Writing Process

I'm still working on revisions. In order to get a better feeling of setting as a character, I researched small CA towns, and came up with a composite of three. I want Hannigan's Cove to feel as real as the town you live in.
I'm working on action tags, description, and the five senses. I realize that some plot additions are necessary. For most writers, the process of creating is not a one-time through, but a "layering" of the different elements that make a good story. Don't feel like your first draft has to be perfect. It won't be, unless you're a genius beyond anything that's been seen in the literary world to date. Enjoy each step.

Life's Little Adjustments

When I first started this blog, it was about "Life's Little Adjustments." When something happens to someone we love, our creativity takes a dive. Since we can't worry constantly, we have to find a way to keep this person in our heart and prayers, and still function ourselves. I'm rewriting my latest book, and trying to learn all about marketing. This will keep me going while my loved one mends.

50th High School Reunion

My 50th high school reunion is coming up. I'll continue this blog in case old friends try to get in touch. Speaking of old friends, we were going to talk about characters again. Characters are the main reason readers like to read. When I'm writing, those people are real. They're going about their daily lives, just like the rest of us, and I need to finish their story so they can find true happiness. That's the way you have to think about the characters in your story. The writer has to know way more about the people who populate his/her books than is revealed to the reader. Know your characters before you begin.

In a Galaxy Far Far Away

Okay, we've finished with the Revision tips, but I have no feedback whether these tips are helping anyone, or going into outer space. Anyone out there? Anyone?

The Final Five Tips on Revision

16.    Cut every nonessential dialogue tag.
17.    Eliminate everything you're not sure of.
18.    READ THE DRAFT ALOUD and listen for awkward and repetitious words, faulty rhythm.
19.    Proofread for clarity, consistency, grammar, punctuation, economy.
20.    You owe it to your characters to do justice to their lives.