Tag Archives: show-don’t tell

Learn HOW to Write

As a freelance editor, I sometimes have writers ask me why I think they need to “learn the craft of writing”. Let me set the record straight. It’s not that I believe they need to know their craft—well, I do, … Continue reading

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Something You Should Know BEFORE You Query Agents or Self-Publish

On Bookends’ blog, agent Jessica Faust said, “When an agent tells you that something isn’t working, it’s typically not because you’ve decided to break whatever rules you think exist in this business, it’s because it’s not working. A character not … Continue reading

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Emotions: Show, Don’t Tell

We’ve all heard about the show, don’t tell rule in writing, but have you ever considered what this means when talking about your characters’ emotions? Portraying emotions in your story is essential in order to engage the reader. However, that … Continue reading

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Mini Lesson on Exclamation Points and Question Marks

I caution everyone to be careful when using exclamation points. Agents and editors frown on them. In fact, there’s one industry professional who claims she will reject your manuscript if you have more than a handful of exclamation points in … Continue reading

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Zone Out Sections – Keep Out!

Do you have “zone out” sections in your manuscript? Don’t know what they are? Imagine this. You’re on the phone with your best friend and she’s doing most of the talking. She’s going on and on and on. At some … Continue reading

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Dialogue Disasters

We know why it’s a good idea to include dialogue in our stories (see this post if you missed it), but what about bad dialogue? How can dialogue go wrong? Let’s take a look at some common dialogue blunders. Chitchat: … Continue reading

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Job Opening – Only Fantastic Dialogue Need Apply

In real life, people talk about the weather, what they had for supper or what they’re going to do for the weekend. They might ramble on and on and on, or not say much at all. However, in fiction, dialogue … Continue reading

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7 Tips to Kill Blah, Blah, Blah Writing

Blah, blah, blah writing is just that. Imagine an old lady talking your ear off about nothing. This can be small talk or simply someone going into far too many details than what’s necessary.   Okay, I’ll admit I used … Continue reading

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Should You Start with a Prologue?

Whether or not to use a prologue. This is a tricky question. A prologue is pretty much expected in romantic suspense novels, but more and more, other genres are rejecting them. You have to know your genre. Mysteries and thrillers … Continue reading

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Blog Critique of UNTIL THE END by Danielle Hess

Here’s my blog critique of UNTIL THE END by Danielle Hess. Thanks to Danielle for volunteering. Feel free to add to my crit, agree with it or disagree. Reading is subjective, and to a certain degree, so is editing. Below is my detailed … Continue reading

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