One thing I find lacking is information about the content of short stories. What you can write about, the plot, the story itself | Shannon Meyerkort
Tag: lessons
Virtual Literary Speed Dating – do’s and don’ts from a first-timer
Hints and tips for surviving a virtual literary speed date and how to pitch your manuscript | Shannon Meyerkort
How to Make a Book Tree
A step-by-step process of how to make a Book Christmas Tree (with a few detours) | Shannon Meyerkort
Finding Story Talismans and Motifs
Motifs are not necessarily part of the story and often do not carry any extra meaning for the characters themselves. It is a relationship between the author and audience... the symbols must be both subtle yet significant | Shannon Meyerkort
Writing Character Arcs (or Falling in Love with your Characters)
‘But does Winnie actually want a husband and children, or is she happily single?’ my mentor Brooke asked as we discussed my book, Letting Go. ‘What does she want from life?’ ‘Ahhhhh,’ was my rather inarticulate response. I didn’t know. It suited my purposes for this particular character to be childless, but I hadn’t considered … Continue reading Writing Character Arcs (or Falling in Love with your Characters)
Addicted to flashbacks
An addiction to flashbacks may sound like I misspent my youth, but in reality I have discovered an over-reliance on a literary technique that threatens to turn my book into a time-hopping debacle.
Why You Should Keep a Record of Rejection
What embarrassing secrets have I got hidden in my 'rejection file'? Why writers should keep records of their submissions | Shannon Meyerkort
Interviewing Experts for your Novel
‘They wouldn’t be sweating once they were in cardiac arrest, even if it was a cocaine overdose,’ the lady across from me said. She stopped to think. ‘With a heroin overdose they might be sweaty once they've been resuscitated and trying to get back to normal, but it would be unlikely that two people in … Continue reading Interviewing Experts for your Novel
Weasel Words and Tips for Writers
‘I could see her looking at me, as she readied herself to tell me about my overuse of weasel words in the nicest possible way. I felt my face tighten as I braced myself for the impact of her words.’ Or ‘She looked at me, ready to tell me about my overuse of weasel words. … Continue reading Weasel Words and Tips for Writers
How to Pitch Your Book (and Yourself)
Lessons in how to pitch your book and get more author speaking engagements.