Blog Feed: Award-winning writer and editor Adele Annesi offers insights and applications for writers and editors
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Find the Heart, and You'll Find the Tone
Published on 2012-05-05 13:01:00
To emotionally invest in a story, readers need to trust the writer, and a writer who creates a serious story with a tongue-in-cheek tone is suspect. Irony and disingenuous narrators aside, it's best to match tone with story and theme.Match tone with story and themeWhile the tone of a piece can vary somewhat by scene, it's best to be consistent throughout. A work can be satirical, ironic, somber, exuberant, even triumphant. Each tone has a spectrum, but it varies by shade, not color. An uneven to [..] > read more
A Compelling Case: Lessons From Law & Order
Published on 2012-04-18 06:58:00
Law and Order has much to teach writers about dialogue, raising the stakes in a story and plot twists. Recently, four words grabbed my attention — the importance of a compelling case.Compelling scenes draw readersAs the district attorney, the order side of the process, lamented the lack of evidence from the law side, I saw the parallel to writing. It's not necessary to convince readers of a concept or theme, merely to make a compelling case for the plausibility of the world and the people the [..] > read more
Best of Both Worlds: Journalism Principles for Opening Paragraphs
Published on 2012-04-02 15:02:00
Strong leads capture reader interestYou may recall, before our poetic interlude, that we were talking about using the journalistic style of crafting a good lead to craft a good opening to a short story or novel.To get us back in the grove, a good nonfiction lead must include the five Ws and an H: who, what, where, when, why and how. And usually, when it comes to leads, shorter is better. This approach to writing a first paragraph — or creating or recreating an entire story — works for fictio [..] > read more
Charles Rafferty: Poetic Journey From Craft to Art
Published on 2012-03-21 10:18:00
Charles Rafferty, poetAward-winning poet Charles Rafferty has a new chapbook entitled Appetites with Clemson University Press. Head of the low-residency Master of Fine Arts program at Albertus Magnus College, and a consummate professional, Charles speaks candidly of diligence in the revision process and of patience — two nearly lost qualities, but essential for the journey from craft to art.Appetites, poetryAA: What was the inspiration for this book of poems?CR: I don't think there was one par [..] > read more
Use the Principles of Journalism to Create Creative Nonfiction — and Fiction
Published on 2012-03-14 05:23:00
Nonfiction techniques in fictionAnyone who has studied journalism will recall that a good lead must include the five Ws and an H: who, what, where, when, why and how. One of my editors adds the caveat of a 35-word maximum. This approach to writing a first paragraph — and to creating or recreating an entire story — works for fiction forms, too. Before we study each letter in its turn, let's start with the lead.Exercise: This lesson is best learned by doing, so start by selecting a nonfiction [..] > read more
Begin Well, End Better: The Art of Crafting Beginnings and Endings
Published on 2012-03-07 07:07:00
Start wellAppropriately, the last installment of the editor's revision checklist is on beginnings and endings. Here are considerations and questions to ask about these two crucial aspects of writing short and long fiction.Beginnings now mean the first paragraph, maybe the first page, but not the first chapter. Beginnings must engage readers in the first few lines. Does your first paragraph encapsulate your entire story or novel? Is it immediately engaging? Does the reader want to know more abou [..] > read more
The Heart of the Matter: Writing to Theme and Emotional Truth
Published on 2012-03-01 10:13:00
This installment of the editor's checklist for revising fiction comprises theme and emotional core. First, some definitions: Theme is the story's core topic, subject or concept, and emotional truth is an organic, gut-level connection between readers and the story.While revising your work, ask yourself these questions about theme and emotional truth:The heart of the matter?Theme: Can you describe in one sentence what your story is about? It's not easy to encapsulate your work this way, but it's i [..] > read more
Do the Twist: Plots, Subplots and Story
Published on 2012-02-22 05:32:00
Keep your main story in focusThe next installment of the editor's checklist for revising short and long fiction comprises plot, subplot and story. Here are questions to ask yourself while revising your work:Plot: Does your plot move forward at a good pace, and progress in a way that is satisfying, slowing for the important events, and picking up speed for the less important?Subplot(s): Even short fiction can have a subplot, but does the secondary story overshadow or confuse the main story? It sh [..] > read more
What's in a Word: Editor's Checklist for Short Fiction, Metaphor and Motif
Published on 2012-02-15 07:29:00
