Writing Craft Vol. 3: Who’s telling the story?

We will talk more later about points of view in Writing Craft, Volume 4: Keeping the Reader Trapped In Your Story. But I do need to address a few points about creating point of view characters, because they are vital to how you write setting! You can’t write setting without a point of view character …

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Process Post: Where is the story set in place and time?

I don’t know what the deal is, but I’ve been in several knock-down arguments with other writers about naming the places in their settings.  Like, I’ll be lazy and not name a setting location sometimes. (I often forget to name POV characters, too; I don’t go around thinking, “My name is DeAnna” on a moment-by-moment …

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Writing Craft Vol. 3: Where is the story set in place and time?

(This section is about the type of setting that you’re probably used to, the place and time. I didn’t put it first; I put the “reality” and “rules” of the story first. But these two types of setting usually work together inseparably, so don’t hesitate to juggle as your particular story warrants!) What’s more important, …

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Process Post: Reader Check-Ins

I’m second-guessing myself: should I include more information on how to write reader check-ins or not?  At first you have to think about writing reader check-ins. It doesn’t necessarily come naturally.  You: “I just want to tell the story!” Reader (eventually): “It’s a great story but it’s not for me…” You: [Sobbing] It seems like …

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Writing Craft Vol. 3: Reader Check-Ins

(Sorry, I really thought I was going to get to prologues. I did not.  Not even close.) Every time the author stops the current forward momentum of the plot to explain something, describe the setting, give context, or give backstory, we’re going to call that a “reader check-in.” It’s like the author is saying, “In …

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Writing Craft Vol. 3: How Real is the Story & Story Openings

We are back to Writing Craft Volume 3! Apologies – work went nuts after my boss got fired, and then *I* got laid off! Aieee! But the real reason is that I struggle to be confident about my writing techniques. As one does.  Welcome to new folks! Let me know if you need anything or …

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