Writing Skills

The Need for Conflict!

The Need for Conflict!

Are you a beginning writer or have you been working on your craft for a bit? Are you trying to develop a story, but it seems to be falling flat and you can’t figure out why? Maybe you need conflict. Here’s why. Conflict Drives the Plot Most of us don’t like conflict,...

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Working With Deadlines

Working With Deadlines

It’s finally happened! You landed the writing assignment you’ve been waiting for. Now the stress is on. Not only do you want to produce a piece that is amazing and memorable (to be a good steward of the talent God has blessed you with and in case there is other work...

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8 Questions to Ask Yourself When Brainstorming Your Synopsis by Ann Harrison

8 Questions to Ask Yourself When Brainstorming Your Synopsis by Ann Harrison

Writing a synopsis is hard. Don’t let anyone kid you. I struggle with this task, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. I’ve found that I can brainstorm my synopsis in the same way I brainstorm or revise my books, or do developmental edits for my publishers. Here are...

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Moving Forward Boldly

Moving Forward Boldly

Last time I wrote about writing a plot summary within a short period of time for a potential fiction story opportunity. The good news is, the publisher accepted my pitch! The bad news is, the publisher accepted my pitch! Of course, this isn’t really bad news. It’s...

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No Time to Waste

No Time to Waste

Recently, I was asked if I wanted to pitch a plot summary to a publisher for a potential fiction story for hi/lo readers. I had already written a short nonfiction book for them, but I wanted the chance to work on a fiction book, so I said I would be interested. The...

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Change of Scenery

Change of Scenery

We’ve had some unusual weather here in Southern California. We’ve had days of rain. And not just rain, continuous rain. That was what was the most unusual. I had some writing deadlines, but being cooped up at home wasn’t helping me whatsoever. I needed a different...

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5 Tips for Using and Understanding Literal and Metaphorical Language, Part III by Deborah DeCiantis

5 Tips for Using and Understanding Literal and Metaphorical Language, Part III by Deborah DeCiantis

  TIP #3 Don’t avoid tough literal situations by referring to them only as metaphors. Taking literal language metaphorically is equally problematic.                         Kids can be masters of metaphor. Ask “Didn’t I tell you not to play in the mud?” and they...

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