Starlog

  • Lesson Twenty-Seven from a Manuscript Red Line: Fluidity in Action – How to write a good action scene

    An example of a poorly written action scene: Jason punched Eric in the face.  Eric fell to the floor.  Eric groaned and rolled over.   Jason wiped his chin and laughed.  Eric popped up, and Eric swung at Jason, but missed.  Jason ducked and swung at the same time.  Eric crumpled to the floor. (Yes, I… Read more

  • The Art of the Conflict – Keeping your Pacing while keeping your reader engaged.

    Recently I was speaking to some writers, and the topic of “art in writing” came up.  We were talking about art in conflict, and I think some people didn’t quite “get it”. Writing sometimes can get “stale”.  I know, I’ve caught myself doing it.  It’s really easy to get caught up in your dialog, especially… Read more

  • Lesson Twenty-Five from a Manuscript Red Line: Bullying for Bully’s sake

    “Having a bully for the sake of having a bully is a contrived way of injecting conflict.” Well, I don’t think I can say it any better than the publisher’s quote above. There was a bully in the Gold Mine Manuscript that really had no concrete tie to the main plotline.  His only reason for being in… Read more

  • If you have a bad day, don’t take it out on your beta-read

    First of all, I am sorry for posting three days in a row.  I try to stick to my Monday-Thursday schedule to make sure my content is meaningful, and I certainly don’t want to get annoying. At the moment though, I really feel the need to VENT! Never, ever EVER is it excusable to take out… Read more

  • More Blog Awards!

    JMMcdowel just graced me with the “One Lovely Blog” award.  This is a nice one, because I will not have to spend all weekend researching who I should give it to.  Thanks so much!  Everyone please go and give JM a visit to bask in the lovelyness. This one is an easy one for me, because I just… Read more

  • Sorting Out Your Feedback Comments: Dealing with Conflicting Criticism

    If you have had several people reading your work, conflicting opinions are common.  But what do you do with them?  Your mother says you are brilliant, but then you find this person you’ve never met who thinks your novel needs all these changes!  Huh? ***Smile*** I wish my Mom was still around to tell me… Read more