Category Archives: Differentiating Characters

Backstory: Putting your world in context

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Donna Maloy, Author

Context = Clue Context gives us clues to the meaning of an unfamiliar word, the emotion behind a friend’s reaction, the point of a political slogan. The word “flag” can call several images to mind. But even if we’ve never … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Backstory, Backstory, Craft of Writing, Description, Differentiating Characters, Editing, Interaction with Setting, Interior life; interiority, Words and Phrases, world-building, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Monday Advice from Editors and Agents: Know Mako Mori and Bechdel?

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Donna Maloy, Author

Do you know Mako Mori and Bechdel? No, they’re not hot new publishing houses, or editors, or authors. They are standards/tests meant to rate the gender inclusiveness of a book or film–and some agents are starting to mention them in wish … Continue reading →

Posted in #mswl, Agents, Character, Character arcs, Character-driven action, Characters, Craft of Writing, Differentiating Characters, Differentiating Characters, POV - Point of View, Story Elements, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Monday Advice from Agents and Editors: Match Dialogue to Character

Posted on November 10, 2014 by Donna Maloy, Author

When asked by a blog commenter to name the major shortcomings he sees in manuscripts, developmental editor Alan Rinzler called out–           “dialogue that all sounds like the same person.” Editor/author/writing guru James Scott Bell seconds that opinion, emphatically. He … Continue reading →

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