Set up Your Story in the First Paragraphs
by Jodie Renner, editor, author, speaker I receive several first chapters (and synopses) every week as submissions for possible editing, and I always read the first page. Some are clear and compelling and make me want to read more. But too often, two main problems emerge: Either the author spends too much time revving his engine with description or backstory before we even care (boring); or we’re plunged right into the story but have no idea where we are or what’s going on (confusing). There are three cardinal rules of successful novelists: 1. 2. 3. I’ve discussed the negative effects of starting off too slowly, with too much description and/or backstory, in other articles (see the links at the end of this article). Your first paragraph and first page are absolutely critical! So try to work in the basics of the 4 W’s below in your first page — preferably within the first two or three paragraphs. Who? What? Where? When? Also, your first page is a kind of promise to your readers. 1. 2. 3.
prompts, lessons, and resources for writing classrooms
Fictional Culture
The way I build worlds is by collecting cool stuff from the history, myth and people around me. I blend these details with my own imagination, and create my own cultures. Culture is a vital part to realistic worldbuilding. Normally there are a few particular cultures that interest me at a given time. In the long term, there is nothing more inspiring and challenging than visiting foreign cultures yourself (especially if you can get far beyond your comfort zone to do it). But reading (non-fiction, myth/legend/fairytales, as well as the classics like Dune and Lord of the Rings) and watching documentaries/films can get you a long way toward filling up on your inspiration tank. It’s important to remember: Culture in fiction isn’t a rod to get a point across. What is the most important ideal to this culture as a whole? Like this: Like Loading...
Liste lateinischer Phrasen
Lateinische Wendungen sind ihrerseits oft aus dem Altgriechischen übersetzt und erscheinen deshalb auch in der Liste griechischer Phrasen. Viele dieser Phrasen werden in Fachsprachen als unübersetzte Versatzstücke weiter gebraucht und haben sogar Eingang in das allgemeine Kommunikationsrepertoire gefunden, bisweilen auch als Verballhornungen. Aufgenommen in diese Liste werden Wörter und Sätze, die entweder: im Rechtswesen heute noch gebräuchlich sind (z. oder in der populären Kultur weithin bekannt sind (z. und die Vorbilder für deutsche Sprichwörter waren (z. Beispiele Vieles ist schon in den folgenden Listen enthalten und braucht deshalb hier nicht mehr gesondert aufgeführt zu werden: Siehe auch: Wortgruppen des Latein: Verwandtschaftsbezeichnungen, Zahlwörter Literatur[Bearbeiten | Quelltext bearbeiten] Klaus Bartels: Veni vidi vici; Geflügelte Worte aus dem Griechischen und dem Lateinischen. Einzelnachweise[Bearbeiten | Quelltext bearbeiten] Hochspringen ↑ DNB 578942313
102 Resources for Fiction Writing « Here to Create
UPDATE 1/10: Dead links removed, new links added, as well as Revision and Tools and Software sections. Are you still stuck for ideas for National Novel Writing Month? Or are you working on a novel at a more leisurely pace? Here are 102 resources on Character, Point of View, Dialogue, Plot, Conflict, Structure, Outlining, Setting, and World Building, plus some links to generate Ideas and Inspiration. 10 Days of Character Building Name Generators Name Playground The Universal Mary Sue Litmus Test Priming the idea pump (A character checklist shamlessly lifted from acting) How to Create a Character Seven Common Character Types Handling a Cast of Thousands – Part I: Getting to Know Your Characters It’s Not What They Say . . . Establishing the Right Point of View: How to Avoid “Stepping Out of Character” How to Start Writing in the Third Person Web Resources for Developing Characters What are the Sixteen Master Archetypes? Building Fictional Characters Fiction Writer’s Character Chart Speaking of Dialogue
Assemble a Quality Portfolio | Pan-European MFA - Creative Writing
Whether you’re assembling writings to submit to an MFA program or to share with a local writers’ group, it’s important for you to select work that shows your full range of talents. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the objectivity necessary to evaluate our own work. If you’re unsure of which pieces to choose, consider these tips from award-winning writer Fred Leebron. Select your strongest work. Don’t worry if it is not self-contained and complete. Choose the best 25 pages of your novel or memoir, or the best 10 pages from your long poem. Learn more about Fred Leebron »
The Subplot - Not Second Place, but Side by Side
There is one element in plotting our story that we sometimes forget or neglect—the subplot. The subplot is what rounds out a novel or screenplay, informing it with another shade of emotional colour to deliver a satisfying and entertaining experience. It is the parallel narrative that allows the writer to explore theme, deepen characterisation, add tension or allow some relief. Love and other pursuits. A great subplot should help you sustain your plot and illuminate the central characters. Start writing your book with our Writers Write - how to write a book - course. by Anthony Ehlers Anthony has facilitated courses for Writers Write since 2007.
Absolute Write
