Tag: author advice

Basics of Viewpoint by Arline Chase

Out of Control by Arline ChaseThe best way to choose viewpoint is to ask yourself whose story or scene it is. Once you know who the story is about it’s safe to assume that most of the story will be told from that character’s viewpoint, either in first person “I” narrator, or third person “she or he” narrator.

There are several kinds of viewpoint. “First Person” is written with an “I” narrator, as if the story happened to you. “Third Person” limited is written in third person, but limited to a single point of view. This is the viewpoint chosen for most short stories. Most girl-in-danger stories are written in first person limited, while Harlequin and most genre romances are written in third person limited. In either case “limited” means limited only to the main character’s viewpoint. The reader cannot know anything the main character doesn’t see, think, or feel. Continue reading “Basics of Viewpoint by Arline Chase”

Assume The Position: Stretches for Computer Users by Laurie Boris

Author Laurie Boris
Author Laurie Boris

We all have different styles, but one thing most writers have in common is that we plant our butts in our chairs for a heck of a long time. Sitting puts a lot of pressure on your spine, and typing can force you into positions that can ultimately lead to pain and injury. But what’s a writer—or anyone who spends nearly every waking hour in front of a computer—to do?

One of the best ways to avoid pain (aside from hiring an assistant to grab your brilliant prose out of thin air while you pace about, sipping martinis and admiring the garden) is to move and stretch frequently as you work. Continue reading “Assume The Position: Stretches for Computer Users by Laurie Boris”

Ed’s Casual Friday: Happy Birthday to Me.

BirthdayToday is February 24th, 2012, meaning tomorrow is the 25th. I mention that, because 02/25/2011 is the publication date of The Sable City on Amazon KDP, the first title I ever uploaded, to the first place. I sold four copies the last couple days of that month, and of course I know who bought them.  😉

At that time, one year ago, my “online presence” consisted of an e-mail account I checked every few days. Maybe once a week. No facebook, no blog, never heard of Goodreads nor Smashwords, nor several dozen other virtual places where I now seem to spend an inordinate amount of time on a daily basis. Continue reading “Ed’s Casual Friday: Happy Birthday to Me.”

Give Me A Dramatic Truth or Give Me Death! by Bill Johnson

Author Bill Johnson
Author Bill Johnson

To satisfy an audience a story must ring true. One way to create a story that rings true is for the storyteller to understand how to create characters and situations that embody what I call dramatic truths.

Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz wants to find her way home, the Tin Man a heart, the Scarecrow, a brain, the Cowardly Lion, courage.

Rocky wants to be somebody.

The Velveteen Rabbit wants to be real.

Harry Potter wants to fit in.

Each character embodies a truth that defines them. These truths are dramatic because they are in need of resolution. Will Dorothy find her way home, Rocky become somebody, Harry fit in, the Velveteen rabbit become real? Continue reading “Give Me A Dramatic Truth or Give Me Death! by Bill Johnson”