Did you know that emotional intelligence is directly linked to personal and professional success? Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the way we perceive and cope with the emotions of others and ourselves. In other words, it improves a person’s social effectiveness. Individuals with high EI are more self-aware than others and report a higher… Continue Reading How Emotional Intelligence Helps You Enjoy Good Fiction »
Read MorePosts Categorized: writing fiction
Top 10 Author Stereotypes
Even though we’re told not to stereotype groups of people, we do it all the time. When someone mentions the word “attorney”” to you, a certain image probably pops up in your mind – typically a man with a briefcase and confident, almost dismissive, demeanor. But you and I both know that a great… Continue Reading Top 10 Author Stereotypes »
Read MoreDoes an Author Always Need to Please Readers?
Of course, as an author, I always hope my readers enjoy my books and that they feel satisfied with the final conflict resolution that comes about at the end of each story. If you’re an avid reader, you’re certain to be disappointed with the ending of a book written by one of your favorite authors… Continue Reading Does an Author Always Need to Please Readers? »
Read MoreThe Seven Habits of Great Writers
What does it mean to be a writer? Almost anyone who’s been through high school can write. But having a basic education, or even a Ph.D., doesn’t mean you can write well. Sure, to earn a Ph.D. in most areas of study, one must write countless academic papers and have a working knowledge of how… Continue Reading The Seven Habits of Great Writers »
Read MoreThings To Know About Chapter Length in Your Novel
Many fiction writers (especially early on in their careers) seem to agonize over chapter lengths. How long should each chapter run? Can I get away with a one-page chapter, or with a very lengthy one? I’m here to alleviate your fears and concerns by letting you in on a secret: there isn’t a perfect chapter… Continue Reading Things To Know About Chapter Length in Your Novel »
Read MoreOn JK Rowling, Pen Names, and Co-Authoring Books
All the controversy and hand wringing surrounding the JK Rowling pen name debacle got me to thinking about pen names. Did you realize that even before Rowling wrote The Cuckoo’s Calling as Robert Galbraith, she used a pen name? According to her website, her official name is Joanne Rowling, but she chose to write under… Continue Reading On JK Rowling, Pen Names, and Co-Authoring Books »
Read MoreSex, Crime, and Writing Great Fiction
I’ve written before about sex and violence in crime fiction, but this post isn’t about that…exactly. This time I want to write about how you can spot any number of “crimes” and “sexual indiscretions” by simply observing the happenings around you and in your community. If you take note of what you witness (i.e. write… Continue Reading Sex, Crime, and Writing Great Fiction »
Read MoreThe 10 Commandments of Transition
Given the changes in my own life, I’m always interested in transitions, especially when unplanned and unexpected, and how others deal with them. Coping with life transitions in a healthy way can make all the difference in a person’s quality of life and potential for future success. Depending upon your point-of-view, transitions can become more… Continue Reading The 10 Commandments of Transition »
Read MoreEverybody Talks – How to Write Convincing Dialogue
The difference between good dialogue and bad dialogue can mean the success or failure of a work of fiction. Whether you’re writing novels, short stories, a script or screenplay, convincing dialogue represents one of the biggest challenges for a writer. For readers, good dialogue contributes greatly to the overall reading experience. Bad dialogue? Well, you… Continue Reading Everybody Talks – How to Write Convincing Dialogue »
Read MoreThat Novel Won’t Write Itself – Writing to Finish
It took me 10 years to finish writing the first of my many crime novels. I like to say that I was a ten-year overnight success. I started writing Motion to Kill while still practicing law. Read about the serendipitous bit of conversation with one of my partners that got me to thinking about writing… Continue Reading That Novel Won’t Write Itself – Writing to Finish »
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