Judging a Character by a Reaction

In one week, I will be taking my children (ages 6 and 9) and heading up north to visit family. We're going to go the long way. The VERY long way... by train. That's right, a 46 hour journey from San Antonio to Saratoga.

I got two very different reactions when I shared my travel plans with the family members I'm going to visit.

Family member #1: "Are you sure? You'll be so tired when you get here. Do want some money so you could fly instead? The trains are usually late, you know. Are you sure you want to do that?"

Family member #2: "What a fantastic idea! You are going to have such an adventure. The kids will love it! I love travelling by train."

I bet you could form judgements about the speakers based just on the above reactions. And you'd probably be right. This is why dialogue is so critical in writing... it reveals SO much without having to tell the reader specifically.

Guest Post at The Writer's Salon

My wonderful critique partner Jacqueline Cangro asked me to write a guest post for her blog at The Writer's Salon. (I meant to link to this last week but things have gotten away from me. Again. Sorry, Jackie!)

So in keeping with my love for all things tech, I've written about the mechanical things you can do as you are getting ready for the big job of rewriting. Check out my post here.

And while you are at it, take a look at the The Writer's Salon, an alternative to formal MFA programs and continuing education classes located in Brooklyn. Each 1-1/2 hour Saturday session is geared to a specific topic. Sessions fall into two categories:

• Writing techniques. Here is all of the must-have info you need to succeed at the craft of writing, no matter what genre. You'll learn tips and tricks about writing amazing dialogue, fixes for common plot problems and much more!
• The “business” of writing. This is the insider's guide to publishing, including writing query letters that get noticed and the brave new world of e-books. If you have a completed or almost-completed manuscript and you’re wondering what the next step is, these sessions are for you.

It makes me wish I were in NYC so I could attend!