Are you stuck on an unending groundhog day cycle of editing the same book for years? I created this 5 layer editing system a year ago to be more efficient and effective with my edits and rewrites. Since I started using this system, I’ve written 3 books, rewritten one (for…
Tag: fiction writing
Editing In Layers Part 1: Goals
Editing and revising is a necessary part of writing fiction because no one NO ONE writes a perfect first draft. Everyone’s work is improved with the help of a good editor and the first editor who should go over your work is YOU. That said, especially if you’re a pantser…
How Relationships Affects How We Write Subtext
Adding layers of meaning for readers behind the dialogue (between the lines) adds some rich texture, conflict, authenticity, and understanding to story. Subtext is the silent conversation that happens while another topic is being discussed. Subtext can use euphemisms and other diversionary tactics to have a private or intimate conversation…
6 Questions To Discover The Power Imbalance Affecting Subtext In Fiction
Power or authority applies a filter to subtext, it affects how we perceive or interpret what we believe is actually being said. What Is Subtext? Subtext is the non-verbal communication expressed through what Psychology Today called “a silent orchestra” which is a combination of facial expression, tone of voice, posture,…
Are You Writing Female Characters Who Are Too Stupid To Live?
Writing strong female characters has become this… thing recently among writerly types. Nobody wants to write a tired trope or cliched character, and yet they keep popping up. Fantasy is particularly bad, but historical and horror are only a couple of other genres guilty for it. If your character is…
Where’s The Line In The Sand?
Wondering how to build in effective character conflict? How does one create the kind of inner turmoil that drives a character to outrageous page-turning decisions and mistakes? Try drawing a line in the sand. I love that scene from the Fellowship Of The Ring where Gandalf screams at the Balrog:…