Episode: 2 New York New York City! The beautifully illustrated Literary Places describes New York as “a seething megapolis of taxi cabs, dive bars, movie stars, uptowners, out-of-towners, priests, pimps, players and phonies”, but suggests despite the teeming busyness … the city can be a lonely place. A place to hide, as well as to show off. I wonder how out authors this week chose to use it? (Baxter, 2019)
Simply Writing | TIS THE SEASON TO BE QUERYING . . . PART 2
Welcome back to my two-part post on query letters ☺ Of course, every season is the season to be querying, as long as you know what you’re doing. Hopefully, this and my last post will help you on your way to gaining the requests you’re after.
Cover Crush| March
Another speedy month has driven past and here we are already well into March. I was excited to see our Member’s New Releases and, as always, they did not disappoint. This month we have a feast for the senses. A visual cornucopia of romantic elements that draw the eye and capture the imagination. Nearly every corner of our wide breadth of sub-genres is captured in this month’s new releases, and I won’t deny that the choice for the Cover Crush this month was a hard one.
Simply Writing | TIS THE SEASON TO BE QUERYING . . .
I’m not certain there is a particular season for querying an editor or agent, but I thought this a fitting title given that Christmas has just been and gone, and who wouldn’t want a contract tied up with a pretty green, red and gold bow? When submitting a manuscript to an editor or agent, there are so many things we have to not only remember, but get right. How should we structure our query? What must we include and what must we leave out? And what factors should we take into consideration as we word that wonderful yet critical covering …
Simply Writing | NEW YEAR Q&A
Welcome to 2019! Thanks so much for joining me so soon in the New Year. I hope you’ve had a fab Summer and are ready to face an exciting and productive year of writing. So, last month we looked at what YOU wanted to know, and in this, my first post for 2019, I’d love to continue with more of the same.
Cover Crush | December/January
Twelve months has come and gone since I began this blog and it has given me such an insight into the importance of visually appealing covers for our great work. A series of unexpected end-of-year events has meant this month will feature both December and January’s Cover Crush nominations.
Appeal to readers with emotive showing and telling
Show don’t tell is yelled from roof tops and preached at literary alters, and yet it remains one of the most problematic maxims for fiction writers around the globe. It’s the telling part that gives us the most trouble because it is inherent in the art of storytelling. So, how can you make sense of the maxim and successfully apply it to your writing? In this article we’re going to explore the importance of avoiding key storytelling pitfalls and change the way you view showing and telling. “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light …
Three Ways Not To Start Your Story
When it comes to writing a book, sometimes it’s easier to look at the things you shouldn’t do than those you should. Here are some common mistakes writers make that you can easily avoid: 1. It was all a dream When you start a story with a dream or a vision or something that doesn’t really happen, it makes the reader confused. What’s real? What’s not? Is the next chapter going to end this way too? When someone chooses to read your book, they’re putting their faith in you as an author. By adding those five evil words (and then …
Show Don’t Tell is Like a Layer Cake
Presented by Sandy Vaile Course Dates: 7 January — 3 February 2019 Cost: RWA Member—$55. Non-RWA Member—$88. Venue: Online – RWA Moodle Platform Booking link: www.trybooking.com/ZIVD About the course… We’ve all heard this old adage, but applying it often causes confusion, because it’s riddled with contradictions. Both showing and telling are valuable techniques. One creates drama and movement, and the other conveys information succinctly and poetically. Bring your story into focus by finding a balance between action and brevity that will captivate readers. Participants will: • Discover when to show, and when it’s okay to tell. • Identify and banish …
Start Your Story Right
Presented by Lauren Clarke Course Dates: 7 January — 3 February 2019 Cost: RWA Member—$55. Non-RWA Member—$88. Venue: Online – RWA Moodle Platform Booking link: www.trybooking.com/ZIUR About the course… “Let’s start at the very beginning …” Do you want your first chapters to leap out and grab your reader’s attention, leaving them desperate for more? Make sure your book has the strongest start possible with Start Your Story Right, an online workshop by Lauren Clarke for RWA. Except to learn: • How to create a killer hook • The best way to introduce your characters • Tips to capture reader …