Motif: The echo of an interesting characterThe next items on our editor's checklist for revising short, or longer, fiction are metaphor and motif. We'll start with brief definitions, and provide questions to ask yourself while revising your work.Metaphor: A metaphor uses an image, a story or an object to represent a less tangible object, quality or idea. For example, "Her eyes were glistening jewels." When revising your work, ask yourself whether your metaphors are original, well-placed and appr [..] > read more
Characters Welcome: Editor's Checklist for Revising Short Fiction
Published on 2012-02-08 09:27:00
How will your characters change?Before the month of love began, we had started reviewing the editor's checklist for revising short fiction. Today, we return to the list and address character development. Here are questions to ask yourself during the revision process.Character Development and Arc:Does the main character change noticeably, albeit subtly, organically and believably?If the character doesn't change, is the reason for his stalled growth clear and understandable?Characters (Primary):Ar [..] > read more
The Challenges and Rewards of Writing Historical Fiction: Author C. M. Keller on Screwing Up Time
Published on 2012-02-01 07:03:00
C. M. Keller is an award-winning novelist and author of Screwing Up Time. She loves old movies and poison rings. In her spare time, she searches for that elusive unicorn horn. She's currently hard at work on her next young adult novel, the second book in Mark and Miranda's story. Her blog is A Merry Heart.C. M. KellerWhen Adele approached me and asked me to share the biggest challenge and most rewarding aspect of writing Screwing Up Time, I wasn't sure what I'd say. Many aspects of writing are b [..] > read more
Debut Novelist A. J. O'Connell on Writing, and the Craft and Art of Genre Fiction
Published on 2012-01-21 12:57:00
Debut novelist O'Connell Debut novelist A. J. O'Connell, a graduate of Fairfield University's low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, has just come out with the pulp fiction novella Beware the Hawk. Here's her take on the writing life, being a debut author, and the craft and art of genre fiction.AMA: Tell us a bit about your writing background.AJO: I have been writing (and telling stories) since I was a child in Oakville, Connecticut. I graduated from Trinity College and then went [..] > read more
Editor's Checklist for Revising Short Fiction: Tips on Tone
Published on 2012-01-18 12:10:00
There's a proverb that says don't muzzle the ox while he's in the field, meaning don't restrain those hard at work; let them finish the job. The same is true of short fiction. If you can write the first draft of the story in one sitting, do it. Before sending your work for possible publication revise using the next series of posts as a "preflight" checklist. Today's tip is on tone.Tone tells a lotTone is created by the writer's prose to reveal his or her attitude toward the subject, and toward [..] > read more
Fiction: Reality and Writing What You Know
Published on 2012-01-09 07:29:00
A reality-based scene can work, tooThe old adage, especially for emerging fiction writers, was write what you know, meaning what you're familiar with. The thinking was that this approach would tap the writer's strong points from the start and set him or her on a strong foundation. Then we jettisoned that notion. Why should the writer be constrained, we figured, by the familiar? Why not explore new worlds? It is fiction, after all, and there's leeway to create. Then came Angela's Ashes, the memoi [..] > read more
Writing by Ear: Editing and Improving Your Prose
Published on 2011-12-21 11:31:00
Learn to listen to your proseMusicians and singers who don't read music can still learn to play. The key is developing an ear for a piece, and studying what happens when you change a note, a chord or the tempo. The same is true for writing. One great way to improve your writing is to read with these three aims in mind: Read your work aloud, read it with breaks in different places, and read it with varied emphasis. Notice how the implied meanings change when you change these elements.For more on [..] > read more
Setting Is Where Story Lives
Published on 2011-12-14 09:05:00
Setting also creates moodAmong the holiday commercials one impressed me — one for diamond rings. Neil Lane, jeweler to the stars, said, "Setting is where the diamond lives." I guess I'm not completely sucked into holiday commercialism because the first thing that struck me, well, the second thing after the gorgeous diamond, was how Lane's observation related to story — that a story's setting is where it lives. I recently did a post on the movie The Descendants, based on the debut novel of th [..] > read more
The Descendants: A Lesson in Cross-Genre Writing
Published on 2011-12-07 11:17:00
Harmonic blending of genresIf you're looking for a great visual lesson on how to blend genres — particularly creative nonfiction and memoir — see The Descendants, a film based on the debut novel of the same name by Kaui Hart Hemmings and directed by Alexander Payne, starring George Clooney. Hemmings' Hawaiian upbringing and experience, along with her Sarah Lawrence education, underpin the story. The work blends several plotlines — the apparently unraveling personal life of main character M [..] > read more
