One of the wonderful things about art is that it can take us anywhere. But when constructing a setting, particularly a real world setting, it's important to get a good sense of the tone and level of realism you want your work to have. If the setting isn't consistent, well researched, and appropriate for the … Continue reading Setting the stage: Tone and realism in fiction
Tag: amwriting
The dilemma of research
When I do research I often find myself overwhelmed by the amount and scope of information out there. I could spend dozens of hours in libraries and on the internet pulling together facts about the topics in my novel. To preserve my writing time and my sanity, I have to remind myself not to get … Continue reading The dilemma of research
10 Practical Writing Tips from the Greats
There's a lot of writing advice floating out around there, much of it to do with the philosophical approach to the craft, or the ever elusive formula for creativity. I've compiled here a list of very practical suggestions from Kurt Vonnegut, Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, and a few others. Some of this advice may seem … Continue reading 10 Practical Writing Tips from the Greats
The world upside down: Dean Koontz and stunning prose
"Through the stillness snow fell not in skeins but in infinitely layered arabesques, filigree in motion, ornamenting the city air, of an especially intense white in the dove-gray light of the morning, laying boas on the limbs of leafless trees, ermine collars on the tops of walls, a grace of softness in a hard world." … Continue reading The world upside down: Dean Koontz and stunning prose
Sarah Kay Moll 