I’ve been thinking about you brave souls who will start “Summer’s Ultimate Novel” on July 1st. I’m wondering how you feel on this last day of innocence. Perhaps … 1. You’re eager to prove yourself. 2. You’re excited to finally try writing a novel. 3. The story keeps babbling inside you and won’t shut up. [...]
Archive for June, 2009
Pre-Novel Encouragement
Posted in Writing, tagged motivation on June 30, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
First Draft Goals
Posted in First Drafts (SUN), tagged goals, SUN, word counts on June 26, 2009 | 2 Comments »
If you’re new to “Summer’s Ultimate Novel,” click here to read the first post (listing ideas in a notebook), here to read the second (choosing the right idea), here to read the third (themes and one-line synopsis of your novel), here to read the fourth (one-paragraph synopsis), here to read the fifth (research and settings), [...]
Podcasting Novels
Posted in Marketing, tagged podcasts on June 23, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Ever thought about reading your novel aloud and then breaking it down into free podcasts? I hadn’t, until I read this interview with author Seth Harwood on Editor Unleashed. You’ll have to read it for the full effect, but here’s an excerpt from Harwood: So in July of ‘06, I started podcasting Jack Wakes Up. I [...]
Types of Outlines
Posted in First Drafts (SUN), Research, tagged outlining, SUN on June 19, 2009 | 1 Comment »
If you’re new to “Summer’s Ultimate Novel,” click here to read the first post (listing ideas in a notebook), here to read the second (choosing the right idea), here to read the third (themes and one-line synopsis of your novel), here to read the fourth (one-paragraph synopsis), here to read the fifth (research and settings), [...]
Quick Links
Posted in Writing, tagged Links on June 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Link list: 1. Writer’s Digest—101 Best Websites for Writers—is now available online! 2. Agent Rachelle Gardner is so straightforward, I love it. Check out her posts regarding when to look for an agent (hint: not immediately after finishing your first draft!) and when to build an author platform (hint: before you sell the book!). 3. My favorite [...]
Why You Need a Critique Partner
Posted in Editing, tagged critiques on June 16, 2009 | 4 Comments »
I’ve been blessed with three wonderful critique partners: Syd, Ellie, and Pat. I’ve been blessed with several fantastic test-readers: Jenny, Steph, Marcy, Vannah, Vicki, Elyssa, Jill, Kim, and Eric. I also have many friends and family who generously agreed to read my first novel. In my opinion, the difference between a TR and a CP is [...]
Characters in You
Posted in First Drafts (SUN), Research, tagged characters, chart, contests, SUN on June 13, 2009 | 2 Comments »
If you’re new to “Summer’s Ultimate Novel,” click here to read the first post (listing ideas in a notebook), here to read the second (choosing the right idea), here to read the third (themes and one-line synopsis of your novel), here to read the fourth (one-paragraph synopsis), here to read the fifth (research and settings), or [...]
Milestones
Posted in Editing, tagged Links, milestones, THE RIVER'S EDGE--2nd draft on June 12, 2009 | 2 Comments »
This happens to be my 100th post on this website! *throws confetti* Also this week, the site reached 3000 hits! I know that’s peanuts compared to some websites, but I’m thrilled all the same. Thank you so much to my readers, especially you faithful ones who come back every week. Wouldn’t do it without you [...]
How to Make Your Characters Realistic
Posted in First Drafts (SUN), Writing, tagged characters, SUN on June 6, 2009 | 15 Comments »
If you’re new to “Summer’s Ultimate Novel,” click here to read the first post (listing ideas in a notebook), here to read the second (choosing the right idea), here to read the third (themes and one-line synopsis of your novel), here to read the fourth (one-paragraph synopsis), or here to read the fifth (research and settings). [...]