More Dignity in the Details: Dreamstorming Exercise
Published on 2011-12-03 15:16:00
In the last post, we considered how the right details can draw readers into a story, especially one that spans genres. To practice the art and craft of detail selection, try this exercise, based partly on a technique called "dreamstorming," from Robert Olen Butler's From Where You Dream.Dawn in central ItalyBring a pen and pad of paper (not your laptop or other e-device) to a quiet place — it could be a room in the house, or out in your car or to the local park. Quiet, in this sense, is more a [..] > read more
A Fresh Start: When Not to Edit, and Start From Scratch Instead
Published on 2011-06-30 18:02:00
An editor by trade would have to be crazy or willing to commit career hari-kari to say there's ever a time not to edit. But there is a time — two in fact — when you're completely stuck for an idea and when you want an organic scene that tinkering > read more
Seeing Double, Triple: Getting Into Each Character's Head
Published on 2011-06-22 15:46:00
There's nothing necessarily wrong with a scene where one character dominates, but there may not be enough right with it either. It's fine for one character in a scene to stand out, especially if he or she is the story's main squeeze. But if the chara > read more
MFAs: Why I Decided on a Master's
Published on 2011-06-14 19:00:00
For years the idea of getting an MFA has been like a pebble in my shoe — I haven't always been aware of it, just when I stepped a certain way in the writing life.Low-Residency MFA HandbookTo help me make up my mind, I asked six writer friends what > read more
Writer, Character, Reader: Debut Author Discusses Unique Perspective
Published on 2011-06-01 04:47:00
An Eye for GloryKarl Bacon, Connecticut-based author of the debut Christian historical novel An Eye for Glory: The Civil War Chronicles of a Citizen Soldier, discusses his unique perspective on the writing process—as writer, character and reader.AA > read more
The Amateur Writer: Writing for Love and Pleasure
Published on 2011-05-18 10:50:00
Fall back in love with writingI recently heard a speaker remind his audience of the meaning of amateur, from the French "lover of" and the Latin amatorem and amator, "lover." Of the dictionary definitions, the following seem most applicable to writer > read more
"The Art and Craft of Concentration: Teaching Yourself to Write Well"
Published on 2011-05-11 11:15:00
The art of concentraIt's said writing is 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration. Okay, that could be said of all work — and despite our love of writing and its feel-good factor, it's still work. And it takes work to improve as a writer. It also takes ti > read more
Hone Your Craft: Build a Bibliography
Published on 2011-05-04 14:21:00
The Art of FictionIn March — I can’t believe it's May already — I did a seminar/workshop for fiction and nonfiction writers called Write From the Start, on the importance of first paragraphs and the problems that show up there and are most like > read more
Bonjour! Writing Happiness: Author Jamie Callan on the Joy of Discovery
Published on 2011-04-20 16:20:00
Jamie Cat Callan,ParisAward-winning author and instructor Jamie Cat Callan tells about French secrets to joie de vivre in her latest book Bonjour, Happiness! Elizabeth Bard, author of Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, with Recipes said, "With warmth and > read more
A Tale of Two Stories: What Is Your Piece Is Really About?
Published on 2011-04-13 16:23:00
One of the many maxims we learn in journalism is to not just report a story, but to get at what the story is really about. The difference between the two perspectives is the difference between a cloud and solid ground. The principle applies to all no > read more
Title: Poetry in Prose
Published on 2011-04-06 14:04:00
In an always-on age where the appetite for content is voracious and insatiable, how is a writer to get and keep the creative edge? One way is to mix genres. The lines between creative nonfiction, memoir and essay have already blurred — and the tren > read more
Precision and Accuracy of Thought: Room for Creativity in Nonfiction
Published on 2011-03-22 10:12:00
Covenant as Ethical CommonwealthEducator, cultural observer and lecturer Perry Huesmann has authored Covenant as Ethical Commonwealth, published by Italian Paths of Culture Press, on the concept of covenant and the possibilities for trust in society. > read more
Twist of Fate: When Your Story Takes an Unexpected Turn
Published on 2011-03-09 13:14:00
Ever have a spurt of inspiration reveal a new dimension of your plot or story? It could be a brave new adventure or a step off a cliff into the abyss. Here's a second post on how to vet inspiration — for plot twists and subplots.As an editor, I get > read more
Out of Character? When Characters Do the Unexpected, or Want To
Published on 2011-03-01 19:58:00
