Monthly Archives: November 2014

It’s Thanksgiving. I think we all deserve a break.

So, I’m going to let my self-imposed deadline slide this time and concentrate on really important things like family, and turkey, and football. I may even consume an adult beverage or two. Or three. Whatever. My Auburn Tigers will be … Continue reading

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Tag! He (or she) is it! How to write a novel–part 22

As mentioned before, good dialog isn’t real, it just sounds that way. But for reasons that will probably remain a mystery forever, many still learning the craft of writing insist on loading up their dialog with crap, by which I … Continue reading

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Whut’s that ya say? How to write a novel–part 21

Good dialog isn’t real, it just feels that way. Say what? Oy. There goes Langston–on his way ’round the bend. Again. But seriously, just listen to a “normal” conversation, and you’ll understand: And suddenly, a full minute of your life is … Continue reading

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Clearing your throat? How to write a novel–part 20

What is it that makes the work of one writer “better” than that of another? If all else is similarly competent–grammar, punctuation, spelling and mechanics–what elevates story “A” above story “B”? One could argue that plot, characterization, setting, and verisimilitude … Continue reading

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The little stuff matters, too. How to write a novel–part 19

Let’s say you’ve reached that point in your latest writing project when you think it’s safe to relax. You typed “The End” on it days ago, and you’ve finally resurfaced after drinking yourself into a well-earned state of oblivion. Life … Continue reading

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