Victoria Grefer's Blog, page 13
November 5, 2013
Five Critical Components of Any Successful Novel’s Plot
Today, I wanted to continue my plot series by introducing five of the toughest aspects of plotting. These are things that are rarely, if ever, good to get wrong. They are, in some ways, the “biggies” of plotting errors. They’re … Continue reading →
November 2, 2013
Connecting Subplots with Each Other and the Main Story Arc: How Can This Work?
Today’s post is all about subplots. Specifically, it’s about ways to connect subplots so that they fit together in a cohesive whole that supports, improves, and expands upon the major plot. We all know subplots have their place. And we … Continue reading →
October 29, 2013
What Makes A Plot Boring? How Can An Author Avoid Boring Readers?
Today I wanted to talk about plot, and specifically, what makes a plot boring. What makes a plot fail to engage. What things should an author keep in mind when developing plot: whether through an outline or by figuring out … Continue reading →
October 26, 2013
AUTHORS: Prepare For Negative Feedback From Your Non-Target Audience
At some point in our ongoing discussion about style and fiction, I knew I needed a post about reader response to style, because it’s such a tricky subject and so difficult to plan for. The most important points from today’s … Continue reading →
October 22, 2013
The Evolution of An Author’s Voice: How Does It Happen?
Style is so important to writing. When you, as an author, find your voice: that’s a magical moment. And that’s what I want to talk about today: how do you know when you have found your voice? Does a writer’s … Continue reading →
October 19, 2013
One Key to Good Style: Consistency
This week, I want to talk about style when it comes to creative writing. Style is one of those things that are hard to define, yet we all know style when we see it developed. Plot and character aside, style … Continue reading →
October 14, 2013
4 Fantastic Reasons to Sign Up for National Novel Writing Month
National Novel Writing Month hits us every November, and it is a wonderful opportunity for seasoned and new writers alike to pen a first draft of a new novel. Writing a novel (or 50,000 words of one that’s longer) in … Continue reading →
October 12, 2013
Authors and National Novel Writing Month: 4 Good Reasons NOT To Do NaNoWriMo
We’re approaching the second half of October, and that means one thing in the writing world: everyone is going crazy about National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo. Today, I wanted to talk about why I’m not doing it, why it’s … Continue reading →
October 8, 2013
SERIAL OFFENDER? Not likely! (The Most Fulfilling Reasons to Write Series Fiction)
Series fiction: one of the most wonderful reading experiences comes from that first book of the first series you fall in love with. You loved Nancy Drew, or Harry Potter and his friends, or the Boxcar Children, or the Babysitters … Continue reading →
October 5, 2013
Creative Writing Reflection: Suspense Gimmicks to Avoid
Continuing our current discussion about suspense, today’s post is all about when an author fails at crafting suspense. When does suspense turn gimmicky? Why does tension sometimes feel like bad writing, or make us shrug our shoulders in a “take … Continue reading →
