editor, ghostwriter, creative writing tutor, Reedsy’s Head of Learning, and creator of the 101-day…
Novel vs Novella
When a reader picks up a book they are already gearing up for the story inside. They are soaking in knowledge before they even pull it off the shelf. The color, the height, the genre, and then when they do pull it off the shelves, that’s when the fun begins. Once that book is in…