When All Else Fails… PLOT JUMPSTARTERS

When All Else Fails… PLOT JUMPSTARTERS

Feb 9, 2021 | On Writing

“When in doubt, have a man come through a door with a gun in his hand.” –Raymond Chandler Whether you outline first or simply plunge in by the seat of your pants, there may come a time when you realize your story engine is failing and you need a jumpstart, fast,...
The Organizing Principle, for Fun and Profit

The Organizing Principle, for Fun and Profit

Sep 22, 2020 | On Writing

One of the most often overlooked tools in the storyteller’s toolbox is the organizing principle. All kinds of stories can benefit from organizing principles—from memoir and literary fiction to creative nonfiction and genre fiction. An organizing principle is not the...
Stalking the Big Idea

Stalking the Big Idea

Jun 10, 2019 | On Writing

These days, it’s all about The Big Idea. That’s what publishers are looking for. Think Hollywood, with more words. As an agent, I hear this every day from editors: I really like this story, but…. …but it’s too quiet. …but it’s too old-fashioned. …but it’s too...

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