While rules and techniques are not written in stone, most of the basic guidelines of fiction stem from logic and an understanding of dramatic structure. We've included a handy list that you can print for your writing toolbox.
Sometimes the antagonist isn’t as important as the protagonist; in some stories, the antagonist is a threat so potent that he/she shapes the trajectory and tone of the story. But let me clarify before we go further. Jessica
Plan for overall tone and mood from the get-go: ATMOSPHERE says, Jessica Morrell. She has been giving a lot of thought to why certain novels are bestsellers, what works and what doesn’t quite work. Click here to find out about her findings and to read her insightful writing advice.
Jessica Morrell reads, analyzes author techniques, and builds lists of nouns and verbs. She scribbles and underlines each and every article she reads to study the tools of writing. And she shares what she has learned with us!
Fiction and memoir writers need to be omnivorous–searching out classics and bestsellers, prizewinners and Goodreads favorites–reading widely, and analyzing with an eye for structure and arcs. And they need to analyze movies and read screenplays for storytelling techniques.
If you’ve been writing awhile, you know that action scenes don’t come easy. Jessica Morrell has some ideas for you.
Here is the second half of a two-part series on How to Write a Synopsis. The first part deals with synopsis development and this second part will discuss the mechanics of a synopsis.
A book synopsis completes a sales package that includes the synopsis, the book's first three chapters, and a letter of introduction that goes out to literary agents, publishers, and acquisition editors. Top-tier editor, Jessica Morrell, shares her insight and tips.
C. Anderson suggests this new Editing Tool! Now you can edit your work by listening to it on a phone, in your car, or send it to a friend for a critique.
Jessica is known for explaining the hows and whys of what makes for excellent writing and for sharing very clear examples that examine the technical aspects of writing that emphases layering and subtext. Her books on writing craft are considered “a must have” for any serious writer’s toolkit.