Why does one book achieve robust sales while another struggles to gain traction? While the ultimate test of a novel is what’s between the covers (the quality of the writing, the intricacies of the plot, the fascinating characters), there is no doubt that if a reader is not aware your book exists, they aren’t going…
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Using Weather to Strengthen Scenes in Your Writing and Storytelling
Let’s talk about the weather. I know, I know. The weather is what you talk about when you can’t think of anything else to discuss. Person A: “Hot enough for you?” Person B: “Yeah. That was some storm last night, wasn’t it?” Person C: “Did you notice how that heat wave that moved in this…
Fourteen Positives, Five Demerits
I’ve been writing fiction for 39 years. It took me 23 years to get published. I thought I would always write crime fiction. Now, after five novels out in one mystery series, I have a regular old novel coming out on January 1 from Lake Union. It’s called The Fireballer. Of course I have no…
Rejection
While we’re in that period between people receiving their scores and critiques from the contest, and preparing for pitch sessions at the conference, this seems like a good time to talk about rejection. If you’re engaged in an artistic endeavor like writing, rejection is almost inevitable. There are a few people who get published right…
Page Fright, Part 2
After six months in the program, I finally have the opportunity to learn and mingle in person with the majority of my fellow Mile-High MFA students this week as part of our bi-annual ten-day residency. One of the best parts is listening to so many compelling readings, from talented, accomplished faculty as well as students…