Janice Hardy's Blog, page 17

WIP Diagnostic: Is This Working? A Closer Look at a Historical Fiction First Page

Critique by Maria D'Marco

WIP Diagnostics is a weekly column that studies a snippet of a work in progress for specific issues. Readers are encouraged to send in work with questions, and we diagnose it on the site. It’s part critique, part example, and designed to help the submitter as well as anyone else having a similar problem.

If you're interested in submitting to WIP Diagnostics, please check out these guidelines. 

Submissions currently in the queue: Six

Please Note: As of today, critique slots are booked through September 25.

This week’s question:

Does this opening scene work?

Market/Genre: Historical Fiction

On to the diagnosis…
Continue ReadingWritten by Janice Hardy. Fiction-University.com

A 9-Step Plotting Path to a Stronger Novel

By Ann Harth, @Annharth 
Part of the How They Do It Series
JH: There are as many ways to plot as there are to write. Ann Harth shares a character-focused process that helps her visualize her novel's plot.
Ann Harth writes fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. Strong, interesting female characters creep into many of her books, and many arrive with a sense of humor. She taught writing for the Australian College of Journalism for eight years before taking the leap into freelance writing and structural editing work.

Ann has had a number of fiction and non-fiction children’s books published in Australia and the UK and over 130 short stories sold internationally. When not tapping the keys, Ann stuffs a notebook into her pack and searches for remote places to camp, hike or explore.
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | 
Take it away Ann...
Continue ReadingWritten by Janice Hardy. Fiction-University.com

Creating Creatures for Speculative Worlds

E. J. Wenstrom, @EJWenstrom

Part of the How They Do It Series

JH: The creatures that inhabit our novels should make sense and feel as real as our worlds. E.J. Wenstrom shares tips on how to create creatures that enhance our story.
E. J. Wenstrom believes in complicated heroes, horrifying monsters, purple hair dye and standing to the right on escalators so the left side can walk. She writes dark speculative fiction for adults and teens, including her new release, a young adult dystopian novel titled Departures . When she isn’t writing fiction, E J. Wenstrom is a regular contributor to DIY MFA and BookRiot, and co-hosts the FANTASY+GIRL Podcast.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Newsletter | Podcast

Take it away EJ…
Continue ReadingWritten by Janice Hardy. Fiction-University.com

Want a Tighter Point of View? Ditch the Filter Words in Your Novel

By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy

If you’re using filter words in your writing, you might be inadvertently shoving readers out of your story.

No matter who your narrator is—a tight first person or an omniscient third—readers see the novel through their eyes. Sometimes this filter is invisible and readers don't notice any narrative distance between them and the point of view character. Other times, the filters are obvious and readers feel the wall between them and the characters. One narrative style looks through the eyes of the point of view character, the other looks at the point of view character.

Readers (and writers) have a variety of tastes when it comes to narrative distance and point of view. Some readers want to be inside a character’s head and part of the action, and some prefer to sit outside the action and watch. Where you put your narrator affects how the novel reads, and filter words—or lack thereof—helps you position that narrator.
Continue ReadingWritten by Janice Hardy. Fiction-University.com

WIP Diagnostic: Is This Working? A Closer Look at Drawing Readers into Your Novel

Critique by Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy

WIP Diagnostics is a weekly column that studies a snippet of a work in progress for specific issues. Readers are encouraged to send in work with questions, and we diagnose it on the site. It’s part critique, part example, and designed to help the submitter as well as anyone else having a similar problem.

If you're interested in submitting to WIP Diagnostics, please check out these guidelines. 

Submissions currently in the queue: Seven

Please Note: As of today, critique slots are booked through September 25.

This week’s questions:

1. Does this work?

2. Would a reader want to read on and find out what happens next?

Market/Genre: Science Fiction Political Thriller

On to the diagnosis…
Continue ReadingWritten by Janice Hardy. Fiction-University.com

3 Mixed-Up Writing Goofs You Might Be Making

By Aly Brown, @AlyConnerBrown

Part of the How They Do It Series 

JH: Using the wrong word in our writing is not only embarrassing, but can hurt our novel's chances at success. Aly Brown shares a few tips on how to remember these often-goofed words.