When characters do the unexpectedEver have an idea ignite to suddenly reveal a new dimension of a character or story? It could be the light at the tunnel's end or an oncoming train. Here's how to vet sudden inspiration. As an editor, I get querie > read more
Embracing Life: With "French" and "Bonjour" Author, Jamie Cat Callan
Published on 2011-02-14 08:39:00
Author Jamie Callan at Cafe del IndustrieEngaging author, instructor and happiness expert Jamie Cat Callan was inspired by her French grandmother to return to France and discover the secret to joie de vivre — at any age. She shares those secrets in > read more
One Potato, Two Potato: The Art of Describing Characters
Published on 2011-02-09 16:09:00
Two potatoes sat on a counter looking largely the same, but are they? They're both Idaho Reds, and both about the same size, each with small points at one end. But look closer, even without a magnifying glass, and it becomes clear these potatoes are > read more
How Is It Made: Taking Writing Apart
Published on 2011-02-02 13:28:00
For more tools, visit my online workshopRemember those cartoons where the guy (it's usually a guy) takes the car engine apart to see out how it works? Well, that approach can work for writing, too. Of course, just like that guy, you may end up with p > read more
Invitation to Wonder, Too: A Writer's Journey
Published on 2011-01-26 17:14:00
Award-winning newspaper columnist and Center for Creative Writing founder Elizabeth Ayres has authored Invitation to Wonder: A Journey through the Seasons. She describes what prompted the book, and the emotional healing writing can bring. The winning > read more
Invitation to Wonder: A Writer's Journey
Published on 2011-01-19 19:06:00
Invitation to WonderYou never know who you'll meet through a Google search. I met award-winning newspaper columnist and Center for Creative Writing founder Elizabeth Ayres while researching great resources for writers. Since then, Elizabeth has writt > read more
Ideas Into Images: Illustrator-Writer Adrienne May on Creating Characters
Published on 2011-01-12 08:50:00
Illustrator-Writer Adrienne MayArtist, children's book illustrator and writer Adrienne May found her way into a second life career writing and illustrating children's books. She uses traditional and contemporary tools to create pieces in a realistic > read more
Writing for Anthologies: Takeaways and Tips for Publication
Published on 2011-01-05 10:14:00
Writer and Editor Anne Witkavitch This week we conclude our series on writing for anthologies with writer Anne Witkavitch, who compiled and edited Press Pause Moments: Essays About Life Transitions by Women Writers based on the Press Pause Pro > read more
Writing for Anthologies 3, With Writer/Editor Anne Witkavitch
Published on 2010-12-29 08:37:00
In this installment of writing for anthologies, editor and writer Anne Witkavitch discusses the key ingredients for a successful work, like her Press Pause Moments: Essays About Life Transitions by Women Writers compilation and the Press Pause Projec > read more
Writing for Anthologies 2, With Writer and Editor Anne Witkavitch
Published on 2010-12-22 10:25:00
This week, we continue our dialog on writing for the currently hot anthology market. Here's the next installment from editor and writer Anne Witkavitch, who compiled Press Pause Moments: Essays About Life Transitions by Women Writers, from the Press > read more
Writing for Anthologies, With Writer and Editor Anne Witkavitch
Published on 2010-12-15 14:18:00
A post or two ago, we discussed writing for anthologies, a current hot market. From now 'til year-end (can't believe we're nearly at the close of 2011), we'll talk a bit more with editor, writer and instructor Anne Witkavitch, who compiled and edited > read more
Flat Screen, Flat Scene: When a Scene Doesn't Work
Published on 2010-12-08 17:28:00
I recently read part of the first draft of a novel where a 30th-birthday dinner was to end in conflict. This one didn't. The scene was well-written and the characters distinct, but the scene was flat as a newly tarred driveway. Why? No tension. > read more
Writing and Preparing Your Work for Anthologies
Published on 2010-12-01 14:25:00
With "After the Sunflowers"Writing for an anthology is like soup in a can — concentrated. I recently had an essay published in the new anthology about women writers, Press Pause Moments: Essays About Life Transitions by Women Writers. I found the w > read more
The Arrogance of Writing: New Author Talks Turkey About His Foray Into Writing
Published on 2010-11-17 13:49:00
Former Fortune 40 exec Garrett Miller talks about the impetus for his new book, Hire on a WHIM: The Four Qualities that Make for Great Employees, on the qualities every job candidate must have and every hiring manager must look for. Read Garrett's su > read more
After a Writing Conference
Published on 2010-11-15 10:21:00
I recently did a post on the benefits of writers' conferences, especially in an era of tight budgets. As promised, here's a brief review of the conference I attended this past weekend: the LWC } NYC Literary Writers Conference New York City, co-spons > read more