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Writing Books/Questions Answered by Expert Dorothy K Morris
| Subject | Date Asked |
| fiction writing and potential legal issues | 1/22/2012 |
| Q: I will admit I am not the most avid reader but the books that I have read I rarely see well known ... A: Yes. There are legal issues. Fictionalize everything to be safe if you have to use a brand name. ... | |
| Fiction writing | 8/31/2011 |
| Q: I come across your profile on this site an I see that my writing style is a lot like yours. I ... A: The answer to your question is simple. Before anyone but me reads what I have written, I re-write, ... | |
| Welcome tips on plot and character development | 8/15/2011 |
| Q: I've been a technical writer for some years and am going to try writing a fictional book with a ... A: Technical writing or journalism is quite different from creative writing. As you have found neither ... | |
| character | 7/15/2011 |
| Q: Since you know about developing character's I'm sending a character question to you. I've finished ... A: That issue is entirely up to you. Whether or not you indicate race is to be decided by the author; ... | |
| Self Publishing Fiction | 6/17/2011 |
| Q: I would like to self-publish my books, fiction books, children's market (teenager). I have done ... A: Successful self publishing depends on many things. If by successful you mean many sales and lots of ... | |
| Can your character change the past? | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: I'm a college student with a minor in Creative Writing. I would like to ask this question regarding ... A: I do not agree with your teacher. If your character can only help to bring about the actual event, ... | |
| Using real names and places in fiction | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: I'm writing a fictional novel set in the 1960's in the UK and also Australia. One of my characters ... A: Paula, You could use the name you chose with a disclaimer in the front page of the book, or maybe ... | |
| Describing my characters | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: One of my characters is a baby. I'm not sure how to describe her really, because babies don't ... A: Don't go overboard with descriptions. Less is better. It is perfectly all right for the reader to ... | |
| hello! | 3/12/2010 |
| Q: Well, to start off, i am 14 and have a great passion for writing! i really need to know what are the ... A: You must master the English language. Especially you must master prose. This means grammar, ... | |
| Personalities. | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: I am a young writer, and sadly I have a hard time describing a character's personality. I can ... A: Too much verbal description will not go over well. You must allow the character's actions and ... | |
| Lip Puffing | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: In 2006, you asked a sleep expert about an unusual early phase sleep sound; that of lip popping or ... A: This has nothing to do with creative writing but I will reply anyway. If your crew members gave ... | |
| Getting to know the characters | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: I'm starting my first novel and getting to know my main characters but, since i have never ... A: Every writer eventually finds his own personal way of creating. There is no right or wrong way to do ... | |
| typing font | 11/14/2009 |
| Q: How do you make the type font like you would name books or magazines in that writing that is like ... A: If I read your question correctly, I think you mean Italics. All you have to do is to click on the ... | |
| What Should I be doing? | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to write my first novel and I am having a hard time. Currently I am writing or ... A: There are as many methods of writing as there are authors. Each of us has our own peculiar ways of ... | |
| Secret Sins of the Mothers | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: I was lent this book by your niece, Susan Twigg Peterson, my best friend, & am wondering how much of ... A: You must be a relative of Susan's, right? Good to hear from you and I am so glad you enjoyed the ... | |
| Getting started with an intersesting beginning | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: Dorothy, I am so excited for the idea I have for my novel, but I feel like my storytelling is ... A: I come up with exciting grabbers when they are needed. I don't try to get them. They just happen. My ... | |
| Getting started with an intersesting beginning | 6/28/2009 |
| Q: Dorothy, I am so excited for the idea I have for my novel, but I feel like my storytelling is ... A: I will answer this by sending you a long paragraph or two about the way I write and how my ... | |
