Archive for January, 2014

Adding Some Suspense to Stories (tips)

Posted: January 14, 2014 in Writing, Writing Tips
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Here are three tips on getting it right:

  1. Decide what the major plot surprises are up front and then go back into the story and drop little breadcrumbs to lead the reader to this point
  2. Start the story as close to the point of action or excitement, without clogging the opening with back story, exposition or setting detail
  3. Tie the plot points to the character’s emotion – revenge, joy, humiliation, pride – to make sure the reader buys into your character’s journey from the very start.

http://writerswrite.co.za/curiosity-seduced-the-cat-getting-the-reader-to-ask-the-right-questions

Abbreviations (5 tips)

Posted: January 14, 2014 in Writing, Writing Tips
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An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase.

  1. An abbreviation is not pronounced as it is written. Examples: We pronounce Dr as Doctor, Jan. as January, abbr. as abbreviation.
  2. An abbreviation usually ends in a full stop. Examples: subj., etc., Pres., adj., Dec., Fri., Univ.
  3. If the abbreviation ends with the last letter of the word, you do not use a full stop. Examples: Dr, Mr, Mrs, St, Ave, Sgt
  4. If the initial letters of words make up an abbreviation, you do not use a full stop. This is called an initialism and the letters are pronounced separately. Examples: SPCA, UK, HIV, BBC, CIA, UN, CD
  5. If the initials of a group of words form a new word, it is called an acronym. The word is pronounced as spelt and no full stops are used. Examples: NATO, AWOL, Aids, Scuba, Laser, Asap (See Seven Rules for Acronyms)

http://writerswrite.co.za/abbreviations-five-tips-for-writers

10 Essential Tips For Writing an Antagonist

Posted: January 14, 2014 in Characterization, Ideas, Plotting, Writing, Writing Tips
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These 10 Tips for Writing Antagonists will help writers when they are creating this vital role in their novel.

  1. The antagonist is the character who MOST stands in the way of the protagonist achieving the story goal.
  2. He or she is known as the villain but need not be evil.
  3. The antagonist’s goal is in direct conflict with the goal of the protagonist.
  4. It is better if your villain is a person, not a force of nature (earthquake, flood), a group (gang, big company) or a general life condition (poverty, corruption).
  5. The antagonist should be equal in strength to your protagonist in order to fight a good fight.
  6. The best antagonist is someone who already plays a part in your protagonist’s life.
  7. Create a character whose motivation for opposing the protagonist’s story goal is as strong and logical as the hero’s reason for opposing the antagonist’s goal.
  8. The antagonist does not have to work from a negative motivation. If the roles were reversed the villain could become the protagonist.
  9. A great antagonist believes that his motivations are valid and his actions justified.
  10. Never create an antagonist who exists merely to obstruct the lead. You will end up with a shallow stereotypical character.

http://writerswrite.co.za/10-essential-tips-for-writing-antagonists

Seven Essential Things to Remember About Very Important Characters

Posted: January 14, 2014 in Characterization, Plotting, Writing, Writing Tips
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Seven ways to ensure you give VICs the attention they deserve

  1. Make them powerful enough to make choices.
  2. Make them the centre of attention. Even if they aren’t in a scene, the other characters should talk about them or think about them.
  3. They must make frequent long appearances throughout your book. If they don’t, you may have cast a character incorrectly.
  4. Make their actions and decisions memorable. As VICs, they are responsible for inciting actions or responding to events.
  5. Make the reader empathetic towards them. Your reader does not have to like them, but they need to understand why they’re doing what they’re doing.
  6. Make these characters viewpoint characters. Readers like to see the story through their eyes.
  7. Make sure they are worthy opponents for each other. If you want to create a compelling, memorable protagonist, you need a strong, three-dimensional antagonist. (Read 10 Essential Tips for Creating Antagonists)

If you do this, you will probably find that it’s easier to write your book. You won’t be giving prime time to supporting characters and you’ll be concentrating on the plot, not the sub-plots.

http://writerswrite.co.za/seven-essential-things-to-remember-about-very-important-characters

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