Victoria Grefer's Blog, page 12

7 Different Types of Readers: Which Do You Write For?

Sometimes it feels like there are as many ways to read, and as many reading preference, as there are readers. We can read with a focus on learning or on entertainment. We can actively engage and question the text, or … Continue reading →

12 Fabulous Plot Resources for Novelists

One of the toughest things about writing a novel is plotting. No doubt about it. We’ve all struggled with plot ideas (at least, I know I have!) It’s been a while since I’ve hosted a guest post, so I’d love … Continue reading →

Three Things Authors Overlook When Writing Fiction

There are some tactics and tendencies writers tend to abuse–we talked about a handful last time–but there are also techniques and approaches that writers don’t take full advantage of. I’d love to start a discussion about some of those things … Continue reading →

Three Ways Authors Write in Excess (And How To Cut Back)

Today, I wanted to talk about four ways authors write in excess: that is, the techniques and words we all tend to exaggerate, overdo, and overuse, especially in first drafts. Let’s face it: if Thanksgiving taught us (well, me) anything … Continue reading →

Four Reasons Authors Should Embrace Their Writing Mistakes

After this month’s series of posts on common mistakes authors make with plot–everything ranging from plot holes to not making the “big” moment big enough–I realized that writing mistakes can be a scary thing for a writer, especially a fledgling … Continue reading →

Different Kinds of Plot Holes in Fiction

Is there anything an author fears more than the dreaded plot hole? Every time I write a first draft–every time– a part of me is terrified to take on my first read-through of the novel. What if I discover a … Continue reading →

Writing the “BIG MOMENT”: How to Make Sure You Don’t Build Readers Up to Let Them Down

Today, we continue our ongoing discussion about common plot issues by focusing on how authors sometimes mess up the “big moment” at the end…. the moment when everything culminates in a great showdown, or someone taking a huge risk for … Continue reading →

Authors: How much description is too much? Too little?

Authors: when plotting (whether by outlining or while writing) and when editing for content, have you found that one of the most difficult, most painful requirements is cutting out ideas, descriptions, and scenes that you personally love but just don’t … Continue reading →

On Pacing and Plot: Tips to Pace Your Creative Writing

Today, continuing a series of posts about trouble areas concerning plot in creative writing, I’d like to open a discussion about pacing plot development. About arranging events in the most effective way to tell your story. I’ve written two posts … Continue reading →

Authors: Can Plot and Coincidence Ever Work Together?

Today our ongoing discussion about plot, and the most invasive (yet common) plotting flaws, will focus on coincidences. Readers love to complain about them…. When your plot gets so convoluted that the only solution is a coincidence that’s too convenient, … Continue reading →