Thursday, January 10, 2013

Thursday's This and That



Jean Fischer offers an encouraging way to start the year with this post, 5 Authors, 5 Easy Steps to Improve Your Writing in 2013. Good stuff. Thanks, Jean!

Showing versus telling in fiction - easier said than done, right? Show, Don't Tell - But How? by C. S. Lakin helps writers navigate these tricky waters with tips on taking scenes from flat to fabulous.

The Lovely Christian Romance Writing Contest has announced this year's novella theme - Christmas on the Frontier. First prize is $300, click here for details.

Consider this statement by Kristen Lamb, "When we modify everything, we modify nothing." If you are struggling over details and/or trimming words, this post on Kristen's blog, How Much Detail Should Writers Use could offer valuable insight.

Which is better, a letter of introduction or a query? Linda Formichelli shares her thoughts on approaching editors in Can the Query/Letter of Introduction Hybrid Help You Break Into More Magazines?

What have you been writing so far in 2013? Have any exciting weekend plans?

Happy weekend,

Karen  :)

Photo Credit: Stock Exchange 


Please note that sharing information and links does not necessarily mean I endorse them or can guarantee validity. I'm simply passing the info along. That said, hope you find something useful! :)

24 comments :

  1. Hi Karen - You've just given me my reading list for this afternoon. Enough links to keep me busy. Thanks!

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  2. I struggle with details, but not trimming them!

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  3. Thanks Karen for lining up useful information again.
    I've been working on translating my book Respectfully Yours into Dutch.

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  4. Lisa,
    Glad to be of help! Hope they are useful. :)

    Diane,
    If you think about it, let me know your thoughts about it, okay?

    Alex,
    Me too. Pretty good at trimming, but descriptions and details come harder for me.

    Marja,
    Wishing you the best with the book! Will have to have you stop by here and visit. :)

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  5. Hi Karen,
    As always, you have lots of useful information on your blog. Thanks for sharing the links.
    Donna

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  6. Hi Karen! Thanks for the great links!

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  7. What am I writing now? I'm re-writing chapter five of my children's novel River Dark and driving myself mad. For days I've worked on it, felt that it was impossible to do anything to save it. Then today I have worked for several hours and at last the sentences are beginning to fall into place! Thanks for asking, Karen, you are speaking to one much happier bunny! x

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  8. Wow, great links!
    Right now I'm in the slew of editing. And writing papers, because I'm back in school.

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  9. Donna,
    You are welcome. Hope you find something useful! :)

    Loree,
    Hello back! You are welcome - hope they are helpful. :)

    Carole,
    Sounds like you are keeping busy, oh my! Glad you are a "happier bunny"! That made me smile. :)

    Jenna,
    Ah, sounds like you have your hands full. Wishing you all the best with your studies!

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  10. Ooh! Great list to tackle! Thx!

    No plans this weekend except the kiddo wants to go to a high school play of beaity and the Beast this Friday. Should be fun. :-)

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  11. I much detail and where and when is I think what gives us voice and style. The trick is to emphasize what's important, but it's not an easy thing to explain. It takes a lot of practice. I know I need more of it.

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  12. More great links, Karen--thanks! And the weekend? Letting the writing ideas percolate while I work on photo albums. Then back to writing work Monday morning :-)

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  13. I love that photo, Karen. Also, great links.

    I've been working on my manuscript this year and I'm loving where it's headed (finally).

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  14. Jennifer,
    Hope you have a great time at play. Sounds like fun!

    M Pax,
    I could use some of that practice too! Glad you could stop over!

    Kenda,
    Have fun with the pictures, sounds like fun!:)

    Lynda,
    Glad you are pleased with your progress. Cheering you on!

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  15. thank you very much for this great useful information!!!
    I do not have ANY ageless pearls of wisdom!

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  16. Annmarie,
    You are welcome! Hope you find the info helpful. Oh, I am sure you have some pearls of wisdom. I just put you on the spot, that's all. Maybe someday we can discuss it over a cup of tea. :)
    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  17. Honestly, Karen, you have the best sources for writers. Thanks!

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  18. My 2013 writing is more editing. I love that my parents (in their 70's) are embracing the computer age. My dad will send me his correspondence so I can format it correctly in Word, as well as edit his text. I read my college son's papers as well but the Christmas break has been editing essays for summer intern applications. It keeps me sharp.

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  19. Thanks for the great links, Karen.

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  20. Thanks for all the links, Karen! Now I'm checking them all out and reading!

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  21. Joylene,
    Thank you! It's fun to share the tidbits I tun across. Hopefully they are helpful! :)

    Sally,
    Sounds like you are going full steam ahead in the writing department for 2013! Best wishes with it all! :)

    Rachna,
    You are welcome! Have a great week. :)

    Nas,
    You're welcome! Hope you find one or two to address your needs. :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  22. Susan,
    Hopefully something will strike a chord for you. Congrats on the contracts! :)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!