| Grammar question | 5/30/2009 |
| Q: I am writing a book and I have a question-- or maybe a few questions. I don't understand how to go ... A: There is no professional way...just a choice of more than one correct way. Either way you ... | |
| Do you know? | 5/15/2009 |
| Q: Ok, Jeremy again. I have a few questions for you, Dorothy. By the way, I'm in the middle of reading ... A: First let me thank you for your high compliment on my first book. Since it was my first, there are ... | |
| format for a letter within a novel | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: Is there a proper format (punctuation, indentation, etc.) for the inclusion of letters within a ... A: Your prose introduces the fact that there is a letter coming. You may skip a couple of lines and ... | |
| Writing Fictiion | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: I have tons of creativity, more than others could imagine. But I would like to know if enhancing my ... A: My books are: Secret Sins of the Mothers, Coyotes of Creek Crossing and The Eighth Evil. I write ... | |
| Writing Fictiion | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: I have tons of creativity, more than others could imagine. But I would like to know if enhancing my ... A: The answer is yes, you need a very good vocabulary. Even more, you need an excellent command of ... | |
| Quality/confidence issues | 2/6/2009 |
| Q: I've been practicing writing on and off for about six years now. I've written two novel manuscripts, ... A: To answer your question about my confidence ... no. Quite often when I went back to rewrite I would ... | |
| Quality/confidence issues | 2/6/2009 |
| Q: I've been practicing writing on and off for about six years now. I've written two novel manuscripts, ... A: Please send me a note and tell me how you go about creative writing. How often do you edit, rewrite ... | |
| LIFE STORY | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: I have read a similar question on your site but I need to go 1 step further...I have other siblings ... A: This is more of a legal question than a writing questions, but I do believe that you would have to ... | |
| Fiction or non-fiction? | 10/22/2008 |
| Q: I want to write a novel based on my life experience growing up in another country - I want to ... A: Once you change names the work becomes fiction and you must describe it as such; however, if you ... | |
| a character in hiding | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: Morris, I am working on a historical novel with quite a large cast of characters. For the most part, ... A: First, let me say how delightful to hear from someone who knows and understands how I, too, write. ... | |
| Where to start? | 10/2/2008 |
| Q: I have been writing for my own enjoyment for about six or seven years, i have a large selection of ... A: Self publishing is the quickest and surest way to be published. You can engage a publicity firm to ... | |
| Making my story flow and making characters come to life | 4/5/2008 |
| Q: My story is all set out. I have about 20 pages of different notes. Biography of each character. ... A: There are probably as many approaches to writing a novel as there are novelists. We all have to ... | |
| Rewrites | 2/5/2008 |
| Q: I'm working on a manuscript that I'm hoping to have entered into a publishing contest by the end of ... A: My suggestion is that you do the editing/rewriting by yourself until you are completely happy with ... | |
| Rewrites | 2/5/2008 |
| Q: I'm working on a manuscript that I'm hoping to have entered into a publishing contest by the end of ... A: Perhaps working on such a short deadline is the problem. I suggest that you might give yourself ... | |
| a too long idea incubation | 1/27/2008 |
| Q: I'm a published writer here in Indonesia. I'm currently on the making of my second novel, and I have ... A: Begin to write. I never incubate an idea. I sit down and begin to write, never knowing where the ... | |
| Word Descriptions | 10/18/2007 |
| Q: Is there any books or pages on the Internet that help you describe words in different ways? Like, ... A: If there are any pages on the internet I don't know of them. The only book I know of and use ... | |
| Characters | 10/12/2007 |
| Q: What's the secret to making characters live? Thank you. A: It helps greatly if you have a solid knowledge of human psychology. If you do not, then try to let ... | |
| writing | 10/3/2007 |
| Q: I am very excited about writing a book at the age of eleven but I read a lot and am afraid I might ... A: Practically every subject has been covered already, so your task would be to pick a subject about ... | |
| Thank you for helping me complete my novel | 9/7/2007 |
