5 Editors Tackle the 12 Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing

5 Editors Tackle the 12 Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing PDF Author: C S Lakin
Publisher: Ubiquitous Press
ISBN: 9780986134715
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 336

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Book Description
Don't fall victim to the 12 fatal flaws of fiction writing Fiction writers often struggle to improve their craft And the biggest challenge comes from the inability to see what isn't working. The prose feels off. The scene isn't gelling. The dialogue sounds stilted or clunky. But they don't know why or how to fix it. This book lays it all out 5 Editors Tackle the Twelve Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing demonstrates the deadly dozen pitfalls on the road to a strong story, along with revisions that show writers exactly how to avoid novel failure. No other writing craft book offers such detailed instruction in how to spot and remedy the major flaws of fiction writing. What makes this book an important addition to a writer's bookshelf? More than 60 Before and After passages showcase each of the twelve fatal flaws, which are then picked apart and examined to help writers spot these flaws in their own writing and fix them. Five editors with extensive background in both editing fiction and writing novels bring a wealth of insights, examples, and solutions to these flaws, using various genre styles and POVs. Each chapter ends with a checklist to help writers seek and destroy these fatal flaws in their manuscript, followed by bonus Before and After passages to help them test what they've learned. This in-depth guide to self-editing is an invaluable resource for any writer of any genre. It shows, not just tells, how to write better fiction. Using it, you'll be armed with the tools and skills you need to conquer the twelve fatal flaws of fiction writing. Here are some of the 12 fatal flaws: Overwriting-the most egregious and common flaw in fiction writing.Nothin' Happenin'-Too many stories take too long to get going. Learn what it means to start in medias res.Weak Construction-It sneaks in at the level of words and sentences, and rears up in up in the form of passive voice, ing verbs, and misplaced modifiers.Too Much Backstory-the bane of many manuscripts. Backstory has its place, but too often it serves as an info dump and bogs down pacing.POV Violations-Head hopping, characters knowing things they can't know, and foreshadowing are just some of the many POV violations explored.Telling instead of Showing-Writers have heard this admonition, but there's a lot to understanding how and when to show instead of tell.Lack of Pacing and Tension-Many factors affect pacing and tension: clunky passages, mundane dialogue, unimportant information, and so much more.Flawed Dialogue Construction-Writers need to learn to balance speech and narrative tags and avoid "on the nose" speech."Underwriting"-just as fatal as overwriting. Too often scenes are lacking the necessary actions, descriptions, and details needed to bring them to life.Description Deficiencies and Excesses-Learning how to balance description is challenging, and writers need to choose wisely just what to describe and in what way. Don't be left in the dark. Learn what causes these flaws and apply the fixes in your own stories. No one need suffer novel failure. You don't have to be brilliant or talented to write strong fiction. You just need to be forewarned and forearmed to be able to tackle these culprits. And this book will give you all the weapons and knowledge you need. "This book should be on every writer's bookshelf." -Cheryl Kaye Tardif, international best-selling author

5 Editors Tackle the 12 Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing

5 Editors Tackle the 12 Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing PDF Author: C S Lakin
Publisher: Ubiquitous Press
ISBN: 9780986134715
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 336

