writing
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Telling the Whole Story
“Don’t write through a migraine.” I find myself thinking this, even as a hundred new ideas barrel into me for the two pieces I’ll be focusing on come November: Sandcastles, and a novella that I sense will be about a ghost ship. It’s exciting. I’d like to say one day that I told the whole… Continue reading
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Vella Review: THE DARING ADVENTURES OF HONORIA PORTER (BOOK 1)
I have not yet read many mystery novels, my preferred genre being historical fiction. However, I’ve noticed that a mystery tends to be memorable if the protagonist—the sleuth—is interesting. Holmes and Watson are great sleuths! I scarcely remember the plot lines of those novels (I know, I know—due for a reread!) but I can remember… Continue reading
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Book Review: THE DUKE’S GHOST BRIDE
Though ghosts and tales about them are popular, especially around the time of Halloween, nothing is really known about them. How would a ghost spend all of that free time? Does a ghost ever wish to have a biscuit or a conversation with the living? THE DUKE’S GHOST BRIDE by Fanny Finch is a charming,… Continue reading
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On the Solitary Writer
After 70 episodes of my serial, I find myself contemplating it—wondering how it got to 70 episodes—and marveling at how great a difference it can make to have readers. Writing is by nature a very isolated activity. I now wonder how much of that isolation is self-imposed. Why does every writer have to brood over… Continue reading
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Joy in Editing
I had forgotten that editing can be fun. Once I’ve moved past the stinking mess that is a first draft, edits & rewrites become puzzles–very personalized puzzles. When adding new scenes, I’m figuring out what the story lacks; I’m filling gaps for character development, making conversations meaningful, using words to increase tension. When adding/removing words… Continue reading
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What Goes, Goes
“The trees have begun to let go.” There is no immediate response, as tea is being set. I watch as Grandmother arranges plates, cups, spoons on the old dining table. She has left the window ajar; through it drift scents of rest, of nature preparing to slumber. Drops of dew from occasional rain. Pinecones gathering… Continue reading
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On Plot Holes
Plot holes are a constant threat in every manuscript. When writing a serial, I have found that, at least for me, it’s easier to forget what’s been written before. When I add a significant object or event, I try to work out a good place where it can be resolved before I forget it. It’s… Continue reading
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THE AUTUMN PRINCE: A Vella Serial
I discovered this year that shifting focus clarifies a story. I’ve been toying for a while with the idea of putting THE AUTUMN PRINCE on Vella; I even dreamed of it once (too much?) but didn’t trust in my ability to do so without crossing from editing to rewriting. THE AUTUMN PRINCE can be read… Continue reading
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A June Update
Kindle Vella has taken over my life. More specifically, this story has taken over my life. I’ve never been very good at writing endings to novels. I’ve always wanted to tell a story in serial form like Dickens; I never imagined how addicting it can be. 34 chapters have passed since I announced that The… Continue reading
Mariella Hunt & the Tearoom 