I was reading the latest issue of Writer’s Digest, which has an interview with Nicholas Sparks. One of the questions they asked Sparks was: “How much do you think about your readers as you write?” His answer: “Not so much as I write, but as I conceive a story, they’re… Read More »Discussion topic: How much do you think about your readers as you write?
I came across this list of 30 Books Everyone Should Read Before They’re Thirty. Wanted to get your thoughts. What do you think of this list? How many of these have you actually read? What books, in your opinion, should have made the list that weren’t mentioned?
What are your thoughts on free-writing vs. outlining? Do you like to start writing and let the story evolve as your write, or do you plan out your plot points, characters, etc. before you ever begin your story? I would say I’m more of a free-writer. Though I may switch… Read More »Discussion Topic: Free-Writing vs. Outlining
What are your thoughts about authors using pseudonyms in place of their real names? Also, if you can think of one, list an author who uses a pen name to mask his/her true identity. I’ll go first. Robin Hobb’s real name is Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden. From 1983 to 1992,… Read More »Discussion Topic: Author Pseudonyms
With historical fiction, do you prefer to know the actual history before or after you have read the novel? Or does the history matter to you at all? You don’t care as long as it’s a good story?
What is the difference between a prologue and first chapter of a novel? I’ve noticed some authors choose to use prologues while others skip right to the first chapter. In terms of an introductory chapter to a novel, what determines if that chapter should be labeled a prologue or simply… Read More »Discussion Topic: Prologues and First Chapters
In thinking about Betsy Tobin’s novel Ice Land (register for the free book giveaway), I was curious to know what others prefer in regards to character perspective and tenses in novels. Tobin’s novel is a bit unconvential, told from multiple character persepctives (both first and third person) and all in the… Read More »Discussion Topic: Character Perspectives / Tenses in Writing
I’m in the process of reading (actually listening) to Armageddon’s Children (The Genesis of Shannara Book 1) by Terry Brooks. I’ve been listening to it on my commute to work. It’s not a great book by any means. Actually, I plan to return it before finishing, which is not something… Read More »Discussion Topic: Audio Books vs. The Printed Word
When writing historical fiction, how much should your dialogue reflect the actual historical period you are writing about? Is it a good idea to write — as say — a knight during the medieval period might actually speak, or write in more contemporary language for the reader? My personal thoughts are it’s… Read More »Discussion Topic: Dialogue and Historical Fiction