Writing Tips

In 2012, Suzanne blogged one writing tip each week. Many include “Do it now” exercises. Enjoy!

Nuts and Bolts

• Beginnings
• The Long and Slow Trudge Through the Middle
• Elusive Endings
• Twisting and Turning
• Character Description
• Character Traits and Consistency
• Editing Part One – 10 Point Checklist
• Editing Part Two – Dialogue
• Time as the Healer of All Slights
• Using the Five Senses
• Point of View (POV) Part One – Definitions
• Point of View (POV) Part Two – Examples
• Finding Your Voice
• Theme
• Titles
• Following the Rules
• Breaking the Rules
• Comedy Is Hard
• Critiques Part One – The What
• Critiques Part Two – The Stop-Watch is Your Friend
• Rejection: The Necessary Evil
• Persistence

Novels

• Ten Reasons Why I Hate Novel Submissions
• The Query Letter
• The Synopsis
• NaNoWriMo: A Primer

Tools of the Trade

• Submission Trackers
• Market Listings
• The Blog as a Promotional Tool
• Writers’ Groups
• Collaboration: Salvation or Torture?
• Plot Noodling
• Writing on the Run
• Living in the Shrubs
• Saying No

Motivation and Inspiration

• Inspiration
• Deadlines
• Writing Resolutions
• Establishing the Habit
• Quarterly Tune-Ups
• Back To School Touchstone
• Recommended Books on Writing
• Reading Is as Writing Does
• Caring for Your Instrument
• Mowing the Lawn
• Music and the Writer
• Five Ways to Write During the Holidays

The Business Side

• Shamesless Self Promotion
• Chapbooks as Self-Promotional Tools
• Reading Aloud With Impact
• Conventions
• Tax Tips for the Working Writer
• Using Polls