Spotlight on...Writing Stuff

First, a heads up from ChristaCarol about an agent who is gifting writers with the chance to have their pitch critiqued. I submitted my paragraph in the growing number of comments, and am hoping I get chosen for a crit. Either way, it was fun, and reading others' descriptions of their mss was interesting too. Even if you aren't ready to start querying yet, it's a fun exercise that might help you get your book's plot down more concisely.

Since I'm in the mood for writing as the New Year and new opportunities loom, here are some tips from NYT best selling authors I heard speak at a conference about six months ago ~~

• Publisher's Lunch was recommended as a good site to join if you want to keep abreast of what's happening in the publishing world.
• Craft a "log line" or "tag line" for your novel. This is a short one-sentence blurb that gives agents/publishers a feel for your book immediately. [Example: "When Sally Met Harry meets the Hulk."]
• Especially if you're writing mystery or suspense, throw in a few red herrings, but don't forget to resolve them at some point. This adds depth and interest to your plot.
• Spoon feed your readers the back story slowly as you move forward instead of dumping too much right up front.
• If you're stuck in a scene, try brainstorming 10 things that could happen. This may reveal new paths to you.
• Having 3-5 scenes per chapter is a good rule of thumb.
• Never change the POV during a single scene.
• Make sure your characters aren't just talking heads. Move them from place to place and room to room.
• If possible, have an editor go over your ms before querying.
• Save the cliches for dialog.
• Not every line of dialog needs to have a tag ("he said," "she whispered," "Margo replied.")
• Always give your readers credit for being smart. You don't have to tell them the obvious.
• Your synopsis should be short and concise. Tell the story and get to the end. How do your characters survive and find resolution?
• Look at your writing business plan and make sure it provides for your future as a writer vs. a one book wonder.
• Even villains and bad girls need redeeming qualities.

Do you find these kind of random tips helpful? More good stuff later. Now, go have a great weekend!

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