| Q: I just wanted to say thank you. I wrote you on 9/30/04 about the trouble that I was having ... A: You're quire welcome, and thank you for letting me know. I often wonder if anyone takes my advice ... | |
| New Book | 7/21/2007 |
| Q: I am a complete novice looking for a ghostwriter or collabroator for fiction. I have an idea for a ... A: First of all, I am not a ghostwriter and do not wish to become one. Second, if I do review your ... | |
| Agent | 6/30/2007 |
| Q: I have written and published books.. I am looking for an agent to market my books. Help! A: I suggest that you go on the internet, search for Literary Agents and contact several. Ask what they ... | |
| character troubles | 6/1/2007 |
| Q: Two of my main characters in my YA Fantasy undergo serious changes along the course of my story. I'm ... A: Make sure that you show tendencies in their early personalities, along the lines on which they ... | |
| Will I ever finish? | 5/2/2007 |
| Q: I've been working on a book for two years and recently finished it and by very good fortune have an ... A: You are panicking. Take a deep breath and send her the manuscript. If she is a good editor she ... | |
| Writing fiction stories | 4/1/2007 |
| Q: I've been writing fictional stories for about 4 to 5 years, but I'm only 15 right now. Someday when ... A: The answer is simple to give, but may be difficult for you to do; however, it is necessary. You ... | |
| re-writing | 3/29/2007 |
| Q: I´m writing for years. Now I´m now 20 and I start writing when I was 9. Actualy, that time I was no ... A: The best advice I can give you for re-writing is that you purchase and study the book, "Getting the ... | |
| Help!! | 1/25/2007 |
| Q: I am 2/3 of the way through my first novel. I have just gotten a request for a submission from a ... A: The only advice I can give you is that tyou contact the publisher, tell him just what you said in ... | |
| Writing a fictional novel | 1/24/2007 |
| Q: For many years, I've written news articles for newspapers. My life is journalism. But, I've been ... A: You are asking me, "How do I go about writing a novel?" I can only tell you how I write a novel. ... | |
| Evil character | 1/7/2007 |
| Q: I am trying to write a book but the main character is evil. She likes to play tricks on people but ... A: Question .. Why do you want someone who is evil and who plays tricks on people to be liked? Why not ... | |
| 1st person writing | 12/29/2006 |
| Q: I am writing my story in the first person. When the main character is talking about her parents, ... A: If you are writing a scene in which there is only one dad, you can introduce him as "my dad". Then ... | |
| losing interest | 11/29/2006 |
| Q: I think part of the problem may lie in the antagonists themselves. I like to get inside the ... A: This is very much a psychological question as well as a writing question. I can only advise you to ... | |
| losing interest | 11/27/2006 |
| Q: I have been working on my novel for almost three years (I'm 17 now) and most of that has been ... A: We all get weary of our work at some times. It's OK. My advice is to put the work on the shelf for ... | |
| Want to write a book | 11/22/2006 |
| Q: I'm a young teen who wants to write a fantasy book. I'm not exactly sure were to start, or even what ... A: You are asking me, "How do I go about writing a novel?" I can only tell you how I write a novel. ... | |
| how do i write it down? | 11/15/2006 |
| Q: I have this awesome idea for a book and i writing it. But it sounds like a story for a four year ... A: Sam, You just do it. You write down the story and then you spend a lot of time editing it so that ... | |
| help | 10/11/2006 |
| Q: i have considered starting a book for a long time and i have come up with ideas on the plot the ... A: The way your story and characters will come to life is if you continue writing until you come to the ... | |
| Novel | 10/8/2006 |
| Q: I finally finished my very first novel, but I believe it is way too short. It is going to be a teen ... A: If the work says everything you wanted to say, perhaps it should be considered a "short story" and ... | |
| Voice Problem | 10/3/2006 |
| Q: I'm writing a memoir--yes, I know, your area of expertise is fiction, not nonfiction, but I see ... A: My advice is the same that I give to fiction writers. Do not worry about how it sounds, looks or ... | |
| Teen Novel Word Length | 10/3/2006 |
| Q: I am in the middle of writing a fiction book for teens and I believe it's coming closer and closer ... A: There is no rule for how many words a novel should have. Use as many as you need to tell the story ... | |
| help | 9/29/2006 |
| Q: I am so new to this writing field, It's my passion to really write, but I'm stuck. I have finished ... A: You can search on the web for "Manuscript Critics" and chose one to send your manuscript to. Be ... | |
