|
|
| Writing Information |
|
|
|
|
Suspense Novels Need Fast Starts
Suspense novels, unlike any other genre, need fast starts. Fans of suspense novels or their close relatives, thrillers, detective stories and mysteries, expect a fast-paced read. These suspense fans want that pace to begin immediately. So, if you want to create marvelous, fast-paced suspense novels, follow this one simple rule. If your goal is to pen successful suspense novels, you will likely have a killer or some type of conspirator in your story. Your protagonist is likely running from the killer or is trying to unravel the conspiracy. In order to have your suspense novels hit the ground running, have either a tragic event in the opening chapter or have your protagonist involved in something dangerous. Let me offer an example, using one of my own suspense novels. In The League, a group of people are trying to bring down someone or a group of people harming professional athletes. In order to get fans of suspense eager to read the rest of the novel, I decided to have an attack on a player in chapter one. So, instead of working on building characters and setting or something else, as some suspense writers do, I get immediately to the action that gives suspense novels the pace that they need to keep readers turning the pages. So, when you sit down to begin the first of what will hopefully be many best-selling suspense novels, be sure you hit the ground running. Give your suspense novel the pace that your reader wants. Mark Barnes is a novelist, sports writer and writing coach. He is the author of the novel, The League, a shocking, sports-related conspiracy, published by DNA Press. His next novel, Troon, a suspense/thriller about a golfer fighting for his life while trying to win a 5 million-dollar secret tournament at Royal Troon in Scotland, is currently in production. Learn more about Mark Barnes and his work at http://www.sportsnovels.com. Once there, pre-order his unique suspense/thriller, The League, and have it delivered right to your doorstep.
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
How You Can Take Advantage of the Increasing Demand for Freelance Online Writers The freelance writing market is a growing market to be in. There are many jobs available, but sometimes, it can be hard to find the work that you want, and available at the time you want it to be. All opportunities will help you to develop a career in the field in which you want to, though. Need a Book Coach, Ghost Writer, or Editor? Part 2 If you either want to write a book to help others create a better life and boost business or you already have your book nearly finished, you may need book coaching to answer all of your questions "What step to take next?" How to Come Up with Fresh Story Ideas How to Come Up with Fresh Story Ideas When Your Well has Been Tapped Dry Suspense Novels Need Fast Starts Suspense novels, unlike any other genre, need fast starts. Fans of suspense novels or their close relatives, thrillers, detective stories and mysteries, expect a fast-paced read. These suspense fans want that pace to begin immediately. So, if you want to create marvelous, fast-paced suspense novels, follow this one simple rule. Writing Query Letters that Count -- Close the Deal with Your First Letter! Your query letter can be a deal maker or a deal breaker. So, if your query letter just lies there, you've killed the sale immediately or your story or novel immediately. If you want that story -- your baby -- to be read, reach out of that query letter, grab the publisher, editor or literary agent by the neck and say, "Hey, you absolutely have to have this story!" Query letters that begin with "Hello, My name is. . ." have as much chance of selling as vacation trips to Baghdad. Remember, your query is like a r�sum�'s cover letter, and if you're in a competitive industry, that cover will sell you far more than the resume will. So, you have to grab the reader with your first sentence. To do this, make him believe that he desperately needs what you're selling. Following are a few tips on how to do it. Im Just The Writer Writers are often are greatly surprised or disappointed by how their work is changed when it is adapted for the big screen. When Irwin Shaw's World War II novel The Young Lions was shot in Paris in 1958, the Nazi character was played by Marlon Brando. Ever the method actor, Brando provoked an uproar by strutting around town in his SS uniform, even going into restaurants to dine. The thirty three year old star was unsure if the Parisians ripping his clothes were doing it out of adulation or disdain. Like most actors Brando wanted to be loved and he took his concern to Shaw that the Nazi be made sympathetic. "You just don't understand the character", Brando told the amazed writer. "It's my character," replied Shaw. "Not anymore", replied the actor. 