“Good questions out rank easy answers.” — Paul Samuelson
by geralt
I’ve studied the craft of writing for a while now. Sometimes all the questions experts say I need to ask myself gets overwhelming.
by geralt
But the more I write, the less often I need to ask myself some of the questions. I finally know a grammar rule. Or I’ve gained a scene-enhancing habit. But some questions I’ll always need to ask myself.
For me, the most important question is: Have I consulted God, my Co-Author, today on what I am to write?
25 Common Questions From the Experts
- Who is my audience?
- Why would someone care about this story or character?
- Will my opening sentence or two hook my reader?
- What’s the event or incident that sends my character on her journey?
- What can my character do at the end that she couldn’t do in the beginning?
- Is my main character likeable?
- What are my characters’ goals, motivations, and conflicts for the story or for this scene?
- Are my secondary characters doing their jobs; are some unnecessary?
- Have I grounded my reader in the scene opening?
- Have I shown my character using her 5 senses?
- Is this sentence, paragraph, scene, chapter, or backstory necessary?
- Can I come up with a better phrase than this overused cliché?
- Is this the best word for what I’m saying?
- Is this sentence too complicated, verbose, or confusing?
- Have I ended my chapter with a hook to keep my reader reading?
- Does my character’s dialog sound fresh, seem consistent with his character, and move the story along?
- Have I cut out phrases that distance the reader from my character?
- Have I told the reader something I could have shown?
- Did this word exist during the time period of my story?
- Have I used too many words my readers will need to look up?
- Should I reconsider what my critique partner or editor suggested?
- Will this 15- or 25-word synopsis hook a potential editor or reader?
- Which plot points, sentences, or words should I cut out of my synopsis to meet the page requirement?
- Does my synopsis read enough like a story?
- Which editor should I employ to edit my manuscript?
Ask these questions as you write and up your chances of interesting an editor. Click to tweet.
by johnhain
Which of these questions do you need to ask yourself as you write?
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My first question is what is the Lie they believe about themselves? That will color their motivation.
Oooh, Ane, I forgot that one. Susie May Warren might frown that I did. Thanks for adding that.
Thank you for this great list, Zoe! 🙂
You’re welcome, MaryAnn, I’m glad you caught Ane’s comment.
Excellent poing, Ane! Thanks for mentioning it. 🙂
I meant “point”. 🙂 LOL! Sorry.
This is so important. I’m looking forward to taking your class Lies& Motivation Key to Great Character and Plots.
Your posts are always very helpful. Thank you, Zoe.
Thanks, David. Writing the posts is helpful to me.
I love this list, it covers just about everything. Thanks for giving us a really useful tool. Cheers
Thanks, Marilyn. Be sure to see the question Ane added in her comment.
What great questions. Thanks for the information.
You’re welcome. I appreciate that, Mary.
This is a useful list to use while critiquing others too.
I agree, Marcia. Deeper editing and suggestions.