| Where did they go? | 9/25/2006 |
| Q: The novel has about 23 chapters at this point. Jen the Critic has said that my dialogue is ... A: Sounds to me as though you do not entirely trust your friend's judgment. Understandable. I ... | |
| Where did they go? | 9/23/2006 |
| Q: I should clarify "working on my first novel." I'm finished the first draft and about halfway ... A: Carissa, I do believe that a novel needs more than 5 chapters; however, since the novel is in ... | |
| Where did they go? | 9/23/2006 |
| Q: Morris, I've been working on my first novel for almost 3 years now and am getting sidetracked by ... A: I can only guess as to what your problem is; however, I do believe it will be an accurate guess. ... | |
| Everyday writing | 9/11/2006 |
| Q: It is plain obvious that in order to improve ones writing skills everyday writing attempts are more ... A: You are making a classical mistake in trying to do creative writing (right brain work) from your ... | |
| starting stories | 8/29/2006 |
| Q: if you're working on the first chapter of a book that you're writing and think of a way to start it, ... A: Stop editing what you have written. Stop allowing people to read it. Stop censoring your creative ... | |
| rambling or too short | 8/14/2006 |
| Q: i always find wen i write books that i either ramble on and on and drift from the plot or it is too ... A: You are doing the same thing with the sentence (s) that you wrote in the question. A good exercise ... | |
| age for writing | 8/13/2006 |
| Q: isnt it true that if you have a great idea and have enthusiasm to write a book you should go ahead ... A: There is no reason why you shouldn't write a book. You have thirteen years of experience to draw on. ... | |
| my characters | 8/13/2006 |
| Q: not tell me how they should be but give me advice on how i could develop and improve them they are ... A: I allow my characters to tell me who they are. I don't shape them ...they shape themselves. Why ... | |
| My new book | 8/10/2006 |
| Q: I have been writing a story about fictional beasts and evil people, but i am trying to make it un ... A: First of all you must truly understand your characters. Let them be true to themselves. Don't censor ... | |
| i found a topic | 7/31/2006 |
| Q: In a cave that was on a mountain lived a dwarf. It wasn’t a wet nasty cave, but a warm hand crafted ... A: I'm so glad that you found your topic. As for the sport ... how about this: A magic baseball and a ... | |
| i need help finding a topic. | 7/30/2006 |
| Q: im 13 years old and i really like to write. i have been tempting to write books, but i have had no ... A: My task is not to help you with ideas, which are already all around you. My task is to aid you with ... | |
| Book writing confidence | 7/29/2006 |
| Q: I just have one more question. When you say finish it in rough draft form, do you mean to finish it ... A: Of course, Hannah, you will have to do all the editing and rewrite work before you submit it to a ... | |
| Book writing confidence | 7/28/2006 |
| Q: I am currently in the process of writing a fiction book. However, I do not feel that it is good ... A: I believe that showing your work to family and friends is a No--No. Finish the book in rough draft ... | |
| how to create characters names | 7/27/2006 |
| Q: Could you give me any suggestions on how I can come up with characters names, mainly for a fantasy ... A: What I am going to say may sound trite, but it is the best advice. Use your imagination. You will ... | |
| characters | 7/19/2006 |
| Q: how do you create and develope character's personalities and traits, and then run with them? Answer ... A: That has never happened to me. Every time I think I may be approaching a place where I don't know ... | |
| descriptive words | 7/19/2006 |
| Q: how do you know if your using too many/ not enough descriptive words in a novel? isn't it boring to ... A: You are correct in your thought that too many descriptive words are boring. It is the placement that ... | |
| characters | 7/18/2006 |
| Q: how do you create and develope character's personalities and traits, and then run with them? A: My method is so personal that I don't know if it will work for you. I simply allow my characters to ... | |
| researching art forms | 7/8/2006 |
| Q: I have an idea for a graphic novel: a crimefighting musician. What art form(s) would be good to ... A: You would also have to study the musician's world. What instrument does he play? What is band life ... | |
| Publishing | 6/7/2006 |
| Q: I finished my book on raising children the right way, birth to age 18. I want to get it published. I ... A: I answered you last night but the internet shut down before I could send. So I'll try again this ... | |
