Eliminating or reducing flashbacks in stories may be necessary to help with the narrative flow and keep readers interested in what’s ahead.Tips for Eliminating or Reducing Flashbacks in StoriesAuthors like to use flashbacks to show backstory. Unfortunately, flashbacks can stop the narrative flow in its tracks. Rather than increasing dramatic tension, flashbacks tend to drain…

One tool authors have when developing plot and storyline is using maps in story setting. Laying out the various places characters will go in the story will strengthen a manuscript with concrete details. What a Map Can Show When Using Maps in Story Setting Such a map helps me see logical inconsistencies in the layout…

I have some tips to get the creative juices flowing when thinking up ideas for story settings, starting with my suggested hierarchy of settings. The Russian Nesting Doll of Settings The setting of a novel consists of multiple elements, big and small, that nest inside each other. We might show this hierarchy of settings like…

I’m sharing some thoughts on the characteristics of satire, including the message, characters, and plots—helpful to authors and editors! Characteristics of Satire: The Message Matters Most I have previously mentioned how some of our assumptions about fiction don’t always hold, and I gave an example of the anti-hero of a comic novel. Which made me…

If you’re an author hoping to have your work published, it helps to know how publishers acquire novels so you can navigate the process. The Basics of How Publishers Acquire Novels I shared some basic information in this post on traditional publication, but I wanted to share some thoughts from the perspective of an acquisitions…

If you’re determined to become a successful author and earn income from your writing, here are some tried and true tips for building a writing career. My Tips for Building a Writing Career Coaching clients sometimes ask me about how to continue a promising writing career. You can’t throw a rock without hitting someone who…

Both authors and editors have the same question at some point in the book writing / publishing process: When is a book ready for editing? So When IS a Book Ready for Editing? The creative process is not timely and linear, which is why, as an editor, I don’t book edits before an author’s manuscript…

For nonfiction authors pursuing traditional publication, they will need to know how to write a nonfiction book proposal. Basics of How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal This is like a business plan for a nonfiction book. It “sells” an agent or acquisitions editor on the book and convinces them to invest in it. It…

Here’s a quick overview of the publishing process for authors and editors to gain a better understanding of how traditional publishing works. Basic Information about How Traditional Publishing Works You’re an author who is interested in publishing the traditional route—getting an agent, landing a book deal, seeing the book on the shelf in the local…