Our writers’ group, myself, Gloria Ferris, and Donna
Houghton, have attended many of the writing workshops hosted by fiction editor
and instructor, Brian Henry (quick-brown-fox-workshops.blogspot.com). His last Saturday’s author guest topped my list
of most interesting and informative workshop guests.
Kelley’s (www.kelleyarmstrong.com)
presentation highlighted aspects to consider when plotting and pacing your
fiction manuscript. See below for
some of the discussion points covered:
· * Write effective chapter
endings to hook readers to want to keep reading;
·
* Be selective about how much description is in
each scene;
·
* Get to the action – no need to describe each
movement of your characters, e.g. Do you care how many times they visit the
washroom?
·
* Be cognizant of the low points and high points
of your story;
· * Show, Don’t Tell readers what is happening and
don’t recap an action scene;
· * Make sure all content either advances the plot
or is critical to describing a character’s personality or physical
characteristics;
·
* Don’t interrupt an action scene with a flashback
or narrative that breaks the tension of the scene. If flashbacks are required, do it either
before or after the action scene.
· * Avoid including large sections of
description. Give readers bits and
pieces of necessary description.
In addition, Kelley generously shared information on her
writing process, how she manages the creative aspects and business demands
of being a published author, and some commercial aspects of the
publishing sector.
Whether you are a published fiction author or heading in
that direction, I would recommend you attend any workshop where Kelley is guest
author.
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Kelley Armstrong signing Donna Warner's copy of, "Bitten"
