Writing

What is an Alpha or Beta Reader?

Writers often pass their work on to people they trust for feedback and suggestions.  Stephen King and other experienced novelists have developed a system for revising and gaining feedback that works for them.  Each writer must develop his or her own process. While each writer or author will define the terms for themselves, here are some generally... [continue reading]

Details: How Much Do You Know?

Historical writing requires research if you wish to maintain some level of accuracy.  Fantasy writing often takes place in a setting similar to medieval Europe, and the research you do can enhance the tidbits you give your readers.  Writing a piece set in any age in the past might require a little research.  Writing a piece set in the future is... [continue reading]

Settings: The Big Picture

Continuing the series of using images to provide detail for your writing, we’ll look at settings today.  As a reminder, these are absolutely not necessary, but can be helpful in keeping things straight in your mind or providing those unconscious details that enrich your prose. Where do your characters hang out?  Do you have a good idea of their... [continue reading]

Character Art & Images

At the very beginning of character creation, things are not always the same.  Sometimes I have a very good idea of what a character looks like.  Sometimes I don’t.  Often, I have an idea of their appearance, but might not know how they move.   A sense of height, color, arresting features…as if glimpsed from the corner of my eye…is... [continue reading]

Publishing: Electronic Publishing

Electronic publishers (EPubs) are companies who purchase manuscripts for electronic publishing formats. EPubs accept submissions the same way traditional publishing houses do. They work with authors on edits and revisions, create cover art, produce formats for various electronic readers and software, and market their books on line. They are in the... [continue reading]

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