Aly Brown is a newspaper editor and author represented by BookEnds LLC. She recently inked a deal with Feiwel & Friends / Macmillan for a nonfiction middle grade book on Alvin Submersible called The Last Unexplored Place on Earth. Release date 2023.

Website | Twitter | Grammar Chicken
Take it away Aly...
Continue ReadingWritten by Janice Hardy. Fiction-University.com

A Guide for Writing Strong Female Characters

By Bethany Henry

Part of The How They Do It Series

JH: Representation in fiction leads to a more inclusive society. Bethany Henry shares ways to write strong female characters, as well as harmful pitfalls to avoid.

Bethany Henry writes fantasy novels, and blogs about writing and wellness at bethany-henry.com. When not writing, she can often be found on the frisbee field, drinking tea, or reading picture books with her two little girls. Sign up for her email list for weekly posts on writing craft—along with fun extras like quotes and freebies.  

Website | Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Email List

Take it away Bethany...Continue ReadingWritten by Janice Hardy. Fiction-University.com

Let's Get Creative and Write From the Heart (Two Free Workshops This Week)

A quick heads up about two free events this week.
If you're a subscriber, you already know about this, but if not...I'm participating in Write From the Heart, a free two-day writing workshop Thursday and Friday.

And from Wednesday to Friday, there's also a free creativity conference (I'm not part of this one, just passing along the info).

Write From the Heart: August 5 - 6, 3pm EST
You’ll learn how to cultivate a writing practice that not only works for you, but feels nourishing. You’ll dive in and learn how to listen to the heart of your story--and how to translate that pulse onto the page.

Plus, some practical tips on how to:
heal writer’s blockcreate healthy writing habits embody your characters create emotionally resonant scenesand include a handful of must-have scenes You'll also get my workshop on Developing Stronger Internal Conflicts in Your Novel

Over two days, eleven experts will help you reorient your writing practice, cultivate your authentic voice, and align you with the heart of your story--all so you can create and finish the book you were born to write!

Grab your complimentary ticket here.  The workshops will be recorded and a replay will be available for 72 hours after the event. 


The Creativity Conference: August 4 - 6
Creatives from around the world are invited to join us on a journey of exploration to explore the essence of creativity in all its forms. Together, we will search for that elusive moment in which something truly original is brought into the world.

Explore these ideas in 72 online presentations and panels, and 3 keynotes with musicians, dancers, designers, photographers, filmmakers, fine artists, authors, and more. We will learn about the impact of technology, the purpose of poetry, inspiring environments, and extraordinary creative tools.​

Register here.

Both events are free. 

Written by Janice Hardy. Fiction-University.com

The Benefits of a DIY Personal Writer’s Retreat

By Jodi Turchin, @jlturchin

Part of The Writer's Life Series

JH: Getting away from your regular writing routine can shake up your muse and boost your productivity. Jodi Turchin shares tips on how to create your own writing retreat.

Jodi Turchin is a Young Adult novelist represented by Dawn Frederick at Red Sofa Literary. She’s also a photographer, a high school English teacher, an adjunct college professor, and a former actress and director.

Website | Twitter

Take it away Jodi…

Continue ReadingWritten by Janice Hardy. Fiction-University.com

Don’t Let These Plotting Errors Knock Your Novel Off Track

By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy

Here are five common plotting mistakes to avoid when writing a novel.

Plots are tricky things. They ought to be easy, since they’re just the steps characters go through to resolve a novel’s conflict, but for a lot of writers, those steps are loaded with traps and pitfalls. These writers have no trouble creating deep, fascinating characters and crafting compelling character arcs for them, but how they get those characters from Point A to Point B mystifies them.

Plotting doesn’t come naturally to all writers, same as developing characters, world building, or writing snazzy dialogue. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Once we identify (and accept) what we’re weak at, we can work on improving those areas and paying a little more attention to them in early drafts.

When plotting, it helps to remind yourself that a plot is the series of events that illustrate a story. It’s not the theme, the characters, the character arc, or the idea behind the novel—just what the characters actually do.
Continue ReadingWritten by Janice Hardy. Fiction-University.com