Tag: Experiments in Writing

An Experiment in Writing – Part 8: Worthy Antagonists

Problems worthy of attack, Prove their worth by fighting back. — Probably Piet Hein although some say Paul Erdős

 
Hello.

Transderivational, translational me that I am, I’ll apply the above quote to today’s topic.

Today’s experiment is about creating antagonists which are full characters, not stereotypes and more than two-dimensional.

And we also do a brief return to Empty Sky.

Enjoy.

 
Think I’m onto something? Take a class with me or schedule a critique of your work.
Think I’m an idiot? Let me know in a comment.
Either way, we’ll both learn something.

Pick up a few dozen copies of my books. Share them with friends. Think they suck? Share them with enemies. I swear (a lot!) I won’t mind.

An Experiment in Writing – Part 7: Inciting Incidents

an interesting person in an interesting place doing an interesting thing

I’m reviewing a young writer’s work and, although nicely written, wasn’t engaged by it – at least not as engaged as I want to be to read a complete novel. This is (for me) the #1 reason I reject something as Senior Fiction Editor of Wilderness House – no inciting incident

What is an “inciting incident” and what makes a good one?

I’m reading this because…?

 
Traditionally, an “inciting incident” is the “why is this happening?” of a story, the one thing which must happen for the rest of the story to happen.

I broaden that out a bit. Inciting incidents answer the reader’s question “I’m reading this because…?” That question is answered with “Have an interesting person in an interesting place doing an interesting thing.” You can have two of the three and still have a good opening. You can have one but it’s got to be incredibly strong for the reader to continue.

 
Think I’m on to something? Take a class with me or schedule a critique of your work.
Think I’m an idiot? Let me know in a comment.
Either way, we’ll both learn something.

And go buy my books so you can follow along!

An Experiment in Writing – Part 6: Authenticity

I’m going on to a side topic in this one.

Okay, a hidden mainstream topic in this one. Because it’s really about marketing although most people might not think so.

Today’s topic is based on some conferences I attended over the past month and some classes I’ve taken during that same time period.

Yeah, busy me, I know.

Summing up (because this experiment’s a long one):

  1. Write from the self so your writing is true
  2. Trust your audience/reader to get your message (if your work has one, of course)
  3. Be true with them so #2 works with them

 
Think I’m onto something? Take a class with me or schedule a critique of your work.
Think I’m an idiot? Let me know in a comment.
Either way, we’ll both learn something.

Go get my books!

An Experiment in Writing – Part 4: More on Closings

Picking up from where we left off in An Experiment in Writing – Part 3: More on Openings, Closings, we’re going a little more into closings.

Just so we’re all clear on this, these Experiments in Writing posts are more for me. I hope you get something from them, yes, and I’m using them more to learn where I need work, to discover what I don’t yet understand fully if at all, and to keep myself improving.

I’m really doing these for myself, solipsist that I am…

And now, more on closings…

 
Think I’m onto something? Take a class with me or schedule a critique of your work.
Think I’m an idiot? Let me know in a comment.
Either way, we’ll both learn something.

Pick up a copy of Empty Sky and/or The Augmented Man, the books I reference in this post (should you not already have them (shame on you!)) and want to follow along.

FYI, future Experiments in Writing will cover

  • Exposition via dialogue
  • Action scenes
  • Language/word choice
  • Exposition
  • and a whole lot more…if I even get to them.

Writing Mentoring

You are a fabulous teacher. – Parsippany, NJ

 
Let me save you some time before reading this post by starting out as I did with Critiques: Online or via Email; Do you want to improve your writing? Are you willing to pay to improve?

If the answer to either of those is No then read no further, this post isn’t for you.

Answered Yes to both? Read on.

The Joseph I know is a gifted author, supportive human, and thoughtful mentor. His thoughtful insights on a myriad of subjects allows for lively discussions and good insights. … The operative word is constructive. Suggestions by Joseph are very specific which helps the entire learning process. Note, this is different than simply working with an editor, or English teacher, or even beta readers, because the feedback is actionable. It is an honor to rank Joseph as a mentor. – Houston, TX

 
Continue reading “Writing Mentoring”