KMWeiland

How do we juggle scenes in which multiple characters are all supposed to be acting and talking?

Since Dame Agatha died in 1976, I can only guess what she would do in certain situations. But I can share her comments about writing, since she wrote frankly about this subject in Agatha Christie: An Autobiography.

Talks about a simple technique you can use to encourage readers to keep turning your final pages deep into the wee hours of the morning.

Even the Margaret Atwoods and Stephen Kings had to log their time as frustrated, fearful authors who had no idea what they were doing.

Our easy access to other writers—both those who are striving to be published and those who have a dozen bestsellers under their belts—causes inevitable comparisons. Are we as good as they are? Are they as good as we are? Let’s explore what we can gain from answering these questions, as well as what pitfalls we have to avoid falling into face first.

Points out the pitfalls of characters who fall short of dynamism and reveals two ways to diagnose how you’re doing with your character.

Always be aware of why you’re including a particular explanation, then reevaluate it to determine its value and don’t be afraid to chop it if it’s interrupting the information that’s of true importance to your story.

Discusses the use of a “flashforward” at the beginning of your novel, similar to the one Edna Ferber used in Show Boat.