Yeah, I know. Revision is a complex, recursive thing, and it doesn’t really fit neatly into steps. You can’t help but fix spelling errors at the same time you’re looking at larger issues of plot and character. Nevertheless, if you make an effort to take your revisions one level of complexity at a time, you’ll…
Author Archives: Bruce Hale
Essential Self-Promotion for Writers
“What? It’s not enough that I spent three years writing this book — now I have to promote it?” That’s how many of us react when faced with the realities of the marketplace. These days, it’s not “publish or perish,” it’s “promote or perish.” Bad news for those of us who became writers so we…
How For Talk Pretty – Three Essential Dialog Tips
“How the heck do I write really, really, really good dialog?” she queried quizzically. “You don’t know?” quoth he. “Nay,” she stated sadly, “and it’s really bumming me out.” Dialog writing holds pitfalls aplenty. There are so many ways we can stumble (witness the example above), it’s a wonder we ever get it right. But…
Sure-Fire Tips for Your First-Pass Revision
Say you’ve finished the first, grueling draft of your story, and you’re taking a well-deserved breather. Congratulations! Now begins the real work. How to approach the revision of that initial messy draft? First, get a perspective check. When you’re too close to your manuscript, you’ll experience story myopia. Both the faults and strengths are out…
How Can Humor Help My Story?
It’s no secret that kids love to laugh. (Adults, too.) And as a consequence, funny stories always rank high on editors’ “must have” lists. If you possess a knack for writing humor, you’re well on your way to winning editors’ (and readers’) hearts. But say you’re not the world’s greatest joke writer. Should you still…