Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 149

4 Social Distancing Tips for Writers

Social distancing. That awkward state where extroverts are clingy and crabby because they don’t get to go anywhere and introverts wonder when they will find time to read. All joking aside, if you are anything like me, you are an introvert.  And we introverts are REALLY good at social distancing.  Maybe a little too good.  […]

Four Things Authors Can Do During the Coronavirus Outbreak

For the next 8 weeks, schools and most churches in my area will be closed because of the coronavirus.  Some employers have people working from home.  More will follow.  This means that lots of kids and adults are going to be at home and authors have had their school visits and book events canceled.  Here’s […]

When a Book Sends a Message without Preaching

Earlier this week, I read Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey.  I have to admit that I assumed it was a young adult novel and the main character a teen.  After all, Esther seemed like a sheltered teen floundering in the big, bad world.  But then I looked at the spine.  It is a library book so […]

Three Things You Need to Understand about “Bad” Books

Jane Friedman recently published a post on “bad books.”  You can check out her post, “4 Reasons to Spend Time with “Bad” Books,” here.  This is one of those posts that I’m writing not because she is wrong but simply because I have a different take on the topic. The first thing that you need […]

The Best Place to Write

One of my wrting buddies goes to the library to write.  She lives alone but her spoiled little dog won’t let her write. I don’t write well in the library.  It is just too distracting.  We have a quiet room but I still look up when people walk past me.  I am VERY easily distracted.  […]

Why Writers Need to Know the Bechdel-Wallace Test

You probably know that March  is Women’s Month but have you heard about the Bechdel-Wallace Test?  It is a test to determine how “female friendly” a movie is.  To pass, a movie has to have: At least least two women characters. The women talk to each other, ie interact in a positive way. And they […]

Three Ways to Avoid Dumbing Down Your Character

I’m not sure how this came up the other night at book club, but one of us remembered a comedy routine about the Amityville Horror. The comedian said that if his house said “Get out!” he would leave.  Right then.  And it would be the world’s shortest movie.  Why?  Because when blood is running down […]

Why You Need to Know about CCO Images?

How do you use social media?  Whether you spend time on Twitter or Facebook, Instagram or reading blogs, social media tends to be read and swipe.  You only have a few moments to catch someone’s attention.  One way to do that is with an amazing photo. Even if you can find the perfect photo online, […]

4 Things to Remember When Facing Feedback

Admit it. What you really want to hear when you give your critique group your manuscript to read is “we love it!” or “send it in!”  And when you send that piece to your editor?  “I’ve already sent it on.  You don’t need to change a thing.” Of course, I’m writing this after combing through […]

Three Ways to Tell Narrative Nonfiction from Informational Fiction

Narrative nonfiction tells a story that is 100% factual and true.  Informational fiction will have a significant amount of fact but it will also contain sections that are obviously fictional.  How do you tell them apart?  Here are three tests that you can apply. Impossible elements.  No matter how many facts you can glean from […]