Get Book Here

Book Description
Don't fall victim to the 12 fatal flaws of fiction writing Fiction writers often struggle to improve their craft And the biggest challenge comes from the inability to see what isn't working. The prose feels off. The scene isn't gelling. The dialogue sounds stilted or clunky. But they don't know why or how to fix it. This book lays it all out 5 Editors Tackle the Twelve Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing demonstrates the deadly dozen pitfalls on the road to a strong story, along with revisions that show writers exactly how to avoid novel failure. No other writing craft book offers such detailed instruction in how to spot and remedy the major flaws of fiction writing. What makes this book an important addition to a writer's bookshelf? More than 60 Before and After passages showcase each of the twelve fatal flaws, which are then picked apart and examined to help writers spot these flaws in their own writing and fix them. Five editors with extensive background in both editing fiction and writing novels bring a wealth of insights, examples, and solutions to these flaws, using various genre styles and POVs. Each chapter ends with a checklist to help writers seek and destroy these fatal flaws in their manuscript, followed by bonus Before and After passages to help them test what they've learned. This in-depth guide to self-editing is an invaluable resource for any writer of any genre. It shows, not just tells, how to write better fiction. Using it, you'll be armed with the tools and skills you need to conquer the twelve fatal flaws of fiction writing. Here are some of the 12 fatal flaws: Overwriting-the most egregious and common flaw in fiction writing.Nothin' Happenin'-Too many stories take too long to get going. Learn what it means to start in medias res.Weak Construction-It sneaks in at the level of words and sentences, and rears up in up in the form of passive voice, ing verbs, and misplaced modifiers.Too Much Backstory-the bane of many manuscripts. Backstory has its place, but too often it serves as an info dump and bogs down pacing.POV Violations-Head hopping, characters knowing things they can't know, and foreshadowing are just some of the many POV violations explored.Telling instead of Showing-Writers have heard this admonition, but there's a lot to understanding how and when to show instead of tell.Lack of Pacing and Tension-Many factors affect pacing and tension: clunky passages, mundane dialogue, unimportant information, and so much more.Flawed Dialogue Construction-Writers need to learn to balance speech and narrative tags and avoid "on the nose" speech."Underwriting"-just as fatal as overwriting. Too often scenes are lacking the necessary actions, descriptions, and details needed to bring them to life.Description Deficiencies and Excesses-Learning how to balance description is challenging, and writers need to choose wisely just what to describe and in what way. Don't be left in the dark. Learn what causes these flaws and apply the fixes in your own stories. No one need suffer novel failure. You don't have to be brilliant or talented to write strong fiction. You just need to be forewarned and forearmed to be able to tackle these culprits. And this book will give you all the weapons and knowledge you need. "This book should be on every writer's bookshelf." -Cheryl Kaye Tardif, international best-selling author

The Magic of Fiction

The Magic of Fiction PDF Author: Beth Hill
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780997177008
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 606

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Book Description
Writing a novel can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. No matter where you are with your writing project--beginning the first draft, rewriting the fifth draft, or editing the final draft--help is available. The Magic of Fiction is a comprehensive guide for crafting fiction. It's the perfect resource for writers planning to self-publish, authors looking for an edge for manuscript submissions, and editors looking for a handbook on craft. Students and educators will also benefit, with details about the crafts of writing and editing available in a single book.Whether you intend to self-publish or submit your manuscript to agents or publishers, use The Magic of Fiction to master the ins and outs of writing and revision, create stronger early drafts, and edit your own stories.This guide addresses all aspects of editing and writing, from the mechanics to story issues to style concerns. In it you'll find--~ A comprehensive editing checklist~ Fixes for common writing mistakes~ Specifics for punctuation in dialogue~ Tips for putting setting to work for your fiction~ Suggestions for editing for the reader~ Help for writing to genre conventions~ Tips for word choices~ A guide for editing approaches and much more.Every fiction writer should be equipped to not only write well, but to rewrite and edit. There are books designed to help you write a novel, books to help you revise, and books to help you with the nitty-gritty of punctuation and grammar. The Magic of Fiction brings all those elements together in a single easy-to-digest resource for the writer looking for an edge in today's literary marketplace.The format of The Magic of Fiction helps you focus on what you need when you need it. Chapters provide detailed discussions of topics and end with "quick lists" to help you get straight to work on your own stories.Written by freelance fiction editor Beth Hill, The Magic of Fiction will help you produce high-quality fiction that will earn attention for all the right reasons.

Say What?

Say What? PDF Author: C. S. Lakin
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780986134708
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 288

