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Should you Always Show-Don’t-Tell?
I recently had the privilege of listening to Sara Pennypacker, author of the Clementine series of early-chapter books. Her books are widely recognized as a forte in capturing the reader and drawing them in. The opening scene of Book 1 has Clementine, a third grade dynamo, sitting in the principal’s office and a frequent comment…
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Rereading: Details, Emotions, Scene Cuts, Conflict
Reread your story. Does it surprise you at any point? Does it keep YOUR interest? Recently I reread a story that I had not read for a while, long enough for me to start to be fuzzy on details. Here are some things that struck me. Interesting details. Stories which leave behind generalities in favor…
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3 Christmas Season Projects for Writers
Writing during the Christmas holidays can be difficult. There’s too much to do, too much living to do! Here are some simple low-stress projects to keep you going. Just have fun with these! Show-Don’t-Tell with Sensory Go sit at a mall, beside a seasonal skating rink, at a holiday concert. Notice the sensory details of…
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Using Setting & Description in Creative, yet Crucial Ways
Setting: “Where am I? And why should I care?” Readers ask these two questions at the beginning of every story. We often focus on the second question, how to hook a reader. But orienting the reader is just as important. They need to know the setting: this is a wider question than just the geographic…