Blogger: Mary Keeley
Are you using your story’s secondary characters to their full purpose? They can make your book stand out from the crowd of other books in your genre. Practically as many ways to use these characters exist as …
Fiction authors
4 Easy Steps to a Great Synopsis
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Creating a synopsis for your novel is one of the hardest pieces of writing there is. It is also one of the most important elements of your proposal. But if you follow these steps, you can master …
A Writer’s Toolbox
Blogger: Mary Keeley
When we consider the basic tools a writer needs today, there really aren’t that many anymore. Technology has greatly altered the items in a writer’s toolbox, but the intangible tools necessary for the writing life will always …
Best Use of Story Flashbacks
Blogger: Mary Keeley
I was talking to a new novelist recently about where to begin her story and the best way to introduce important backstory information about her main characters. It’s been a while since I’ve blogged about anything craft …
Love Learning
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Our brain sensors are always taking in information. Experts say that every brain is wired differently. Imagine that. I don’t even know how to wire an electrical outlet. How well we process the information filtering through our …
The Dreaded Synopsis
Blogger: Mary Keeley
I talked to two writers this week who were struggling to get the synopsis for their books right. I understand the challenge. Knowing what is necessary to include and what isn’t can feel more like an obscure …
Secondary Characters
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Julian Fellowes continues to amaze me. Loyal viewers are as engaged in Downton Abbey’s final season episodes as they were during the first season. No doubt the historian that was hired to advise and ensure the authenticity …
The Perfect Title
Blogger: Mary Keeley
The Books & Such offices are closed over the Christmas holidays, but we’re re-posting some popular blogs from the past. This one is from a year ago. Enjoy commenting among yourselves. A blessed 2016 to all of …
Genre Glue
Blogger: Mary Keeley
This has been a puzzling week. Conversations with authors revealed that a few of them were brainstorming new book ideas in a different genre. Tremors in the industry or the feeling of being stuck may have precipitated …
You Know You’re a Dysfunctional Writer When…
Blogger: Mary Keeley
This week I’m rushing to send out proposals to editors and cross off as many other things as I can on my self-propagating to-do list. So much to do before going on vacation tomorrow for a week. …