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Book Description
Finally! A grammar guide specifically designed for fiction writers! Introducing the second edition, with more than fifty new entries! WRITING CORRECTLY DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD Great writers write well. Grammatical errors mark a manuscript as unprofessional and the author as sloppy or an amateur. But you don't have to memorize the myriad of grammar, punctuation, and usage rules to have a well-written book. If you're a novelist or write creative nonfiction, this handy guide is essential-giving you the most common and applicable rules and tips to make your book shine-minus the pain! Inside you'll find Short, concise, and often humorous explanations of important grammar, punctuation, and word usage rules as featured on the award-winning blog Live Write Thrive. Bonus fiction-writing tips to help you tighten your prose and say what you mean in fewer, more appropriate words. Easy-to-navigate sections and a comprehensive index so you can find the answer to your grammar question right away. Whether you're a novice or experienced writer, you'll benefit from these clear and helpful explanations of grammar and usage based on The Chicago Manual of Style-the US book publishing industry's authoritative reference guide. You no longer need to search the web or thumb through a stack of grammar books to find simple answers to your grammar questions. With Say What? at your fingertips, you'll spend less time fretting over grammar and more time writing. And you'll become a better writer in the process! Here's what writing instructors say about this handy grammar book: "Good, concise and easily accessible reference books on grammar and usage is hard to find. I mean, are hard to find. This is one of them." -James Scott Bell, bestselling novelist, writing coach, and author of Revision and Self-Editing for Publication "This handy, user-friendly reference book, presented with style and humor, is a must for any writer serious about honing their craft and garnering respect for their works. An essential resource, the e-book will save you time with all its quick links to the short, snappy topics, and the print version is small enough to stay within reach beside your computer, so I highly recommend getting both. Respected editor and writer Susanne Lakin succeeds in making a dry topic interesting and meaningful! And using this book will also help you reduce your editing costs." -Jodie Renner, editor and author of Style That Sizzles "As a self-professed grammar nerd, let me just say this: The world needs more grammar nerds. Editor Lakin is doing her part to make this happen with her pithy, fun, and supremely useful guide to the everyday writing mistakes most of us don't even realize we're making. Her book is conversational and approachable enough to make for enjoyable reading. But its true value is in its 'lookupability.' This is the perfect guide to keep on your desk, next to your computer, for those moments when you're just not sure which word is right." -K. M. Weiland, author of Structuring Your Novel and Outlining Your Novel

Generous Lies

Generous Lies PDF Author: Robin Patchen
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781950029051
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
He had no idea it was so bad.Former FBI agent Garrison Kopp suspected his teenage son was in trouble, but a midnight summons to the ER reveals the drug problem is more serious than he thought. Desperate to get his son away from negative influences, he asks a beautiful and kind new friend who owns rental properties for a place to stay. She'll help, as long as she doesn't have to risk anything.Vacation homeowner Samantha Messenger is happy to provide Garrison and his son a lake cabin where they can regroup. She helps him search for a good rehab facility and tries not to hope for more than friendship. After what she's been through, more isn't an option, no matter what her heart wants.Big trouble comes in tiny packages. Sparks fly between them as Sam and Garrison work together to help the resistant teen. But that becomes the least of their problems when a package planted in Garrison's car lures enemies to the idyllic cabin on the lake. With their lives-and love-on the line, can they protect all they hold dear?

First Pages of Best Sellers

First Pages of Best Sellers PDF Author: C. S. Lakin
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781734446807
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
The First Page of Your Novel Must Be Perfect!Most authors know that the first pages of a novel are the most crucial and carry the weightiest burden in their entire book. The opening scene must convey so many things that often the author will have to rewrite it numerous times to get it right.But the first page is especially crucial to get right.Why?Because if readers don't get engaged in the story right away, they'll stop reading.That puts a tremendous burden on writers to bring their best effort to the table.And, truth be told, a novel's first page is indicative of all the pages to follow. So it behooves writers to learn how to master the techniques needed to craft terrific first pages.Using a first-page checklist, Lakin examines two dozen first pages of best-selling novels, detailing what works, what doesn't, and why.Here are some of the issues and topics explored in this deep dive:Narrative that is excessive or "telling" instead of showingOpening paragraphs that fail to grab readers due to lack of intriguing action or flat charactersWriting that grabs and writing that boresHow much detail is too much or too littleFinding the perfect balance when world buildingWays to evoke emotion quickly in readers to get them to care about your storyTo prologue or not to prologueConsideration of first pages of novels in a series and what that requiresUnderstanding how genre is the key to every great first pageThe pitfalls of backstory

The Positive Trait Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Attributes

The Positive Trait Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Attributes PDF Author: Becca Puglisi
Publisher: JADD Publishing
ISBN: 0989772535
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 518

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Book Description
It’s a writer’s job to create compelling characters who can withstand life’s fallout without giving up. But building authentic, memorable heroes is no easy task. To forge realistic characters, we must hobble them with flaws that set them back while giving them positive attributes to help them achieve their goals. So how do writers choose the right blend of strengths for their characters—attributes that will render them admirable and worth rooting for—without making it too easy for them to succeed? Character creation can be hard, but it’s about to get a lot easier. Inside The Positive Trait Thesaurus, you’ll find: * A large selection of attributes to choose from when building a personality profile. Each entry lists possible causes for why a trait might emerge, along with associated attitudes, behaviors, thoughts, and emotions * Real character examples from literature, film, or television to show how an attribute drives actions and decisions, influences goals, and steers relationships * Advice on using positive traits to immediately hook readers while avoiding common personality pitfalls * Insight on human needs and morality, and how each determines the strengths that emerge in heroes and villains alike * Information on the key role positive attributes play within the character arc, and how they’re vital to overcoming fatal flaws and achieving success * Downloadable tools for organizing a character’s attributes and providing a deeper understanding of his past, his needs, and the emotional wounds he must overcome If you find character creation difficult or worry that your cast members all seem the same, The Positive Trait Thesaurus is brimming with ideas to help you develop one-of-a-kind, dynamic characters that readers will love. Extensively indexed, with entries written in a user-friendly list format, this brainstorming resource is perfect for any character creation project.