| How do I get Started!? | 5/22/2006 |
| Q: I Dont Know where are how to start. I have ideas on what I want to write about I just don t know ... A: I can only tell you how I write a novel. Don't know if it will work for you, but it does for me. ... | |
| Character death | 5/21/2006 |
| Q: If I kill off one of the three main characters at the end of my first story, will readers still want ... A: Death is part of life. I think your issue depends on the charisma of your two remaining characters. ... | |
| Ideas for stories | 5/16/2006 |
| Q: What can you do if you have too many ideas in your story, but you want to keep them in, so the story ... A: Are you sure that you have too many ideas? Perhaps it will take a bit of organizing. I suggest ... | |
| W.W. Norton | 4/30/2006 |
| Q: ------------------------- Dorothy, I am not being impolite. You, as an expert, should already be ... A: I am an expert in creative writing, not publishing. We writers are not omniscient. I did not have ... | |
| addressing editors | 4/26/2006 |
| Q: I belive I am not supposed to send in anything addressed to simply "The Editors" But WW Norton ... A: I would really like to help you, but I have no idea what you mean. What is "The Editors?" Who is ... | |
| how to describe characters | 4/22/2006 |
| Q: I am writing my first book, and i just cant describe my characters w/o describing them too much at a ... A: No, you should not take up whole paragraphs describing your characters. Describe them during their ... | |
| From shorts to broads | 4/10/2006 |
| Q: I'm not exactly structured myself either. I liked your answers, that's why I was hoping for some ... A: I have never written a short story. Seems to me that you are making this much more difficult than ... | |
| From shorts to broads | 4/9/2006 |
| Q: I'm naturally a short story writer, but I've found a few ideas that are just much too detailed for ... A: If you are the structured, outline type of creative writer, I cannot help you. I never know what I ... | |
| manuscript format | 3/14/2006 |
| Q: FOLLOW UP AT BOTTOMMy question is about manuscript format. How far from the top of the page should ... A: I believe that my first response still holds, but if you still wonder, please contact the ... | |
| replying as to my writing | 1/23/2006 |
| Q: Dorothy K. Morris, thank you for replying. The pass attempts of me writing a book, has failed due ... A: I thought as much. Try this: don't worry about the right words, spelling, grammar, sentence or ... | |
| Starting a book | 1/3/2006 |
| Q: Followup To Question - I'm going to write a book on horses, but I don't know how many character I ... A: I would love to read your first complete rough draft. Don't mind the errors. I will only read for ... | |
| Starting a book | 1/2/2006 |
| Q: I'm going to write a book on horses, but I don't know how many character I should bring in. I don't ... A: My advice is that you do not worry about how many characters. Begin to write the story and, believe ... | |
| Starting a book | 12/27/2005 |
| Q: I'm going to write a book on horses, but I don't know how many character I should bring in. I don't ... A: Is this to be a non-fiction work? If so, I don't think that the number of horses you write about is ... | |
| Writing process | 12/23/2005 |
| Q: I am thinking of writing either a sci-fi book or a fanatsy book. I have a few ideas, but the ... A: I cannot tell you what you should do. I can only tell you what works for me. Outlines work for ... | |
| What are the different aspects of Middle Grade fiction and YA? | 12/17/2005 |
| Q: I am currently working on a children's book {fiction}, and 13 is the age of my protaganist. How do ... A: Nancy, I am sure your are correct; however, when you have finished the book and find a ... | |
| What are the different aspects of Middle Grade fiction and YA? | 12/15/2005 |
| Q: I am currently working on a children's book {fiction}, and 13 is the age of my protaganist. How do ... A: I do not know what you mean by Middle Grade fiction or YA. Could you be more specific? Are these ... | |
| The "How" of book writing | 10/14/2005 |
| Q: I intend writing a book for which I already have the topic and good idea of content (more of ... A: I do not know what you mean by, "How do I professional get started?" This sentence does not make ... | |
| writing business | 9/26/2005 |
| Q: Do you know where I can find some free courses, or something, or I saw a at home writing course, if ... A: The entire message was so full of errors in structure and grammar that it would be impossible for me ... | |
| writing business | 9/26/2005 |
| Q: I want to run my own business out of my own home writing for people. Like writing anything, if they ... A: I do not mean to be rude, but if you write for people the way you wrote this message to me, you will ... | |
