One of the most common mistakes in an early draft is not starting the novel in the right place. It’s true, here are the most frequent culprits I have seen in my work on manuscripts, in no particular order: Take a quick look at your beginning—is yours one of these? If it is, it’s okay,Continue reading “How do you know if your novel starts in the right place?”
Author Archives: Robin Henry
Book Review: Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu
The cover of the edition I read enticingly promises that Carmilla inspired Dracula. Reading it, one thinks this may be so! If you are a fan of the Gothic, this book is for you. If you like Vampire stories, this book is for you. If you are looking for a novella that encapsulates the fiveContinue reading “Book Review: Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu”
Guest Post: In the Querying Trenches
A wise book coach once advised that the query letter sells agents on reading the pitch. The pitch entices them to want more. When I first started pitching to agents, I had a few full MS requests. (Yay!) Wrong. But I didn’t give up. A few months later, I attended a workshop by Jennie NashContinue reading “Guest Post: In the Querying Trenches”
The Absence of African Europeans In Historical Fiction
Guest post by Tonya Briggs My grandmother instilled a love of reading in her children and many of her grandchildren. In fact, two of us are librarians. Growing up, I had access to the personal libraries of my grandmother, aunt, uncle and mother. In my aunt’s personal library, there were books with characters created byContinue reading “The Absence of African Europeans In Historical Fiction”
Women’s Fiction Day 2023
In honor of Women’s Fiction Day 2023, I recorded an interview with fellow Women’s Fiction Writers Association member, Barbara Dullaghan. Take a listen!
Books can change the world, but not by preaching at people…
Why did Jesus teach in parables? Why do we tell children fables and fairy tales? Why do we use terms like cautionary tale, morality tale, allegory? Because stories help us understand other people. Stories help us remember things. Stories open a window to understanding that preaching at people does not. When you listen to peopleContinue reading “Books can change the world, but not by preaching at people…”
Going on a Personal Writing Adventure, part 2
Last summer, I decided I wanted to attend a writing retreat, and I had very specific goals in mind for this retreat. As luck would have it, my amazing book coach Robin Henry, announced in January that she was offering a personal writing adventure in Estonia. (see the previous post) In this post, I wantedContinue reading “Going on a Personal Writing Adventure, part 2”
Book Review: The Maid by Nita Prose
This one had been on my TBR pile for a while, and I finally decided to get a subscription to Audible so I can listen while I run. I usually listen to Nonfiction, but I am trying to branch out! Anyway, I LOVED this book. The reviews and accolades that have been showered on itContinue reading “Book Review: The Maid by Nita Prose”
Craft Book Review: Story by Robert McKee
Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee is a little older, but it was recommended by Jane Friedman, a publishing professional for whom I have a great deal of respect. I am SO GLAD I read the book. It is insightful about what makes a story work, helpful in explainingContinue reading “Craft Book Review: Story by Robert McKee”
New Podcast Episodes
This pair of episodes discusses unlikeable/self-absorbed main characters. Terry and I read The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Take a listen!