Fiction Writing – A Lifelong Learning Process
July 2013 Issue
By Donna J. Warner, Author/Editor, D.J. Warner Consulting
Recently, I read a comment by Angela Ackerman on writing
fiction that sums up the challenges we face as fiction authors. “Crafting a story is a bit like juggling – so
many elements must come into play at the right moment to put on an amazing show.”
In addition to attending writers’ conferences in Canada and
the U.S., including Crime Writers of Canada conferences, I’m always on the hunt
for useful writing resources.
Our writers’ group, Gloria Ferris, Donna Houghton, and
myself, have attended many of the fiction writing workshops hosted by book
editor, Brian Henry. He shares writing
tips on how to create a marketable manuscript and invites published authors or
literary agents as guests. We’ll be
attending the November 30th Guelph workshop where the topic is, “How
to Write a Best Seller” with New York Times #1 best-selling author, Kelly
Armstrong as the guest speaker. For details on this workshop or to subscribe to
Brian’s newsletter, click on:
During our July ‘Writers’ Retreat’ at my cottage on Sparrow
Lake, we reviewed the following very useful fiction writing tips:
Do’s:
Ø
Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View (POV)
by Jill Elizabeth Nelson http://www.amazon.ca/Rivet-Your-Readers-Point-ebook/dp/B007PUMQ1O
Ø
Gesturing --- Unspoken Dialogue and What is the
Difference Between Conversation and Dialogue?, by William Noble’s “Conflict,
Action, & Suspense” http://www.amazon.com/Elements-Fiction-Writing-Conflict-Suspense/dp/0898799074
Don’ts:
Ø
No-No’s For a Compelling Story, by Jodie Renner http://jodierennerediting.blogspot.ca/
Ø
Are These Filter Words Weakening Your Fiction?
By Suzannah Windsor Freeman http://writeitsideways.com/are-these-filter-words-weakening-your-fiction/ . A quick checklist to highlight and eliminate words that are considered "filters" that distract readers from your stories include these words: felt; look; see; noticed; was; think; perhaps; maybe; needless to say.
