Photo by Anne Hawkinson
25 Jan 2019

Plot Police Raid

by | posted in: Writing Life | 9

I’m in the zone. I know just what needs to happen in this particular scene, and it’s practically writing itself. As I type away with a satisfied grin on my face, the Plot Police burst through the door and stop me dead in my celebratory tracks. “Halt! Hold it right there!” the tall, handsome one orders. “We’re the Plot Police, here on behalf of your readers. Take your hands away from the keyboard—slowly.” “What’s the problem, officer?” I smile at … Read More »
23 Jan 2019

Suspense in Nonfiction: Keepin’ It Real

by | posted in: Writing Craft | 0

I give a lecture on occasion on building suspense in fiction, and touch briefly on applying techniques of fictional suspense to nonfiction. Characters, motivation, surprise, conflict, pacing … the same building blocks that bring fiction to life can also electrify nonfiction. If you break down nonfiction bestsellers you’ll find this true. Fabulous examples abound. The Lost City of Z (2009) by David Grann. Dead Wake (2015) by Erik Larson. In the Heart of the Sea (2000), by Nathaniel Philbrick. Let’s … Read More »

Tom Bender RPLA
21 Jan 2019

Journalism Teaches Crisp Prose—RPLA Showcase: Tom Bender

by | posted in: RPLA Showcase | 7

No one knows how to cut, cut, cut quite like a journalist. After ten years in the newsroom, Tom Bender learned how to write lean copy, a skill he uses in his novel writing regularly. His experience as an editor, speech writer, and professor may also have something to do with his excellence in writing. But those years working as a journalist have stayed with him and even inspired the creation of the unforgettable reporter Morrison, the main character in … Read More »
18 Jan 2019

Of Commoners and Kings: Who Makes the Best Protagonist for a Historical?

by | posted in: Writing Craft | 0

I have a friend who is not a fan of historical fiction (and yes, we’re still friends). She describes them as “those books about kings and queens.” That made me start to think about who makes the best protagonist for historical fiction: is it a real, factual person—who will generally be a public person, or someone in sufficient prominence to have left a record—or an everyday person, probably spun from the imagination? Perhaps there is no better or worse here, … Read More »
16 Jan 2019

Tighten Up: Cut the Clichés

by | posted in: Editing & Revision | 1

Remember the song “Tighten Up” by the R&B group Archie Bell & the Drells, a 1968 #1 hit? Those of us “of a certain age” do. Fast forward to a recent day when I woke up thinking about that song and its connection to writing. What connection? A major challenge to our imaginations referred to as cutting out lazy writing. What can we tighten up and cut? Let’s start with clichés. Cut Clichés Tighten up writing by banishing clichés—those overused … Read More »

Susie Baxter RPLA
11 Jan 2019

“Preserve a Piece of History” RPLA Showcase: Susie Baxter

by | posted in: RPLA Showcase, Writing Life | 0

Memoirist Susie Baxter wanted to save the memories of her family and childhood growing up in rural Florida for future generations, but wasn’t sure how. After taking a Life History class, she quickly discovered her calling and began penning her memoirs. At first, she believed her tales of growing up to be fairly ordinary, until members of her critique group convinced her otherwise. Further proof? Susie won First Place for Published Memoir in the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Awards and … Read More »

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