In the past I had problems with putting too much information in the opening and not breaking it up with action or opinion. I've learned through reading for fun and then studying stories that I can take the time to give the reader information.
Also with series character I don't need to put everything in every story. My current WIP is about the romance between two antagonists of the main series. The heroine of the main series isn't in this story, so it's not necessary to include a mention of her in this side story.
Always let the characters show you who they are. They'll do it if you listen. And they WILL surprise you.
And a good nudge for 2025 goals. After reading this, I started my 2025 word count spreadsheet (changing the way I do it after some great comments here) and added goals to the spreadsheet.
I've got 13! Here's the first 3:
1. Write Fiction for 30 minutes first thing every morning--get up early if necessary. Not including cycling.
2. Write 1000 words of fiction each day Monday through Friday
3. Write 500 words of fiction each day Saturday and Sunday
The rest are specific to publishing (individual short stories, short story collections--already written), writing short stories, finishing & publishing novels, new novels...
Thank you for the post. I think I instinctually knew a lot before, but getting confirmation from someone more experienced helps with creeping doubts.
I edited the opening of a short story to make the character introduction flow better and it feels more similar to meeting a new person now.
Very cool.
In the past I had problems with putting too much information in the opening and not breaking it up with action or opinion. I've learned through reading for fun and then studying stories that I can take the time to give the reader information.
Also with series character I don't need to put everything in every story. My current WIP is about the romance between two antagonists of the main series. The heroine of the main series isn't in this story, so it's not necessary to include a mention of her in this side story.
Sounds right to me. :-)
Thanks so much for another "Of Interest" mention, my friend. You're better than a VP of Marketing!
Thanks, Mardy. Glad to help spread the word. Wait'll you see tomorrow's edition. :-)
You've piqued my curiosity!
Always let the characters show you who they are. They'll do it if you listen. And they WILL surprise you.
And a good nudge for 2025 goals. After reading this, I started my 2025 word count spreadsheet (changing the way I do it after some great comments here) and added goals to the spreadsheet.
I've got 13! Here's the first 3:
1. Write Fiction for 30 minutes first thing every morning--get up early if necessary. Not including cycling.
2. Write 1000 words of fiction each day Monday through Friday
3. Write 500 words of fiction each day Saturday and Sunday
The rest are specific to publishing (individual short stories, short story collections--already written), writing short stories, finishing & publishing novels, new novels...
"Always let the characters show you who they are. They'll do it if you listen. And they WILL surprise you." Just like in real lilfe. :-) Spot. On.
Knowing your hectic life, those are great goals, KC.
Thanks Uncle Harvey...Happy New Year!!