Showing your story to your readers instead of telling it is a cardinal rule in fiction writing, yet much easier said than done. One very effective way to change telling into showing is a concept called motivation-reaction units (MRUs). What are MRUs? They were first introduced by Dwight V. Swain, in his book Techniques of the Selling […]
Is Your Manuscript Ready For Publication?
One of my favorite parts of being the editorial director at Castle Gate Press is the sense of hope that fills me every time I open an e-mail with a submission. Each one brings the possibility of a great story, memorable characters, and plot twists I won’t see coming. I almost hold my breath as I […]
Revision Prompt – Filtering
You’ve heard of writing prompts, now we have revision prompts! Each prompt will give you a specific writing issue to check for in your WIP, along with tips on how to fix each. Going through this process one issue at a time will not only help polish your current novel but will also teach you specific ways to […]
Filtering – A Subtle Form of Telling
What Is Filtering, Anyway? Filtering sifts the action of a story through the point-of-view character’s senses. It tells the readers the sense the character uses and is followed immediately by showing what the character experienced with that sense. Examples 1) He saw her step tiptoe around the lilac bush. 2) He felt his heart race. […]
Get Fewer Rejection Letters
With the beginning of the year, one of my goals has been to catch up on reading through submissions. As I’ve reviewed queries and submission over the last month, I’ve noticed a few issues that repeatedly come up which virtually always lead to a rejection letter. The following suggestions won’t necessarily lead to a contract, but they […]