| over already? | 9/20/2005 |
| Q: It is so far 11 A4 pages on my computer. the amount of words per page is nearly twice as much as the ... A: I still don't know what you mean by "ll A4." It is a concept I have never come across, but it is not ... | |
| Need advise | 9/15/2005 |
| Q: -I have a Master's Degree in creative writing. I have written about 15 pages. But I keep getting ... A: A Master's degree in Creative Writing? And you're stuck at 15 pages? Difficult to believe, but I ... | |
| Just Starting! | 9/14/2005 |
| Q: Please i want to know how to write effectively to earn money. I have great sories in my memory and i ... A: My advice for you is that you enroll in a creative writing course at your nearest community college. ... | |
| word length | 9/10/2005 |
| Q: My thriller seems to be about 60,000 words. But they are usually longer, right? Should I tell an ... A: You are stuck on how many words and length of book rather than concentrating on content. This may ... | |
| word length | 9/7/2005 |
| Q: My thriller seems to be about 60,000 words. But they are usually longer, right? Should I tell an ... A: In my humble opinion the last thing you should be worrying about now is the length of your thriller. ... | |
| word counts | 8/22/2005 |
| Q: I've begun writing a novel that I've thought about for along time. There must be some kind of ... A: Do not concern yourself with the size of your book, the number of words or the number of chapters. ... | |
| first draft blues | 8/18/2005 |
| Q: The reason I asked about the double spacing is to help me gauge the size and therefore the pace of ... A: Now is not the time to even think of the size or length of your novel. That should be the last thing ... | |
| first draft blues | 8/16/2005 |
| Q: I'm relieved by your answer because the ideas for the sequence of the story flow much better when ... A: Yes, you need to be consistent with verb tenses. These are all the little things you catch in your ... | |
| first draft blues | 8/15/2005 |
| Q: Morris, I'm writing my first draft of my first novel. The story is clear in my head. If I had to ... A: Yes. Write the story and then make it pretty. You may do as many as 10 rewrites before you are ... | |
| story line | 7/31/2005 |
| Q: Do you prepare a detailed outline indicating the direction you want the story to go, prior to the ... A: R., No, I never make an outline. My story unfolds in my mind like scenes in a movie while I write. ... | |
| Re-writing work | 6/29/2005 |
| Q: I am never quite satisfied with my work. I read somewhere that it is best to keep re-writing until ... A: I re-write many times, sometimes as often as ten re-workings. I go through the first rough draft to ... | |
| writing first bbok on abuse need help with piecing it together | 6/25/2005 |
| Q: how to make a contest for a book A: You have not yet asked me a question. You have sent some words, making a statement in an incomplete ... | |
| writing first bbok on abuse need help with piecing it together | 6/24/2005 |
| Q: having a big problem putting it all together. Everything is scaddered, need to organize , and pages, ... A: I know my reply may sound rude, but it is not so intended. If your book is anything like your ... | |
| creative writing | 6/23/2005 |
| Q: Sir, 1.How to start with writing stories/articles to journals? 2.Can you suggest me some books which ... A: M., I suggest that you might take a course or two in creative writing at a college. I am sure that ... | |
| novice | 6/9/2005 |
| Q: I've got an idea for a novel,and I'm going to write it and attempt to get it published(though the ... A: Of course, the answer is that it depends on the writer and the complexity of the story. I began my ... | |
| Starting out as a writer | 5/21/2005 |
| Q: People have told me through the years I should write. Never done it - aside from song lyrics for ... A: I can only tell you how I go about writing a novel. Perhaps it will work for you. I have to begin ... | |
| Outlining a novel | 5/7/2005 |
| Q: How would I outline a novel step by step. Is there anything to do first, second and so forth? ... A: If you rate me on this I'll get a minus on 'knowledge'. I have never outlined a novel at all, much ... | |
| Romanian Characters | 5/5/2005 |
| Q: How do I make my character's dialogue believable? She speaks English, is thirteen, but is from ... A: You will have to put your own mind in such a place as a thirteen year old, Romanian immigrant girl ... | |
| descriptions | 4/22/2005 |
| Q: I need some pointers on how to write good battle/war scenes. I am having trouble. A: I have never written a battle/war scene so I am probably not your best advisor; however, if I were ... | |
| wrting for young adults | 4/20/2005 |
