One of the aspects of fiction writing that I've had to work hard on over the years is how to structure a good story. For many writers this comes naturally, but I started with an interest in worldbuilding, high fantasy concepts and prose, which alone do not a good story make. I found out the hard way, … Continue reading Non-linear narrative in fantasy
Smashed avo
"Are you done with that?" says the waiter, eyeing the last two mouthfuls of smashed avocado and smoked salmon on multigrain toast, languishing on my plate. I look up from where I'm scribbling madly in my notebook and wave her away. Really, she ought to know that the cutlery isn't in the correct position to … Continue reading Smashed avo
That elusive ending
I have spent a vast chunk of today staring at the computer screen, trying to come up with an appropriate and satisfying ending to this novel. I think I've written (by which I mean retained) exactly 200 words. I began the day well -- up pre-dawn for a walk along Brighton/Elwood beach with a friend to … Continue reading That elusive ending
My novel is about . . .
I'm going to ask for some feedback now. (This could be the moment you've all been waiting for . . .) One of the most important means by which writers pitch their stories is by having a 'one sentence summary' of the work. This is so that if we're ever asked 'what's your novel about?' by someone … Continue reading My novel is about . . .
Backup plan
The calamity of a fellow writer's hard drive crash saw us discussing backups during the SuperNOVA critiquing session yesterday. It's always a huge wake-up call for me when this happens, because no matter how diligent and disciplined I am with backing up, there's always a corner I've cut somewhere that could catch me out. The most … Continue reading Backup plan
In the pub
I'm becoming rather a fan of writing in the pub. This might sound like a strange endeavour, and certainly our mini laptops all lined up receive odd looks from the other patrons. But, as we sit secure in a generous high-walled timber booth with wine, coffee and pub food flowing, somehow just the right creative ambiance is reached … Continue reading In the pub
Talking it out
Sometimes there's a scene that is particularly challenging. It may be because there's something not working, or perhaps there's a higher than usual level of complexity. Or it may be that you simply don't know how to solve the specific plot problem that requires solving. This last scenario is when it's good to talk it … Continue reading Talking it out
All hail the Interwebs
How did writers ever survive without the Interwebs? Its merits must surely rank a thousand-fold -- but there is one in particular that has inspired today's post. Research. Back in the pre-Internet days, writers must have spent a cursed lot of time in libraries, or writing letters to people to inquire about areas of specialist … Continue reading All hail the Interwebs
A sense of style
After a recent conversation with a writer/editor/journalist friend, and having spent much of the past two days proof-reading an 80p technical product catalogue, I am reminded of the benefits of keeping a style guide -- even as a novelist. Particularly when one is writing fantasy. Style guides are used to maintain consistency across a publication. … Continue reading A sense of style
View across the treetops
This weekend I have absconded down to Phillip Island for a four-day writing and relaxation retreat. I always find I get a lot done down here, where the sea laps at our doorstep (almost) and all the household cares recede into the background. There is food, there is wine, there is usually chocolate -- all the … Continue reading View across the treetops
Ellen Gregory 