Fiction Notes

Tag: write a novel

  • The Editorial Dance: Finding the Right Editor

    I talked with an editor earlier this week about my new novel, The Blue Marbles, a sff YA and found that editorial input comes in two forms–and these are so important to finding the right editor for your story. Positioning in the Market Place The first thing we talked about was our visions for the…

  • 4 Revision Goals: Conflict, Emotion, Surprise, Enrich

    For the next month, my writing goals for my work-in-progress novel trilogy are clear: conflict, emotion, surprise, enrich. The trilogy is tentatively called, The Blue Planets, and is an early-teen or YA science fiction. Book 1, The Blue Marble, has a complete draft; for Books 2 and 3, I have complete outlines. I’m happy with…

  • Should You Write Fast or Slow? Here’s the Right Answer – And Instintively You Know This is Right

    As a hybrid author, I have one foot each in two very different worlds. I am traditionally published and as an author/publisher, I release my own books. The worlds operate at tangents to each other and one point of contention is this question: how long does it take you to write a novel? Independent author…

  • 39 Villain Motivations

    I’m working on motivating my villain(ess) and have found 39 possible motivations. I’m sure there are more, but these should jump start your imagination. They are presented here with a statement from the villain(ess)’s point of view. Romance: I want to marry the princess. Revenge – ruin a hero: I want to ruin the King.…

  • First Drafts: Spaghetti Problems

    When you write a first draft of a novel, you may be prone to spaghetti problems. The term was coined by Jon Franklin in his book, Writing for Story, which is about writing nonficiton; but it’s a useful concept for any type of writing. Spaghetting is when you are writing along without a clear idea…

  • SubPlots Deepen and Enrich Stories: Here’s How

    I’ve been reading through the first book in Rick Riordian’s new series, The Lost Hero. He has a nice breezy style that is full of adventure. And I’ve especially been noticing the subplots. There is an overarching plot of overthrowing evil and setting the universe to rights again. But each character has a specific role…