Tag Archives: novel writing

Huge debate: Prolog or Prologue?

Posted on March 19, 2017 by

Actually, I’ve known writers crazy enough to get into arguments over nonsense like this. Toe-may-toe or Toe-mah-toe? Prologue or Prolog? Seriously? The awful truth is they’re completely missing the point. Either spelling is okay, but using either is not. At least, … Continue reading →

Posted in editing, Memoir, novel writing, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Where Should A Story Start?

Posted on October 31, 2016 by

A story starts at the beginning, right? <cue uproarious laughter> Well, yeah, it should. The problem is, most neophyte novelists think they have to supply a dump truck load of information about their character and his or her situation before … Continue reading →

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

You’re all ready to get started…

Posted on October 24, 2016 by

…there’s just one problem. The moment has come–no more waiting, no more foolin’ around, no more putting it off. You’re going to write a novel. It’s something you’ve wanted to do for as long as you can remember. And now, … Continue reading →

Posted in novel writing, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Passion isn’t enough

Posted on May 30, 2016 by

When it comes to writing creatively, passion certainly helps, but I think it’s over-rated. In addition to passion, there are several other P-words which apply. The one most critical to your success probably won’t be the same for me, but every word … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

My writing partner’s view on our collaboration

Posted on April 10, 2016 by

Uh, Josh. About that…. I asked my former writing partner, Barbara Galler-Smith, to read and comment on my recent tirade about collaborations. I couldn’t think of anyone more uniquely qualified to add her two cents worth. She was not only kind enough … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Writing for the nose. How to write a novel–part 15

Posted on October 12, 2014 by

Seriously? Write for the nose? Yep. It may not be the fastest route to the brain, but it’s pretty damned quick. Smells are triggers that can set off a variety of responses. Don’t believe me? Try giving two seconds worth of … Continue reading →

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