. . . more readin’ and writin’. Periodically, we are reminded that we must be readers if we want to be good writers. Is this true? What do you think? • What inspired you to write in the first place? Was it a really good book? Was it a story you knew you could write better? • What do you learn from reading another author’s works? Do you recognize that writer’s distinctive style? Can you find his or her voice? • Does reading a good book make you want to sit down and write? Whether yes or no, why? • Who is your favorite author? Why? What do that author’s works teach you about great writing? • What is your genre? Why did you choose to write in that one? Do you read books in your genre? in other genres? • Do you have a message you want to convey to your readers when you sit down to write? How do you incorporate it into your story without being preachy? How do the authors whose works you read do it? Writing is so much more than committing words to paper, and the effec...

You’re sitting at your computer, hands poised on the keyboard. You’ve planned your story, done your character sketches and outline, and know exactly what will happen and how it will end. But where does it start? You look at the row of question marks on the first line of your outline. You didn’t know where to begin when you created it, and you don’t know now. Or, for the fifth time, you’ve rewritten a tense scene that’s pivotal to the story, but it still lies flat on the page. All the elements are there, but it doesn’t sing. And it won’t hook a reader. Now what? The ability to write is a talent. The ability to write well is an acquired skill. How do you move from one to the other? Taking a writing class offers possibilities, particularly when it comes to grammar skills. The downside, however, might be a one-size-fits-all approach that can inhibit rather than foster creativity. A writing group offers a forum for brainstorming and inspiration. The critiquing process, if handled wi...

'Tis Halloween when all things go bump in the night - except your writing, of course. You certainly don't want your words to cause readers to throw your pages or book on the desk (or across the room) and depart. How to make readers want to read more, rather than run for the hills like a mob chasing Frankenstein's monster? Here are a few tips to "Spooktacular" writing. 1 Don't dress up. Costumes are great for parties, but bad for your writing. Don't use flowery language or words with too many syllables. Keep it simple. Readers want to enjoy a story, not have to hunt for a dictionary. 2. Set the mood. Just as music can set the mood, so words can make a reader feel a part of the scene. Hook them by letting them use their senses to follow the character along in their imagination. 3. Give out treats. If your book is a mystery, don't trick or cheat your readers by making the villain someone who just pops up at the end of your story. Treat your readers wit...