Ah, but this is where we writers can get in trouble. I see writers beginning their novels with high-action gun battles, blowing up buildings, a heart-wrenching, gut-twisting scene in a hospital or at a funeral, all in an effort to “hook the reader” by “starting in the middle of the action.” Then when they get dinged/rejected by an agent or editor, they are confused.
Tag: WANA
Jul 11 2013
How Star Trek Helps Us with Showing Rather than Telling
While I’m running my tail off in NYC spreading the WANA love, Marcy offered to step in and help. She knew the two words that instantly would capture my heart. Star. Trek. Take it away Marcy! **** You’ve heard the advice show, don’t tell until you can’t stand to hear it anymore. Yet all writers …
Jul 10 2013
10 Ways for an ADD Writer to be OOH! SHINY!…Productive
Writing is a profession, not a playpen. Professionals ignore their feelings and do it anyway. Only children, amateurs and The Long Island Medium listen to their feelings. Feelings are fickle, lazy, and secretly jealous of your work and a tad pissed that you no longer hang out with them as much as you used to. The secret to success is to work your tail off. Be willing get up earlier and stay up later than others. Be willing to do what others won’t.
Jul 05 2013
When it Comes to Success, Is It Hard Work or Luck?
I, of course, believe in hard work and mastery, but Cara pointed out that it was useless without luck. That a lot of lazy, undeserving and even untalented people enjoy huge success while other, more deserving can die in obscurity.
Now you see why we had a hell of a debate. There was no simple answer.










