Over half of our communication is done with body language, not words. I study it so I can characterize the people in my books–their actions, hand gestures, facial expressions–and it has taught me a lot about reading people’s interior monologue–those ideas they don’t want to share, but inadvertently do. Even the best speakers have a … Continue reading
I want to share three items I’ve discovered that help organize my desk-related items like nothing else I’ve tried. These are much more than a ‘pencil caddy’ or an eraser for ink. These three popped a light bulb over my head, significantly improving my ability to get the job done while sitting at my desk. … Continue reading
Because, if you’re a writer, you must. It doesn’t have to be sex but it has to take readers that direction, right to the edge of the cliff. Yes, you can leave the lurid details out, but let readers peek over the edge. How do you do that? Start with a few decisions: Is it … Continue reading
Last year, I attended a spectacular free workshop offered by acclaimed literary fiction author, Richard Bausch. Every year, he invites Orange and Los Angeles County California fiction writers (any age, but no poetry) to send in a sample of their writing, then selects the top ten to join him for a fourteen-week workshop at Chapman … Continue reading
For the next few months, weekly writing tips will revolve around word choice. That includes: colorful and original descriptions pithy words and phrases picture nouns and action verbs writing that draws a reader in and addicts them to your voice I keep a collection of descriptions that have pulled me into the books. I’m fascinated … Continue reading
Since I started this blog five-and-a-half years ago, I’ve had almost 900,000 visitors, 3300 on my busiest day, visiting the 1,097 articles I’ve written on every facet of writing. I have several columns: writer’s tips (sign up by clicking here) book reviews (Fridays) tech tips for writers (occasional) In between, I write what’s on my … Continue reading
Next week, I’ll post four holiday activities that will get your computers and technology ready for the blitz of writing you’ll swear to accomplish in your New Year resolutions. Here’s what you’ll get: Is Your Online Presence Up to Date? Back up and Image your computer 13 Ways to Speed Up Your Computer Join me! … Continue reading
When you read your story, does it sound off, maybe you can’t quite put your finger on it, but you know you’ve done something wrong? Sometimes–maybe even lots of times–there are simple fixes. These writer’s tips will come at you once a week, giving you plenty of time to go through your story and make … Continue reading
This is the next in the occasional “How to Write Descriptions” series. If you’re a writer, you know what I mean. You can’t just say, The dog laid down at my feet and fell asleep. That’s boring. It tells the reader nothing about how cute the dog is, how innocent his sleep was, how you … Continue reading
When you read your story, does it sound off, maybe you can’t quite put your finger on it, but you know you’ve done something wrong? Sometimes–maybe even lots of times–there are simple fixes. These writer’s tips will come at you once a week, giving you plenty of time to go through your story and make … Continue reading
