Archive:
Fiction
Do you start your novel with a Prologue? Or do you dive right into Chapter One? The choice can determine whether readers are drawn in or never get past the first page. I lean away from a Prologue whenever possible. When I do use one, it’s only because there’s backstory the reader cannot do without. […]
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Redemption has always been a popular theme, especially in—though not limited to—the Inspirational market. However, redemption arcs can easily fall victim to cliché or become artificial constructs designed to put a character in a good light as your story wraps up. Done wrong, they come off planted, cheap, and undeserved. However, crafted effectively, the redemption […]
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As novelists, our job is to create a story that captivates readers from the get-go. Literary devices such as metaphor, irony, backstory, et al, can help readers better understand, feel, or see a greater meaning to a piece of writing. But with many literary devices to choose from, how do you best use them? Subtly. […]
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