Category Archives: Advice

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: A Pleasure Principle

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Donna Maloy, Author

Mashable is a global, multi-platform online media and entertainment “magazine” with tech, digital culture and entertainment content. If you have unlimited time to browse its ginormous daily content, you’ll find articles on everything from new gadgets to Hollywood scandals to … Continue reading →

Posted in Action, Advice, Aha! moments, Character, Conflict, Craft of Writing, Editing, High Stakes, Opening scene, Openings, Plotting, Resolutions, Stakes, Story Elements, Writing | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

TeenWriter Tuesday: Making It Work as a Writer While You’re Still in School

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Donna Maloy, Author

Wisconsin teenager Amy Zhang played tennis after school. She went out with friends and did homework. She also wrote a book. A very good book called Falling Into Place. She was 16 when she found an agent who sold it … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Amy Zhang, Finding your focus, Teen Authors, Teen Authors, Teen writers, Writing, Young Adult books | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Monday Advice from Editors and Agents: Three Tips for the Price of One

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Donna Maloy, Author

Today’s three tips provide some dead-on great advice about Your VOICE PITCHing your book STRIKING THE HEART of your reader The advice comes from Chris Keeslar, who’s been a leading industry professional for over 20 years. Keeslar started editing romance for Dorchester Publishing, where … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Agent/Editor Pitch, Craft of Writing, Interior life; interiority, Motivation, Romance, Voice, Writing | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

TeenWriter Tuesday: Free StoryCon for Scotland’s Teen Writers/Illustrators

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Donna Maloy, Author

The first Scotland-wide program for teen writers will be held June 11 and 12 at The Prince’s Trust: Wolfson Centre, Central Glasgow. It’s free and open to teen writers, illustrators and creators 13-19 years old who live in Scotland. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Craft of Writing, Resources, Summer Writing Camps for Teens, Teaching Writing, Teen Authors, Teen writers, Writers Conference, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment