Monthly Archives: January 2015

Bad words in good books? How to write a novel–part 33

I don’t always use the most genteel words in my writing. But that doesn’t apply to all the writing I do. If, for instance, I’m working on something destined for a family publication, or for the rare (for me) kid-targeted … Continue reading

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Story or joke? How to write a novel–part 32

“Two dinosaurs walk into a bar…” For most of the 20th century folks believed our species evolved into something like its “modern” form around 40,000 years ago. I suspect that’s about the time we started telling jokes, too. Jokes are the simplest … Continue reading

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The More Things Change? Nah. How to write a novel–part 31

We tend to hear (and repeat) the same things over and over, and when we do, we often bestow the status of “truth” upon them, even when they may not have earned it. Thus it is with “the more things change, the … Continue reading

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Never shoot a reviewer. How to write a novel–part 30

Read that title again, then go ahead and chuckle. You probably think I’m kidding. Okay, I am. Sorta. But not if you’re truly sensitive about your writing. If all you want to hear is praise when it comes time to find … Continue reading

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Stop! Don’t answer that. How to write a novel–part 29

I care deeply about my audience. I really do. I want everyone to live long lives, read all my titles, and tell their friends about them. The irony is that in order to develop such ties, I have to treat my … Continue reading

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

That’s not an outline! How to write a novel–part 28

It’s usually not a good idea to generalize about writers; their sheer numbers provide an army of folks who defy the norms. While pundits and professors are busy making lists of techniques, charting dos and don’ts, and codifying creativity, the … Continue reading

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

We interrupt this program….

While I’m sure my loyal blog followers have been holding their collective breath in anticipation of another chapter in the “How to Write a Novel” series, I feel compelled to stretch out my holiday hiatus with a bit of publishing … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments