Great twists need plausibility. Don’t try to fool readers.
Tag: Writing Craft
10 Tips for Writing a Boring Story
A friend recently confessed that she was bored by a book she had read for a book club. Having just slogged through the same book myself, I agreed completely. As I writer, I knew exactly why the book didn’t work for me. But the woman I was chatting with couldn’t articulate why she hated the…
Book Ends
When writing, I begin each new novel by composing the last chapter first. Thus, I have a target toward which to steer my narrative. I often challenge myself by placing my characters as far as possible–emotionally and geographically–from the feeling and setting of my finale. Just to be clear, I’m not kidding when I declare…
How real is your fiction?
I’ve now published three novels in my Four Corners Mystery Series. Book One is The Road to Lavender and Book Two is A Lavender Wedding. Both novels take place in the mythical village of Lavender on the wild Western Slope of Colorado. And both works chronicle the adventures of my handsome detective/lavender farmer, Trinidad Sands,…
When to write?
Many serious authors establish and maintain a set schedule for writing. The timing is generally a product of their family/work schedule. Working folks may be obliged to write on weekends, or early in the morning or late at night, before and after work, respectively. Retired individuals have more flexibility—perhaps too much—because those with extra time…