Category: Writing Tips
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The Art of the Paragraph Break
Why it matters more than you think Knowing when to break a paragraph in fiction writing can be confusing. In my editing practice, I often split up longer paragraphs and combine shorter ones to improve flow. As an author, I’ve only recently begun to experiment with smaller, more frequent breaks to help punctuate my narrative.…
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Foreshadowing: Drop Hints, Build Suspense
Literally speaking, foreshadowing is a hint of things to come. Foreshadowing happens when the author drops hints or clues about future events in a story, helping build suspense. Foreshadowing is easier to spot during second and subsequent reads. This is because the reader already knows the ending, and can connect the dots. In chapter 2…
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The power of a strong premise: How to develop a compelling idea for your novel
When writing a story, a strong premise is the foundation of a great novel, driving the story forward and grabbing your reader’s attention by promising an engaging and satisfying read. The question is: how do you come up with a compelling premise for your novel? A good premise should: Once you have a general idea…
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Writers’ Corner Workshop: What it means to show and not tell
Join me at the RHPL on March 6 and April 3 for a Writers’ Corner workshop on what it means to show and not tell. What is meant by “showing” versus “telling” and how can you tell the difference? Is it ever okay to “tell?” Is there such a thing as showing too much?…
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Writing for different age groups
Crafting stories for children, YA, and adult audiences Writing for different age groups is a challenging task that requires a different approach for each target audience. Children, young adults (YA), and adult audiences all have different interests, reading levels, and attention spans. This blog post explores the different elements that go into crafting stories when…
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The Art of Storytelling
Storytelling is an art form that has been around for thousands of years. It’s a way for people to share their experiences, beliefs, and values with others. Good storytelling forges emotional connections with the audience. The most powerful stories make the audience feel something, be it joy, sadness, fear, or excitement. To create this emotional…
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5 tips for crafting a satisfying conclusion
In an earlier post, we discussed the importance of a strong beginning, but having a strong ending to your story is just as important. The end of your story is the last impression with which you will leave your readers, and it can make or break their enjoyment of your work. A weak ending can…
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Creating Tension and Suspense
How to keep readers on the edge of their seats Creating tension in a story—otherwise known as suspense—is a crucial element if you want to keep readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. It’s the art of building anticipation, uncertainty, and unease in the reader’s mind, making them eager to find out what…
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Narrative voice in fiction
Your narrative voice is the way you tell a story. The author’s personality and emotions as they tell the story make up their narrative voice. A strong narrative voice gives a story a unique tone and perspective, creating a sense of intimacy between the reader and the characters. It also makes the reader feel like…
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Hooking Readers with Strong Opening Pages
Your story should have strong opening pages that draw in the reader from the start. Here’s how to create fiction with a strong opening.