TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .    5

On Imagination and Inspiration. . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . .  7

     Let your imagination run wild.

On Discipline and Commitment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13

     Make writing a habit.

On Dialogue and Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19

     Write how real people talk.

On Structure and Imagination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25

     Get started plotting.

On Revision and Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31

     Edit your writing.

On Characters and Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . .    37

     Write believable  characters.

On Setting and Atmosphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   43

     Establish the time and place.

On Description and Naming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49

     Show, don’t tell.

On POV (Point of View) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   55

   Decide who tells the story.

On Rules and Experimentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    61

     Know the rules (and when to break them).

Authors Mentioned in this Book. . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . .  68

About the Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69