| Q: I was wondering, when someone writes for young adults or teens, do they have to watch their lan. or ... A: In my opinion, yes, at least for teens. But much more important for a writer of any genre is to ... | |
| Pre-writing planning | 3/11/2005 |
| Q: I am in the process of writing my first book. It is of course fiction, but like many other creatives ... A: I am not sure wyat you mean by "productive and useful space." But I do not use outlines. Nor do I do ... | |
| fantasy writing | 3/8/2005 |
| Q: In writing a well-developed fantasy book, making the characters and the environment seem to be ... A: When you are writing a book or a manuscript, the characters and environment are in the story from ... | |
| whats the first step to writing a novel | 2/8/2005 |
| Q: I am really interested in writing a book. I have a story to tell, but I don't know what my first ... A: Your first thought is that you have a story to tell and then to tell it. The first step is the first ... | |
| Working on multiple novels at once | 1/21/2005 |
| Q: My name is Ray Pace and I am a young novelist looking to get published. However, I often wonder ... A: Ray, I my opinion, no, it is not wise. If, while working on one novel, you should think of a plot ... | |
| How to get started | 1/3/2005 |
| Q: I've had a dream for years about writing fiction - I'm an avid reader (not so much these days having ... A: You must first have at least an idea of a story line and a beginning character. What works for me is ... | |
| Writer's Block | 11/2/2004 |
| Q: I am not writing anything at the moment and haven't written anything for over a year, but what I've ... A: I'll give you my method of writing a novel. It is not the method you may learn in university writing ... | |
| What a story needs. | 10/29/2004 |
| Q: I am an 18 year old business student from South Australia and have become weary of the life business ... A: I quote your"Could you please tell me what is needed in a story, be it conflict, a hero, or a castle ... | |
| rewriting and linking characters | 10/24/2004 |
| Q: How can I make characters stand out? Is that mentioned in the book you advized?What should I look ... A: The little book is for rewriting only. You make characters stand out by understanding human nature, ... | |
| Writing a Novel | 10/8/2004 |
| Q: In my novel, the story is about a brother and sister. Of course, it starts when they are adults, ... A: Yes, there are many ways and many choices. Here is the occasion for you to trust yourself and make ... | |
| Writing a Novel | 10/7/2004 |
| Q: In my novel, the story is about a brother and sister. Of course, it starts when they are adults, ... A: I can only say that you should go with your strongest feeling about the structure of the story. ... | |
| Writing | 10/4/2004 |
| Q: What is the bets way to get started. Simple yet tough question I think. A: Here is the answer I give all who ask me this same question. After you read it, let me know if you ... | |
| About publshing my novel | 10/3/2004 |
| Q: Respected Dorothy K Morris, I am Dr. Abidi from Karachi, Pakistan. Although, by profession I am a ... A: Abidi, I will attempt to respond to, if not completely answer, your questions. 1. I do not know of ... | |
| trouble completing my novel | 9/30/2004 |
| Q: I HAVE COMPLETED 10 OF WHAT I EXPECT TO BE A 14 CHAPTER NOVEL I KEEP GETTING STUCK ON SMALL DETAILS ... A: You have answered your own question. You know what the problem is...or problems are, i.e. getting ... | |
| Writing efficiency | 9/11/2004 |
| Q: I have an extraordinary story to write having now completed the plot, character, subject, and ... A: What do you mean..."so vast"? How many pages would it be? How many years would it cover? How many ... | |
| publishing a book | 9/8/2004 |
| Q: I have written a childrens' book. To whom do I send it and in what format? A: You can purchase a book that lists all of the known publishers by category. There will be many ... | |
| Ive been trying to write a... | 9/7/2004 |
| Q: Ive been trying to write a book and I wonder if some of the subjects I go into is to long.for i.e. ... A: Length of time is not an issue. War and Peace covers quite a bit of time. The issue is interest and ... | |
| synopsis | 9/4/2004 |
| Q: I am writing a synopsis of my novel but the plot is complex with many characters being underhand. I ... A: I don't quite know what you mean by your characters being underhand. Please explain. I have no ... | |
| creating characters | 8/23/2004 |
| Q: I am trying to create a character who runs for govenor of my state. I gave him Bill Clinton like ... A: My advice would be for you to become immediately actively involved in an election campaign, even if ... | |
| Beginning a novel | 8/22/2004 |
