by Zoe M. McCarthy | Feb 2, 2017 | Writing
This is the second installment of 12 plot twist ideas, examples, and the expected questions readers will have. See Part 1 for more ideas and examples. Twist Ideas, Examples & Readers’ Questions Betrayed by an oh-so-helpful friend. Hero’s friend helps him cruise...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Jan 19, 2017 | Writing
First off, remember from Part 1 that setting encompasses such elements as place, time, culture, technology, geography, and weather. Thus, you must decide whether any real setting can work for your story. Of course, fantasy and sci-fi novels need extensive fictional...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Jan 5, 2017 | Writing
Enlist Outside Help 1. Interview an author in your genre. 2. Post readers’ contributions (reviews, a book-related how-to, or their takeaway from yours or other authors’ books). Employ By-Products 3. Share handouts from your speaking engagements. 4. Include book...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Dec 15, 2016 | Blogging, Writing
When we start a blog, we’re told we need to write about something we can sustain over time. Have you written so many blog posts it seems like you’ve covered everything in your field of interest? I’m on my 206th how-to blog post, but I’m still able to find ideas for...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Dec 8, 2016 | Writing
Whether you write in first, second, or third person, you can increase intimacy between reader and character by writing in deep point of view* (DPOV). Tip 1: In DPOV, we see, smell, hear, feel, and taste only what the POV character (POVC) senses. We’re privy to only...