First Impressions with First Lines

Once upon a time. . . it was tradition to begin a story with those words. Today, making first impressions with first lines is a skill all authors need. Today’s reader will accept the “once upon a time” opening only for a certain type of story. Other types of stories need a different style of… Continue reading First Impressions with First Lines

Taking A Risk

A nib of a Parker-Duofold-Pinstripe International fountain pen, © Parker Pens, CC

My online friend, Asrai Devin, wrote a post last week about a contestrunning on Men with Pens: The Best Online Writing Contest. Two people will win a place as a student in the May edition of the Damn Fine Words writing course. (Retail value $1,599.) We’re taking a risk. How about you? All you have… Continue reading Taking A Risk

Putting the Pieces Together

Part 8: Revisioning Your Story Wow.  It’s been a long haul, but you’ve analyzed your story for seven long lessons, from Character Goals to Plot Twists to the End and the Beginning. Now it’s time for putting the pieces together.  Finally, it’s time to fix it.  What?  You’re worried that you can’t fix it or… Continue reading Putting the Pieces Together