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Category Archives: Writing Advice
Using Engaging Language
The other day, I had one of my favorite compliments on my writing style. The gist of it was my reader enjoyed the fact that my tale was an easy read while remaining engaging. This is my favorite compliment because … Continue reading
What Publishers Want
My Kindle Scout Campaign has got me thinking about this again. I covered it a bit back in my posts on writing query letters, but it’s back on my mind. I’ve been very active on the KBoards forum during my … Continue reading
Subplots and What to do With Them
Subplots are secondary issues or conflicts that the characters in your story have to deal with. All stories have a main conflict; in Star Wars they have to defeat the Empire, in Harry Potter they have to defeat Voldemort, in … Continue reading
Writing- Three Ways Life Gets in Your Way
Writing- Three Ways Life Gets in Your Way Across the world, most artists are fighting to make space in their busy lives for their art. Certainly there are artists who make a living with their art alone, but the vast … Continue reading
Top Five Ways Writers Sabotage Themselves
Top Five Ways Writers Sabotage Themselves Writers are interesting beasts. As Robert A, Heinlein said: “Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards.” It is the nature of our … Continue reading
What is “Voice” in Writing?
Recently, on a writing forum, a writer who was just starting out asked what “voice” was, and how could they get some. This question wasn’t about giving your characters unique voices, that’s a whole other kettle of colored horses. He … Continue reading
When Your Main Character is a Dick
It happens to all of us at some point. Your intent is to write a well rounded main character, kind but strong perhaps, yet when the beta readers get hold of your MS it’s a different story. “I didn’t care … Continue reading
Bad Romance Writing Advice
There are a bazillion articles about how to write–and how not to write–a romance novel. Romance sells. Annually, it is a billion dollar industry. According to the Romance Writers of America, 32% of trade paperbacks sold are romance novels, and … Continue reading
Elevator Pitch Blues
Being able to describe your novel in one sentence is a useful skill. It is called an “Elevator Pitch” because the idea is one could speak to an agent or publisher while riding an elevator and quickly tell them what one’s book is about.
Note to readers: Never actually do that! Agents spend a lot of time slogging through slush piles, they do not want you pitching your project in an elevator, a restroom, or other non-professional space. They just want to pee in peace. Really. Continue reading
The Word “That” Should be Killed with Fire (most of the time)
That. Such a small word. It may be small, but it can cause an avalanche of trouble in your writing. In my opinion, it’s the sneakiest of all the unneeded words in writing. Check your latest manuscript with a … Continue reading
Julianne Q Johnson 