In my current WiP, two characters are underdeveloped. I've gone back and highlighted where I can add scenes so the reader can discover more about them. But I did this without really knowing who they are. I've written dialogue which makes them sound similar to other characters and stumbled through creating their history as I …
Anatomy of a First Draft.
I finished a first draft. It's titled Virtual Insanity and is the sequel to Social Media Central. It took some time to complete as just after starting it, Covid-19 hit. My husband began a short work contract and had to work from home. I had no quiet space to write so the manuscript lay dormant …
Writing Tips – Madeleine D’Este
It's been a while since I've had a Writing Tips Guest Post, and on a recent call out, Melbourne based author, Madeleine D'Este, nominated herself to fill that void. This is her advice which she's titled... THREE TRUTHS ABOUT THE WRITING PROCESS I ALWAYS FORGET I’m currently in the final stages of completing my eight …
I got a rejection email within a day.
I submitted a manuscript to a publisher on Sunday. I got my rejection on Monday. It was polite and said it's not what their looking for at the moment. Fair enough. Their other novels are similar but mine didn't make the cut. For those who've never done this, it usually takes months before you hear …
Pantstering that epic chapter.
I always drop chapters toward the end. While I have my outline in front of me I sense certain plot points should come in sooner. The reader will appreciate it and the story won't drag. With my current work in progress, bringing these story elements sooner has affected my word count. Often I find the …
Writing vs. Life
A close friend just left after spending six days with us. He needed a boost and as many of us have rediscovered recently, keeping in touch means keeping sane. We always enjoy his company and the last several days consisted of good food, movies and indepth conversation over vodka or wine. In the past I'd …
The Negative Reader
I noticed something the other day. I was going to write a review of a favourite book for someone else's blog, but because it had been a while since I read the book, I checked its reviews on Goodreads to refresh my memory on elements of the plot. While pretty much everyone praised it, one …
Would you consider a hashtag to promote your most personal novel?
I was thinking about this in a spare moment, of which there are many. I've often written about what real life influences are weaved into my novels, but I haven't always talked about the storylines that come from more personal experiences. For example, one of my novels has a storyline that reflects feelings I had …
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Authors and algorithms
A Twitter post popped up recently about how interactions have diminished. I responded saying that I've noticed this too. Recently I asked #WritingCommunity if they've noted Twitter is behaving like Facebook (i.e. the same small number of regulars reacting to what you've posted). One person responded. For an author, this is not good. I already …
Authors in Cinema – Capote
"His voice is like what you'd imagine a brocolli to sound like, if a brocolli could talk." There's truth to that in the way Toby Jones plays Truman Capote in the film, Infamous. This quote is said by an actor portraying Gore Vidal, and yes, the voice has its own...um...appeal. I was never a fan …
