Research, both noun and verb, means to investigate for facts—explore, analyze, delve into. But what’s next? I overheard an author, I think Susan Spann, say that by writing a rough draft first, she then knew what research she needed. A quarter of the way through self-editing my final draft, I tested Ms. Spann’s idea. By…
Tag: revision
Conference 411: Part 2
SAVE $50 AND REGISTER NOW! Registration is open for the 2019 Colorado Gold Conference. If you haven’t yet registered, get to it—you’ll be so glad you did! One reason: the conference price goes up by $50 on June 30. Beat that date and save. If you have already registered, welcome! This year’s conference has a powerful…
Are your beta readers too nice?
For the first time in forever I’m not writing crime fiction. It’s a “regular” non-genre novel (whatever that is). Mainstream, I suppose. I’ve had many beta readers reading big chunks as it comes together—and I cannot thank them enough. I’ve had some excellent feedback, and I’ve been making adjustments as things progress. And then came last…
Short Story Craft, Part 4: Conclusion
In preparation for the 2020 RMFW anthology, I’ve covered three critical elements of the short story: plot, character, and setting. These are the building blocks of short fiction; conquer them, and you’re guaranteed a good story. But a great story? A tear-in-the-eye, punch-in-the-gut, knock-it-out-of-the-park story? That requires a killer ending. In my opinion, the ending…
When to retreat, and when to sally forth!
I just got back from a weekend retreat at a quiet hotel up in the mountains with several other writerly types. I get to go a couple times a year. Every time I waffle back and forth about going because it’s not cheap, and I feel guilty about spending the money and taking the time…