by brianandrewsadmin | Nov 11, 2020 | Craft, Writing
With every book he writes, Boyd Morrison’s goal is to keep the reader from ever finding a comfortable spot to put the book down. If you want your readers to say to themselves, “Just one more chapter before I go to sleep,” then check out Boyd’s tips in his post the THRILL OF THE PACE.
by brianandrewsadmin | Mar 9, 2020 | Craft, Writing
“What if…” the two little words that every author should have in their toolbox. These two words have the power to instantly jump-start people’s imagination, and when I say people, I mean literary agents, editors, film producers, and readers! So, if you’re not using “what if…” when you brainstorm, plot, and pitch your work, then you should start. Here are some tips:
by brianandrewsadmin | Aug 19, 2019 | Writing
How to Use “Tags” and “Beats” to Elevate Your Dialogue. by Brian Andrews If you think dialogue is something that only happens “inside the quotation marks,” then think again. Yes, what your characters say matters immensely, but the...
by brianandrewsadmin | Jul 22, 2019 | Writing
Subtext 101: What lies beneath (Part 2 of 2) In Part 1 of this post, we compared subtext in a novel to a musical score in a film. Like a theatrical score, subtext does its work in the background—creating mood, tension, and cadence. Without subtext, a novel can feel...
by brianandrewsadmin | Jun 24, 2019 | Writing
If the craft of storytelling had its own Oscars, you can probably guess which elements would get top billing. Plot would sub in for Best Picture, Character would fit the bill for Best Actor in a male or female role, and narrative would stand in for Best Director....
by brianandrewsadmin | May 29, 2019 | Writing
You’ve just finished watching the latest episode of SEAL TEAM. Your heart is pounding, your adrenaline is pumping, and you say to yourself, “I’ve got an idea for a kickass military thriller, and by God, I’m going to write it.” Hooyah! You’re motivated, you have an...
