I finished the “My Story” series, sharing my writing and publishing path from a beginning freelance writer of nonfiction in 1973, to a successful cozy mystery writer with 8 Klepto Cat Mysteries. I provide tips, techniques, and anecdotes along the way. Here’s an excerpt from today’s installment. (Entire piece published here: http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades. My Story starts January 6 and continues daily through to today, January 11.
Tips for fiction-writers. Always keep your reader in mind, even throughout the writing process. For example:
- Don’t leave the reader behind. Make sure he/she can follow along with the story. If your character approaches the front door timidly, afraid to knock…don’t suddenly jump to a scene where the character is in the kitchen eating a piece of pie. Without being overly, absurdly simplistic, walk the reader through the scene—don’t leave the reader behind and confused.
- Don’t try to fool the reader. Facts are important in fiction, too.
- Don’t engage in muddy writing. Learn to write with clarity. Omit unnecessary words and phrases.
- Avoid over-explaining. Encourage the reader to think and to feel.
- Always, always hire an editor before you go to press.
Klepto Cat Mysteries–available at Amazon.com. http://amzn.to/1kAI8I2