by valeriedavisson | Jul 25, 2016 | Writing Process
QUESTION: “How many points of view can my novel have?” ANSWER: “As many as you can handle…well.” That last word is the kicker. The skilled author of an epic, historic novel could let us get inside 20 different characters’ heads, but...
by valeriedavisson | Jul 14, 2016 | Writer's Life, Writing Process
DO I NEED AN EDITOR? Good question. Short answer? It depends. Are you self-publishing or looking for an agent? How much help does your manuscript need? (There are many levels of editing-each with different costs) Before you even think about hiring an editor, do what...
by valeriedavisson | Jul 13, 2016 | Writing Process
LESS IS MORE. Words to live by, particularly when writing dialogue. In her article, How Not to Use Speaker Tags and Action Beats, K. M. Weiland gives some good tips on keeping your dialogue brief, to the point, and moving your story forward. Another great resource:...
by valeriedavisson | Jul 9, 2016 | Writing Process
UNTIL MY FIRST BOOK WAS PROFESSIONALLY EDITED, I’d never heard of head hopping, and definitely didn’t know it was a sin. If you’re not sure whether you’re doing it…read on! So what is head hopping and why should you avoid it? Head hopping...
by valeriedavisson | Jul 3, 2016 | Writer's Life, Writing Process
LET YOUR MIND OUT TO PLAY by adding some non-fiction to the mix. Don’t get stuck reading only your genre. You will be surprised how getting away from your computer for a few hours or days, letting your brain climb around the jungle gym of new ideas will freshen...
by valeriedavisson | Jun 23, 2016 | Writer's Life, Writing Process
Cram-packed Writers Page session last night – explored Creating Characters, Memoir, Plot, and Non-Fiction structures, and got started on Dialogue – FUN! Discussions were intelligent, lively, and participants covered all ages and genres – from young...
A self-admitted book addict, Valerie was the kid with the flashlight under her pillow. A life of travel with exposure to many different cultures led to a pervasive interest in people, with degrees & teaching credentials in Cultural Anthropology & English.