Show, Don't Tell

June 3, 2009

Whether you are new to writing or have been around the block a few times, you've probably heard the writers' mantra: "Show, don't tell." Unfortunately, most how-to books don't do a very good job of explaining exactly how to go about showing rather than telling.

Holly Lisle recently created a terrific little video demonstrating the "show, don't tell" maxim in action. She walks viewers through the process using before-and-after examples to improve a sample piece of writing. If you enjoy this video, check out her Writer Crash Test site for more videos about writing.

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There's something exciting about getting a gun for your birthday. Cold, hard steel molded into a sleek and deadly form. What's not to like?

Some women prefer clothes and jewelry. I am not one of those women.

For my birthday, Larry hooked me up with the perfect gun for concealed carrying — a Ruger LCP, ultra-light and compact enough to slip into a pocket.

I already own an H&K USP Compact .40 pistol, which I love and would recommend to anyone, but it's a bit too heavy to carry every day. It's also too bulky to conceal easily, especially here in hot, sunny Florida where a jacket or overcoat would look conspicuous. I wanted something smaller and lighter, and the LCP is a perfect fit.

I'm not a weapons fanatic and not a violent person by any means, but the time I've spent practicing at the firing range has helped me gain a better understanding of firearm safety and usage, which in turn gives me a stronger foundation for writing stories with gun-toting characters.

Over the past couple of years, Larry and I have unintentionally established a tradition of giving weapons to each other for [click to read more...]

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Having the discipline to write every day

May 20, 2009

Every writer has her own style and approaches writing differently. Some write in an office while others write at the corner coffee shop. Some have time to write non-stop for hours each day, while others can squeeze in only an hour here and there. Some have a strict routine while others take up their pen [...]

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How to Create Realistic Characters With Depth

May 5, 2009

Clustering is a simple brainstorming method you can use in a variety of ways. Its biggest benefit is that it helps you push past your analytical mind and reach into your subconscious mind for ideas that resonate on a deeper level. A single clustering session can produce dozens of great ideas.
In The New Diary, where [...]

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