Archive:
Fiction
Publishing a children’s book in today’s extremely competitive market can be tough. And because most such books require four-color illustrations, they are also the most expensive to print — though most publishers have this done overseas. You might think it’s easier to write children’s books because they’re shorter than adult novels. Well, they might not […]
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You’ll find loads of advice to help you find a great novel idea, start writing, and push through what I call the Marathon of the Middle. But you may not find as much on how to end a story, though that’s every bit important. Of my more than 200 published books, more than two-thirds have […]
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If it’s true that conflict is the engine of fiction—and I believe it is—what is the best way to inject it into your fiction? By introducing a worthy, effective antagonist. What is an Antagonist? It’s your villain, and every good story needs one. While some would argue that certain nonhuman elements, like the weather or […]
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Stories without conflict, where the main character faces zero opposition, fail because they bore readers. In real life, harmony and agreement are worthy goals that produce a harmonious existence. But such is no recipe for stories that captivate readers. Readers love conflict. It’s the engine of compelling fiction. Conflict creates tension, and tension keeps readers […]
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You’ve got a great story idea you’re confident can become a page turner. This is the one that won’t leave you alone. Every time you think or speak of it, you embellish it. Now what? Plan your story like you’d plan a vacation — you wouldn’t leave home without an idea of where you’re headed, […]
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