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…
Category: Blog
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…
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…
What Makes a Great Antagonist
Every novel needs conflict and the best way to do that is by creating a unique real-life antagonist, a flesh-and-blood character who stands in direct opposition to your protagonist and has to be conquered before your hero can achieve his goal. If you’re not sure how to create an antagonist that’s compelling and well-developed, here…
Filtering and Distance
Happy summer! I hope you’re writing under a deck umbrella or blue sky or even better, a leafy tree. I’m doing some leafy writing, but I’m also critiquing my college students’ short fiction, and this endeavor has prompted me to discuss “filtering.” “See if you can reduce some of your filtering,” I comment over and…