by Zoe M. McCarthy | Mar 3, 2016 | Writing
“Every novel needs a narrative engine, a reason for people to keep reading to the end, whatever the subject, style, genre or approach.” —Lee Child Something was missing from my romance. Through prayer and research, I realized I hadn’t created enough suspense in my...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Feb 18, 2016 | Writing
“Flip Dictionary takes you from a “meaning” you are aware of to the “word” you need.” —Barbara Ann Kipfer, Ph.D. In a scene, my character senses a reverent atmosphere, but I didn’t want to use atmosphere. I couldn’t summon the word I wanted. Microsoft Word’s...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Feb 11, 2016 | Writing
“I look for ways to purposely write myself into corners and then use them to my advantage.” —Steven James (Writer’s Digest July/August 2015) While writing a scene, I realized it was turning into a cliché for a Christmas story. Snow falls and the couple builds a...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Jan 14, 2016 | Writing
“I needed a change of scenery in order to continue writing my third novel. A big move … from one side of the family room to the other.” —Amy Sue Nathan (Writers Digest July/August 2015)We writers pen our works from such places as a corner in the family room, a coffee...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Dec 10, 2015 | Writing
“Avoid on-the-nose writing.” —Jerry JenkinsHere’s a passage from a book published in the 20’s: The Marriage of Barry Wicklow by Ruby M. Ayres. It contains 7 problems that bog the story for today’s reader. I’ve superscripted instances with the problem...
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