Writing in Fall Mode

Fall is finally here and while I should be inspired by the crisp air, carved pumpkins, and sunset-kissed foliage, work has once again robbed my inspiration. November is a chaotic period for me. Somehow my writing is “falling” faster than the yellow leaves and my stories are not ready to be gathered. What can I do to get in full writing mode?

For instance, NaNoWriMo started this month and a lot of you are busy typing away, trying to meet the deadline. Participating this year would have been impossible for me, so I applaud those of you who are partaking in such demanding project.

Do you find autumn to be the perfect time to finish or start your writing projects?

Did Your Manuscript Pass with Flying Colors?

A lot of you are getting ready for National Novel Writing Month better known as nanowrimo. Some of you continue to work on your manuscript. What important factors do you keep present when writing your MS?

I think everyone can agree that editing is vital no matter what part of your MS you’re writing.
Here are some of the things I keep in mind:

1)      Don’t be too obvious by explaining too much.

2)      Make sure your diction and dialogue are believable.

3)      Be sure you have a plot and an emotional arc.

4)      Arouse curiosity by keeping your reader wondering, yet engaged in the story and/or characters.

5)      Choose your verbs and adjectives wisely. They have to help the story move along. 

I know there are more elements that we can include in this list. Is there anything else you can add? 

Just pretend your MS is a student that needs to pass a test before sending it off to a publisher.