As an author, the less you say, the better. Strunk and White ring this bell in Rule 17 — omit needless words. But what if your theme eludes description? Novelist Jennifer DuBois provides an example of what to do in her Word Craft column from last Saturday: In the middle of a novel about music […]
Tag: writing
Seven Things I’ve Learned About Writing Fiction (from The Hunger Games)
(1) Tension. Something’s not right about all this. (2) Respect. A strong, competent hero. (3) Empathy. Characters I care for. (4) Conflict. Most of these characters are in mortal danger. (5) Enemies. Opposition that is believable and overwhelming. (6) Romance. Between characters I’m rooting for, but with plenty of #1, above. (7) Resolution? Wrap things […]
Seven Things I’ve Learned About Persuasive Writing
(1) Keep it personal. This is a conversation, not an announcement. (2) Show respect. Assume a reader more intelligent than yourself. (3) Be honest. Never resort to hype. (4) Make your point. Why does this matter? (5) Allow yourself to feel. Speak to the mind and heart. Identify with your reader. (6) Write visually. Evoke […]
