Susan Orlean: Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

HOW TO SHOW AND NOT TELL

Showing and not telling offers an undeniable appreciation of a protagonist's feelings, purpose, and reasons but is difficult to carry out. 

As a research analyst, and later as a columnist, my focus was facts. Also, books filled with a minutia of information to build volume annoy me.  But, novels are not technical guides nor reports, so I am learning how to show not tell. Not to limit the protagonist’s involvement, emotions and setting with a scarcity of detail while not dragging the story into a mountain of verbosity. 

For example, in The Sylph’s Tale, when Haya demands “Take me back” and “use wings” Ayekah says “no wings,” even though he realizes that she fears her people but without her, he loses all. To describe a hero's struggle and uncover passions became magical and compelled me to dig deep into who characters are and how experiences influence them and their reality. 

My readers complain that THE SYLPH'S TALE is too short. I agree and love that my readers care. Their observations are helping me to improve the next book of the series VIRGINS.

Here is a great article by K.M. WEILAND: 3 Tips for Improving Show, Don’t Tell

On query letters

A query letter is supposed to be creative, well written but succinct. In the last few days, I started querying agents and editors. The answers have been NO thank you but I truly appreciate those who respond with great care and some suggestions: THANK YOU!
This article gives a good sample even though most agents/editors have their own requirements: 

HOW TO WRITE A DARN GOOD QUERY LETTER

Check list for screenplays

This script readers list is a must for those learning how to write screenplays and or writing one.

A Script Reader's Checklist - ScreenCraft: Readers are the much maligned gatekeepers to studios and production companies, filtering screenplays and writing the cursory coverage that will seal the fate of the script in the eyes of...A Script Reader's Checklist.

Stephen King, His Books, and Their Origins at Lisner Audiotorium

Last but not least, in my humble opinion, the best writing classes a writer can ever take is reading and listening to the masters. To me, that includes many such as Anne Rice, Jean M Auel, Carlos Castaneda, Elizabeth Kostova, JF Rowlings, Isabel Allende and more, may more.

Creative writing lessons: Creative Writing tips, advice and lessons from...

Still on the masters, because they are masters...

Writing Tips From Stephen King

I am still hung up on my editing the first chapter of VIRGINS so I decided to listen to a few of those who I consider MASTERS and here is one that absolutely cracked me up because I relate.

Anne Rice talks about writing on Facebook

Getting into VIRGINS

For weeks I was having a hard time editing VIRGINS, felt like a failure because my deadline to publish VIRGINS was July 29, that date passed and nothing!

Then I got a rejection that sank me into doubt. Am I a corrupt human being? Does my writing violate principles to the point that an agent, even though she loves my book - took the time to write me a long and wonderful letter - but her publishing house will not publish it;  I edited the agency and her name out of the letter and posted my response to them on my webpage, its called A letter of explanation. Asked several readers and I didn't feel any better when one said: "I loved the sex parts!" Am I a porno writer? I asked others and they said, "NO you are not".

I need to finish editing and publish the next two books of the series but was not able to let go of the need to add another first chapter to VIRGINS, it felt like it lacked a transition from The Sylph's Tale. Sometimes I find inspiration when doing research because before I check for facts I trust my instinct and listen to my characters. So, I have been doing a lot of research about Armenia since that's where VIRGINS begins and where Ayekah's descendants find refuge when rescued by The Dragon Eternity during the great flood.

Like I said, I love research and can get lost in it and am amazed when the story and the characters once I start editing are right on target. One reason why my husband and I, he is my first and last editor, traveled to Spain is because VIRGINS starts in Europe in 1958. When we were there we found almost everything as I had written it including a town called Lalin and the church cemetery.

Yesterday I listened to YouTubes from JK Rowlings, Anne Rice, Jean M Auel and others about writing, rejections, criticism, and encouragement. Late in the evening, the first paragraph was born and came alive in me. Now, I am back in focus.