| Q: How and where do you begin to create characters, plots and settings for a novel, does creating them ... A: You are asking me, "How do I go about writing a novel?" I can only tell you how I write a novel. I ... | |
| narrative and exposition | 8/20/2004 |
| Q: narrative writing is causing me a head ache. I am over 60,000 words into a novel but I seem to work ... A: The less narrative you write, the better. Keep it to a bare minimum. Use dialogue and action ... | |
| Help | 8/9/2004 |
| Q: I dont know how much you can help me, But I am a non-experienced writer with a load of pretty cool ... A: I'll help you by giving you step 1 - finish. 1. Write a rough draft of the entire story, ... | |
| Book Idea | 8/9/2004 |
| Q: I would like to get some feed back on an idea I have for a book. I have been rolling this around in ... A: Each and every idea is workable. The difficulty comes in making it interesting and readable. Why ... | |
| Prologue In thinking... | 7/5/2004 |
| Q: Prologue In thinking of her conception she goes back to a time when she thinks she actually had ... A: You have a gift, but one that needs much discipline. If the poem is in the mood of the overall ... | |
| ------------------------- ... | 7/4/2004 |
| Q: ------------------------- May I send you a copy of what I've written so far ? So that I may get ... A: Yes, you may send the copy. Now for the first feedback. "So that I may get your feedback on it" is ... | |
| can i send u a copy of what... | 7/4/2004 |
| Q: can i send u a copy of what ive done so far and get your feed backon it i will send just the 1st 2 ... A: Yes, Sharon, you may send it; however, please be sure that your punctuation is correct, your ... | |
| wondering? | 5/27/2004 |
| Q: Followup To Question - Dear Dorothy, Thank you for your answer, now the ... A: I assume now that you are writing a ficticious account of a living person. Dangerous. And to answer ... | |
| wondering? | 5/27/2004 |
| Q: if the characters are made up to the writer's knowlege, and the places and locations ... A: Yes, if the characters are made up by the writer, then you can use real places and locations. ... | |
| wondering? | 5/27/2004 |
| Q: I have a quick question, when someone is writing fiction, what ever you write, should ... A: In fiction you may use real places and locations. The only thing you cannot do is use real,living ... | |
| dark romance | 5/26/2004 |
| Q: I'm trying to get a handle on writing dark romance. How tortured can I make my hero? My current ... A: You can make your hero as tortured as you wish. Women fall in love with serial killers all the time. ... | |
| Things that your life and work has taught you | 4/13/2004 |
| Q: Morris As a young and aspiring author, I would be grateful to receive some of your wisdom and ... A: I'll respond to your last question first. If I could have you read and master the contents of one ... | |
| Characters | 4/2/2004 |
| Q: When writing a story is it best to place a contradiction at the heart of every character? And how ... A: It might be permissible to allow one character to be more inscrutible than another; however, before ... | |
| fictional places | 3/30/2004 |
| Q: My question is can I invent a town in a state or county that doesn't really exist? Also, if I choose ... A: Yes, you can invent towns, states, counties and whole countries if it suits you. I was floored when ... | |
| Creating Characters | 3/17/2004 |
| Q: How do you make really good characters? Not just main characters, but other characters as well. A: Be honest. Let the characters show you who they are and let them guide most of the action. Let them ... | |
| characters | 2/8/2004 |
| Q: Is it better to map out your whole story and know every detail about your character before you start ... A: In my openion it is better to figure it out as you go. If you allow them, the characters will thell ... | |
| form for writing fiction | 2/2/2004 |
| Q: I have written a few short stories and have always been good at it. I am starting to write a book ... A: There is no established form for writing fiction. A writer tells a story. There is a beginning, a ... | |
Writing Books
Answers by Expert:
Dorothy K Morris
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer questions about writing fiction, creating characters and re-writing. I cannot answer homework questions.
Experience
I am a published author or four novels in The Mockingbird Hill Series.
Organizations
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR
Publications
SECRET SINS OF THE MOTHERS, COYOTES OF CREEK CROSSING, THE EIGHTH EVIL, THE TIME IN BETWEEN
Education/Credentials
Some college at American University in DC
Awards and Honors
Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in The World, Who's Who in America.
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