7 Writing Muse Kickers to Fill Up That Blank Page Nothing is more daunting for any writer than having to stare at a blank sheet of paper. The Psychology Of Effortless Writing I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions. ~James Michener Which Comes First - Short Story Or Novel? A writer writes. Bet you've heard that one before. Or maybe this one: if you want to be a writer, first you write one word, then you write the next. Both of these old clich�s are true, of course. That's how they turned into clich�s. But there's another dilemma a beginning creative writer often finds himself facing: do I write short stories or novels? Writing novels is almost always the end goal. You'll find exceptions---such as Ray Bradbury and Harlan Ellison, who primary built their careers writing short stories---but the vast majority of successful storytellers are novelists. The real question then is this: do I jump into novel writing with both feet or do I test the waters first by writing short stories? Generally, beginning writers don't understand that these are two very different forms. They see writing a short story as easier, less intimidating. At a cursory glance, it's hard to argue with that. But if you ask a writer successful in both forms, he'll almost always tell you that short stories pose a much more difficult task. Why? Because you're working on a small canvas. The novel is a wall mural. It's expansive. You have time to fully develop your characters. There's room for movement, for growth and change, for surprises and insights, for looking back as well as looking forward. The short story is an 8x10 landscape. It's a moment in time when your character faces a critical point in his or her existence, a moment that changes everything. In a glimpse, readers must believe in your characters, in the crisis they face, in the choices they make. It's a tiny, one-dimensional surface that must appear three-dimensional. With that understanding, starting out writing short stories can still be a good proving ground for a writer. You learn quickly what works and what doesn't. You learn to write tight, to pack as much meat into as few words as possible. You learn to capture the core make up of your characters. All very valuable lessons for both the short story writer and the novelist. How Long is a Chapter? How long should your chapters be? Pairs/Groups Of Words Often Confused - Part 4 of 6 LATER, LATTER Advice for New Writers With the advent of email communications in the workplace, it's not uncommon to exchange dozens of messages daily. Sometimes, I sense a writer's "voice" in such messages. Occasionally, I ask if they've done any writing. A year ago, a colleague answered, "I loved to write in high school, but I just don't have time anymore! " She was extraordinarily busy, mothering an active two-year-old, commuting over an hour a day, managing the house, and holding a full-time managerial job. In spite of the fact that I knew she was overloaded, I sensed a unique talent in her words and didn't hesitate to encourage her. How to Outline your Book and Chapters with Mindmapping Mindmapping is better than linear outlining because authors can use flexible thinking and relativity in writing their book. One can add and subtract a thought or phrase from a mindmap easily. Mindmapping is an excellent way to start, organize, and finish your book. 7 Book Publicity Tips for Authors and Small Publishers The biggest mistake authors make when trying to get free publicity is pitching either themselves or their books. Critique Groups - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly What do people expect when they join a writing group? The Writing Game There are a lot of tapes and books and CD and even videos out there that claim they teach you how to write, but how many actually offer a full 4 part course included in their manual. A course that is offered in London as part of a creative writing school? The Write Habit: How to Strengthen Your Writing Muscle Writing is a muscle that needs exercise to stay in shape. Top Ten Ways to Write a Book That Sells Is there a book inside of you? Yes? Then why don't you write it? Or, if you've already written a book, wouldn't you like to sell more? So many of you have a great idea for a book, even a dynamite title, but much more is needed to write a book that sells. Here's the top ten ways to write a book that sells: How to Build Your Site with Other Peoples Content -- Part 1 Building a new website can be extremely exciting. Seeing your words in "print"--maybe for the first time... what a thrill! At least that's how I feel... Four Easy Ways to Get a Book Written (Especially If You Dont Like to Write) Becoming an author is probably a lot easier than you think. It's time to get that book out of your head and onto the printed page. Ready? Boot out your excuses. Here's how to do it.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2005 |