Ralph 124C 41+

Ralph 124C 41+ PDF Author: Hugo Gernsback
Publisher: e-artnow
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 120

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Book Description
The eponymous protagonist saves the life of the heroine by directing energy remotely at an approaching avalanche. As the novel goes on, he describes the technological wonders of the modern world, frequently using the phrase "As you know..." The hero finally rescues the heroine by travelling into space on his own "space flyer" to rescue her from the villain's clutches.

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition PDF Author: Renni Browne
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0062012908
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 290

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Book Description
Hundreds of books have been written on the art of writing. Here at last is a book by two professional editors to teach writers the techniques of the editing trade that turn promising manuscripts into published novels and short stories. In this completely revised and updated second edition, Renni Browne and Dave King teach you, the writer, how to apply the editing techniques they have developed to your own work. Chapters on dialogue, exposition, point of view, interior monologue, and other techniques take you through the same processes an expert editor would go through to perfect your manuscript. Each point is illustrated with examples, many drawn from the hundreds of books Browne and King have edited.

The 12 Key Pillars of Novel Construction

The 12 Key Pillars of Novel Construction PDF Author: C S Lakin
Publisher: Ubiquitous Press
ISBN: 9780991389476
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 262

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Book Description
The 12 Key Pillars of Novel Construction takes the mystery out of building a solid story and shows you how to go from idea to complete novel in practical, easy-to-understand steps. Build smart! Over and over, struggling writers make the same fatal mistakes in their manuscripts. Even writers who have studied all the best writing craft books and taken workshops and followed writers' blogs still don't get the structure. Truth is, a lot of writers believe they can write a novel without taking time to learn the nuts and bolts of novel construction. Just as with building a house, writers need to adeptly wield the proper tools and materials, and follow structurally sound rules if they hope to "build a novel." Build strong! Smart writers will take the time to learn how to structure strong pillars that will hold up their novels. This new comprehensive writing craft book clearly lays out just how to build each essential pillar so it can carry the weight of your story. Without such foundational support, collapse is inevitable. There are 12 key pillars of novel construction, and if any of these pillars is weak, made of faulty materials, it will compromise the integrity of your novel. Build a novel that will stand up to scrutiny and thrill readers! Inside, you'll learn: what the four primary support pillars are, and why and how you need to build those first, before tackling any other components in your novel. how to determine if an idea has the potential to become a riveting concept with a kicker, and how to transform that idea into a stunning concept. what high stakes is really all about and how to ensure your novel is exploding with them. the secret to creating a riveting protagonist, and the two goals he needs to be pursuing. what tension really is and how to ramp it up in your novel. the key to portraying evocative settings and how to come up with them. 7 important tips to creating believable dialog. what voice is, and how it differs from writing style. ways to brainstorm ideas for plot, themes, motifs, setting, and rich characters through asking a series of questions that will take you deep below the surface of your story. what the difference is between theme and motif, and why both are essential. Ideas and instructions on how to mind map your characters, plot, settings, themes-all the important elements of your story-and integrate them into your 12 pillars. In addition, you'll get 12 comprehensive "inspection checklists," each with 12 sets of deep, thought-provoking questions meant to ensure your pillars are truly strong enough to hold the weight of your story. You need to pass every inspection! Don't waste time trying to guess at novel structure. By using this concise, detailed blueprint, you can be sure you'll end up with a terrific novel-every time! The 12 Key Pillars of Novel Construction is part of The Writer's Toolbox Series of writing craft books for novelists. Be sure to get all of the books so you'll have your toolbox filled to the brim with the tools you need to write novels that readers will rave about!

The Hired Girl

The Hired Girl PDF Author: Laura Amy Schlitz
Publisher: Candlewick Press
ISBN: 076367818X
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 401

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Book Description
Fourteen-year-old Joan Skraggs chronicles her life in a journal when she leaves her family's farm in Pennsylvania to work as a hired girl in Baltimore in the summer of 1911.