| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| 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 ...
|
