Marilyn's Musings

This is something I do a couple of times a year for various organizations. I'm in the midst of reading and commenting on some at the moment. For this particular contest I have a rather comprehensive guide to use--which is helpful. Though I certainly mark down for problems, I also find the good things to mention. I am well aware that we all begin at the bottom and I'd never want to be guilty of discouraging a budding writer. In my career as a writer, I've had many who helped me along the way with gentle criticism and wonderful suggestions. Frankly, I learned more about writing from various members of my critique group than from any other source. What I look for: First off, does the person know how to format a manuscript--or if it's already in book form, know what the inside of a book is supposed to look like. An engaging first line and paragraph. Letting me know who the main character is right away. Not an information dump, but enough for me to wa...

These tips are from notes I took at the PSWA conference and the panel on realism. For setting: Buy postcards of places you are visiting for research for books and use them to evoke memories to use in your writing. Use Google maps. Make your own map if using a fictional setting. There is no substitute for actually visiting a real site you are using for a setting. One panelist writes about places she's worked in. Dialogue: Dialogue in a book needs to be more interesting than real dialogue. If you hear someone say something that you'd like to use one day, be sure and write it down. General: Write what you like to read. Pick up on news stories. Science Characters: You need to be invested in your characters Draw some elements and characteristics from actual people. Use an astrological birthdate and use some of the descriptions. Take pieces of those whom you know and put them togehter. Interview people about how they do things. Ask people questi...