Fiction

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This is a place for fiction writers and those who represent them and edit them to gather and discuss the process and the business. If you have ever even fantasized about writing a novel you are welcome too.

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Latest Activity: May 12

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Discussion Forum

Is a series easier to sell these days than a standalone work?

Started by Ian Nathaniel Cohen. Last reply by Peter Kraft May 12. 5 Replies 1 Like

These days, when browsing the shelves at bookstores, I see a large number of books that are parts of a series (particularly mystery and sci-fi/fantasy). I can understand a publisher wanting a series…Continue

Social concerns in fiction

Started by Michael Valentine. Last reply by Michael Valentine Mar 4. 15 Replies 0 Likes

Should great fiction reflect or try to bring attention to problems in our society or is it enough to just try and tell great stories? What should the goal of a fiction writer be? Continue

Two Stories In One -- Best Way To Tell Them?

Started by F.J. Thomas. Last reply by Ekta R. Garg Feb 25. 3 Replies 1 Like

Basic idea of the book is that a girl and her pet are separated during a disaster. The premise of the book is the story of each one until they are reunited at the end of the book.The basic format of…Continue

Did any of you participate in the Write a book in a month challenge?

Started by Deborah Herman. Last reply by Mari Adkins Jan 21. 5 Replies 0 Likes

I have heard about the write a book in a month challenge but do not know the details. I would love to know if it worked out for any of you and if it spurred you on to completion. Perhaps you can…Continue

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Comment by Peter Kraft on July 23, 2012 at 10:20pm: Check out writerswrench.com-Some great information-Read Aaron Sorkin on writing, and his influences like Aristotle, and conflict cross dialogue, and the beat sheet. Understand what the engine of a story is, and keep that conflict going. Understand the nature of the three act play format and how it can apply to most compelling fiction. Remember that if you aren't entertained by the first draft, it doesn't get any more entertaining by the twentieth rewrite. All writing is rewriting. Good luck-

Comment by Sherry Antonetti on July 23, 2012 at 9:55pm: Alternatively Amber, look at the story you want to tell, what is it? Look at what you love to read. Why do you love it? What is the important story you want to tell? Why is it important?

Comment by Tom Flood on July 23, 2012 at 9:47pm: Amber, fiction is not a genre, it's a discipline. Fiction genres are Crime, Fantasy, Thriller, Romance, etc. The best way to learn is to read and write a lot. Read novels, novellas, short stories by writers whose style you like, but read them not for story, but for the nuts and bolts of their style. Look at how they create their stories, then take a start from one of those writers, say a paragraph, and write your own story from it. It'll give you a good kick-off and you can swim the rest of the way yourself.

Comment by Jan Lazo-Davis on July 23, 2012 at 8:37pm: Check out the book Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. How to edit yourself into print.

by Rennie Browne and Dave King, second ed.

Comment by Amber Nikole Leigh on July 23, 2012 at 8:04pm: I would like all the information I can get on writing fiction. I know some of the basics, but I want to know what I should do and not do.

I have recently decided to start writing again. I never knew what genre I wanted to write in, then I decided on fiction. I read fiction more than anything. And my imagination is more fiction based than anything, So, I am asking help from all the knowledgeable writers, the editors, the agents, and the publishers.

Comment by Gary E. Smith on July 10, 2012 at 1:49pm: Each novel should include at least one big choice. If it is a "comedy" it is the right choice. If it is a "tragedy" the wrong choice and the protagonist looses the conflict set up in the plot.

Comment by Kelly Kirk on June 25, 2012 at 4:28pm: When my kids were little I would set the alarm for five in the morning. I struggled for a week or so to adjust, but early morning hours were the best for me. After a day of entertaining, chasing, watering, feeding and bathing little ones, there was nothing left in the evening. I am not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination, however getting up an hour or two before they did was the only way I was able to have time for what I wanted to do.

Comment by Kelli Stuart on June 25, 2012 at 3:39pm: Any writer-moms out there with tips for time management? I have three young kids and finding time to write seems insurmountable at times. I'm trying to find the time of day when I can be most productive and yet still be able to fully function as Mom for my kiddos. What time of day are you most productive? When do you find is the best time to write with title ones around?

Comment by Kelly Kirk on June 25, 2012 at 2:27pm: Linda, I am no expert. However, a professional editor and previous publisher I know stated that celebraties are fair game. You can name them, as long as everything is truthful. If you are speaking of an individual who is not in the public spotlight, even if it's truthful, you may be liable. I'm just passing along what they told me.

Comment by Linda Rose on June 25, 2012 at 10:28am: I am currently writing a memoir based on try facts that involve real life famous celebrities. Can I use thier names? I am planning on writing the story as fiction based on true life facts. The celebrities were people I had involvements with and some have passed away. They all are famous now.