Change my location 
List All Categories
-
- Writing (26)
- Author (25)
- Novel (23)
- Creativity (16)
- Authorship (10)
- Self-Editing (8)
- Control (4)
- Elmore Leonard (4)
- Publishing (4)
- Stages of Creativity (4)
First Time Author Examiner
Showing entries for Category: First-Lines
Showing entries for Category: First-Lines
Elmore Leonard's Rules For Writing: Rule #1
|
So I'll be the first to admit that I am not even a blip on Elmore Leonard's radar. That being said, I also wrote about 11 novels before forcing myself to get one published, and I've been doing this for 15 years. Now, probably 10 of the 11 novels I wrote were a handbook in what not to do, but it was fantastic training. So when I picked up a 100-page book about 10 rules of writing, I was understandably perplexed. Let me post a disclaimer: The man knows how to write, he's just shifted the means of his craft. I spent 4 years in film school learning how to write screenplays, and if you want your novel adapted, follow each of these rules closely.  However, if it's a good novel you're after, there are a few to avoid. 1. Never open a book with weather. If it’s only to create atmosphere, and not a character’s reaction to the weather, you don’t want to go on too long. The reader is apt to leaf ahead looking for people. No fault here. Couldn't agree more. Readers want to be entertained from the get-go. I mention this a bit in my post on First Sentences. (I've abridged some of these rules. A full version can be found here.) |
Subscribe
Categories:
0
Comments:
Link
The Science of the First Sentence
| The cover of a book is its first impression on the reader. We always judge books somewhat on their covers, despite the old adage. But your first sentence is just as important.It's like meeting a really beautiful person. Your first impression is generally... Read More |
Guy Incognito
Got a manuscript? So does Guy - a great one, or so say his editors. Follow along as he shares the experience of writing and publishing a book with you from manuscript to book tours and, hopefully, sequels.
Got a manuscript? So does Guy - a great one, or so say his editors. Follow along as he shares the experience of writing and publishing a book with you from manuscript to book tours and, hopefully, sequels.
- Handling rejection part 1: the anger method
- Setting your manuscript free
- Interview with Author Stephanie Kuehnert
- Working With Editors: A Necessary Evil
- So You Think Your Kid Can Write?
- Writing Rule #8: The World is Your Oyster
- Writing Rule #7: The Writing Cycle
- Getting Published: Know Your Options
- Hermione Granger Joins Biker Gang
- Elmore Leonard's Rules For Writing: Rules #8-10
Search for more posts
subscribe to First Time Author Examiner's posts
Brzezinski Warns of Afghanistan Offensive
Military veterans favor McCain
Wireless television - WHDI ready to make its mark
