Writing a novel in verse

I recently took part in an online writing workshop through the Highlights Foundation: Limitations and Liberations of Writing Verse Novels, taught by author Cordelia Jensen. It was excellent! I adore poetry and have been reading lots of novels in verse (scroll down for recommendations). I thought I might try my hand at writing one…with a…Continue reading Writing a novel in verse

Revision toolbox

After typing THE END in giant block letters on my no-holds-barred first draft, how do I polish it into a ready-for-other-people-to-read version? As many writers will tell you, writing is revision. Once I’ve let a manuscript rest for at least 6 weeks (or 6 months or even 2 years!), I read it through again fast.…Continue reading Revision toolbox

Revising a revision strategy, part 2: Characters

This week, I’m interrogating my characters.   I finished examining my novel’s scenes last week. It was both dispiriting and energizing to find SO MANY areas for opportunity, but the exercise allowed me to sort where my novel as a whole is strong and where it needs more work–and how exactly I might improve it.…Continue reading Revising a revision strategy, part 2: Characters

Revising a revision strategy, part 1: Scenes

I’m finally diving into revisions of the book I finished in May with a whole new revision strategy. That is, with a strategy at all. Usually I just start reworking everything all at once, from structure to punctuation, becoming pretty overwhelmed by my big mess. Well, early drafts are always a mess, but I’m feeling more in…Continue reading Revising a revision strategy, part 1: Scenes

Summertime writing

Lazy days of summer? Bah! I’m writing, and I’m taking the coolest writing workshop. Every Tuesday night, a few other speculative fiction writers and I meet at Tubby and Coo’s bookstore to talk about Building Better Worlds. Check out the description of the workshop below…doesn’t it sound amazing? Not to mention getting to know other…Continue reading Summertime writing