Do you ever weary of all the do’s and don’ts of writing a novel? I do. Sometimes I get so bogged down with the “rules” and guidelines I end up writing something that doesn’t work. But in the end, it all forms together to create the novel I do end up sending to my editor. Nothing written for a novel is never wasted. Every word becomes a layer and texture of the ultimate story. On my latest novel, I learned a valuable lesson. Reading. Shocker, right? Y’all are rolling your eyes, moaning, “Gee whiz, Rachel, and you have fifteen novels published!? Where’s the justice?”Simmer down. I know reading is important. I’ve always read. Let me be more specific. Reading for research. I do a ton of research for my novels. […]
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Quick Skills: Genre makes you a better writer
I’ve written 35 books. Many of them have been on the best-seller list. A number have won awards. And at least half are….romance. When I get to that last sentence, whatever literary cred I’ve earned with the first three statements seems to vanish. “You write Romance?” someone will ask, (as if they haven’t heard me) and sometimes add an accompanying look of…disdain? Disappointment? As if writing romance is somehow less highbrow than general fiction. I hate the assumption that general fiction is better written. Hogwash. Words are words, and the truth is, writing fabulous genre fiction is harder than general fiction. You have to stand out in a category with your words while delivering a plot that follows the genre constructs. General fiction can be wonderful…or it can be a […]
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A Love Affair with Your Dream, Part One: Once is Not Enough
I once heard a story of a woman who felt her husband of thirty years no longer loved her. For weeks she worked up the courage to confront her mate. Finally she broached the subject. When she accused him of failing love, her husband’s eyes flew open wide and his jaw dropped. “I told you I loved you when we got married,” he defended. “If I ever change my mind, I’ll let you know.” That might work in some remote corner of the universe, but definitely not in our galaxy, and especially not in the Valentine’s Day month. In order for the flame of love to stay alive, you must nurture it. Fan the flame. Tell your lover and show them in tangible ways every day that they are in […]
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From the Inside…Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you! By Susan May Warren
Have you always wanted to write a novel, but didn’t know where to start? This book is for you. With proven techniques, easy to understand explanations and practical steps, From The Inside…Out will teach you how a story is structured then take you through the process of creating and marketing your novel. Topics include: Character-driven plotting, How to HOOK your reader, The elements and flow of SCENES, How to build STORYWORLD, Secrets to Sizzling Dialogue, Proven Self-Editing techniques, Synopsis and Query letter writing, How to manage your writing career …and everything in between! BUY Now: From the Inside-Out: Discover, Create and Publish the Novel in You
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