Delise Torres

Hi Reader, I recently took part in a character arc workshop, where I was able to evaluate a character arc worksheet and give feedback to the writer. It reminded me on a common challenge many writers face, myself included: how to tie the plot to the arc of change. We may know what our character's misbelief is and why they need to change, but how do we actually show that change as it's happening? It's not enough to tell the reader that the character has changed, they have to witness it....

Hi Reader, In my experience critiquing manuscripts, I see many writers failing to set up their stories properly. A novel's opening pages need to do a lot of heaving lifting: introduce the characters, the setting, and the plot without overwhelming the reader with too much information. Knowing what to reveal and what to withhold is a challenge that many writers face. So in this issue, I want to discuss the most important information you need to reveal in your opening pages. Who is your...

Hi Reader, In this issue, I want to discuss one of my favorite writing resources, Story Genius by Lisa Cron, why I love it, and how I use it in my own writing. Note: I have no affiliations to this book or its author. I just love using it and think it's a wonderful resource for writers at any level. My copy of Story Genius Story Genius is designed to help writers develop a story idea. It offers exercises to get clear on your why (why are you writing this story, why do you care?) and the point...

Hi Reader, The most common problem I see in the manuscripts I evaluate is an unclear point or a story that lacks meaning. Sometimes writers have no idea what the point of their novels is. But I've found that most of the time, writers know their point, but they don't know how to showcase it in the finished product. What is the point? In her book, Blueprint for a Book, Jennie Nash defines the point as "what the entire story drives to. It's the thing your reader will come away from your book...