Here is a tutorial from Writers Digest that discusses the most common errors writers making when writing their novels and screenplays. It covers much of what I have told writers when critiquing their books and screenplays. I suggest checking out the video.
Enjoy!
Top Ten Errors Writers Make That Editors Hate
(What are they? And how do you fix them?)
 | SUE JOHNSON Writer's Digest Tutorials |
Hi Everyone!
A great idea can hook an agent or a publisher. But ideas are cheap. It’s the execution that matters; the execution decides whether your manuscript ends up in the slush pile or on the shelves of a bookstore. The way you develop your idea and bring it to life will not only hook, but also reel in agents and publishers … and ultimately your readers. Editors want you to succeed. They want to discover great new writers and read compelling stories lived by memorable characters. But there are some common mistakes that stand in your way.
This illuminating tutorial will reveal the ten most frustrating errors writers make, covering such story elements as plot, structure, character, dialogue, and more, as well as general writer’s issues like style and voice. Discover the dangers of the forced plot twist and the cardboard character, explore ways to avoid unnatural dialogue, and gather ideas that will boost the interplay between dialogue and narrative while learning strategies to self-edit and fix common mistakes.
This tutorial is presented by literary editor Helga Schier. After years as editor in traditional publishing houses, Helga founded withpenandpaper.com and now provides independent editorial and writing services. Helga holds a PhD in literature and is a frequent lecturer at writers’ conferences. She has edited, written, or translated well over one hundred books. A true writer’s editor, Helga guides fiction and non-fiction writers through the development, writing and editing process, helping them to craft the best books they possibly can.
In this 38-minute tutorial, you’ll discover:
- The most common grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues
- The most typical inconsistencies
- The most frequent stylistic errors
- How to use clichés to your advantage
- How to create memorable characters
- How to show and not tell
- Ways to increase the power of your dialogue
- Ways to support natural plot development
- Ways to spot and avoid hangnail writing
Preview: Top Ten Errors Writers Make That Editors Hate
Writer's Digest Tutorials Members enjoy full access to all tutorials featured in this newsletter, as well as every tutorial on the tutorials site. For only $199 you gain access to all Writer's Digest's writing tutorials for an entire year. That means you have access to all 211+ current tutorials and all the new tutorials created throughout the year. With the addition of at least one new tutorial every week you have access to a minimum of another 52 educational tutorials. Watch every video whenever you like, as often as you would like . . . and be the first to watch the new tutorial we post each week!
Haven't taken advantage of the wisdom bestowed through the WD tutorials yet? Why not try it out today and see all that our WD tutorials have to offer! You can try WD Tutorials for only $25/month! You will enjoy instant access to 211+ tutorials, including at least one new tutorial added weekly. Also, there are many new tutorials still in development. Feel free to preview the many tutorials immediately available to you through the WD Tutorials site.
Wishing you a happy and healthy week!
~ Sue Johnson~
P.S. If you missed the last newsletter (or two), be sure to watch these new and featured tutorials:
Phantom Scribe: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Ghostwriting
Blockbuster Fiction: Exploring Emotional High Points in Popular Films
Engaging Readers with the Five Senses
Be Your Own Editor: Tips for Self-Editing
Engaging Your Readers Through Emotion and Description
Story Trumps Structure: Context Determines Content
For quick and easy access to all WD Tutorials available to you, use this link:
View All WD Tutorials >
No comments:
Post a Comment