Dialogue should play a major role in any story. Pages full of descriptive and narrative paragraphs are less enticing than hearing the characters speak for themselves in their own voices. Dialogue has an immediacy to it that is missing from … Continue reading Adding Depth to Dialogue
For the longest time, I have been pondering how to embed a theme in a novel. Isn’t it enough to have a premise, to have plenty of action and to develop each character’s arc? But while preparing the final revision … Continue reading Finding Your Novel’s Theme
5 ways to use setting to add depth, emotion, and character development to any story Continue reading 5 Ways to Make Your Setting Work for You
No matter what we write, doing background research will make it better.. Here are some research ideas for novelists. Continue reading Research Ideas for Fiction Writers
In character-based plotting, two or more characters with opposing goals and mindsets are set loose in a setting and must find their way to a satisfying conclusion.
Continue reading Brainstorming a Plot through Character Interviews
GMC or Goal, Motivation, and Conflict provide a framework for brainstorming a strong plotlines and character arcs. Continue reading Brainstorming Your Plot Using GMC
If you are a writer, you love words. I know that I do. Word Storms are a writer’s way to play. They stir up creativity. They help you work through problems. They help you write your story. Continue reading Using Word Storms to Plan Your Novel
Are you a visual person? Do you hate outlining? Then mind mapping is for you. It is also a powerful tool for any writer.
A mind map is a visual representation of connected ideas. This makes it perfect for playing with different elements of a story. Continue reading Mind Mapping Your Story Ideas
Creating amazing characters is key to writing a story readers will remember and return to again and again. Continue reading Build Amazing Characters from the Inside Out
~ I ________ you ~ I was very fortunate to have the chance to hear Damon Suede speak at the New Jersey Romance Writers Conference last … Continue reading Characters as Verbs
Now I read a lot of romantic suspense novels. I love them. Why else would I write them? I like the fact that there is mystery … Continue reading Beneath the Skin is different
Characters have to eat too. Today is National Pizza Day so I thought I would give a plug for Fornino in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This is where my romantic suspense hero in Beneath the Skin likes to eat. Aristides Stavros might be a famous artist, … Continue reading Food Moments in Fiction
Today is National Wear Red Day in honor of women. So I thought that I would share some red outfits my characters might enjoy wearing on this day. Note: In keeping with my new awareness of ethically made clothing, all the gorgeous garments featured here are made in conscience to worker’s rights and the environment or from recycled finds. Learn more about the ethical clothing movement here. Melissa Dermott: The petite Asian-American heroine of Beneath the Skin is not a fancy dresser. She’s a debt-ridden graduate student. Most of her clothing is purchased in thrift stores and flea markets. But she has … Continue reading Let Them Wear Red: Ethical Clothing for My Characters
ZARA WEST'S JOURNAL 