How to Write Pulp Fiction (Bell on Writing)

by James Scott Bell

The 1970s brought the biggest pulp genre of all—category romance—to the fore.

1. Unusual opening incident 2. Complete character conflicts 3. Some emotional appeal 4. Some unusual slant of characters and situation 5. All stock situations eliminated Make genuine reader suspense in which she doesn't know what will happen next and is surprised either by (A) what does happen; (B) the way in which it happens.

DON'T TELL ABOUT IT***Show how the thing looked. This is one of the secrets of writing; never tell the reader—show him. (He trembles, roving eyes, slackened jaw, and such.) MAKE THE READER SEE HIM.