Book Reviews/A Writing Journey
Tag: Writing tips
On a visit to New Zealand some years back, I took over one hundred photos in one day at an important setting in a historical fiction manuscript I was preparing. Many were of signs that I didn’t actually refer to once I began writing, but having all those photos allowed me to choose the best fit. For example, the photo above may seem insignificant, but it was a location two characters passed over. Without the photo I would have forgotten this tiny detail.
Continue reading “More on research”
Research is a fundamental part of writing. Sometimes we think we know everything about a topic or place, but it’s always good to check the facts. Readers are savvy, and an error can pull them right out of your story. It happened to me while reading a well-known book set in Germany. Dialog yanked me out of the story and I turned to the back cover to check, knowing only an Australian author would use that phrase not a German, and I was right. Continue reading “The importance of research”
I share my work with a writing critique group, but no matter how much I value their input and the help they’ve given me to improve the piece I’ve shared, they don’t see the entire manuscript.
This is when I turn to Elizabeth Lyon’s — Manuscript Makeover that sets out the process under different headings so you don’t have to read the book from start to finish, but go to the sections where you need the most help. For me it was the chapters on characterization. Continue reading “You’ve finished your first draft — then what?”
I’ve been working with writing groups for many years after struggling on my own for over a decade. My critique group consist of authors at the beginning stages right up to those who have published a long list of books, and facilitators with impressive writing credentials. Continue reading “Are you contemplating joining a writing group?”
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