Do You Understand POV?
As an editor, I spend my days at a cluttered desk reading manuscripts. What is the most common problem I encounter with new and even some experienced writers? Point of view (POV) or more simply put, who is telling the story. I believe every writer (yes, even memoir writers) should have a basic understanding of point of view. Beginning writers often don’t put a thought into point of view. They just start writing. They further exacerbate the problem by jumping into the different character’s heads whenever they like. In one scene we are reading about the feelings of one character and in the next sentence, the reader is in someone else’s head reading about his feelings. I call this “head jumping” and if I scribble those two words on your manuscript, you’ll know you...
Read More10 Million Links to Help Make Your Memoir Stand Out! (Part 2)
I know you have all been waiting for Part 2 of guest blogger Cindy Zelman’s post on “10 Million Links to Help Make Your Memoir Stand Out!” Drumroll…..Here it is! Don’t forget to “like” and sign up for Cindy’s blog. (P.S. Cindy has some great recommendations for memoirs you NEED to read.) A Memorist’s Voice Guest blogger Cindy Zelman on “10 Million Links to Help Make Your Memoir Stand Out! (Part 2)” Or, more simple advice for those new to memoir writing. Suggestion Number 3: Find your voice. You may know that the memoir market is glutted with terrifying and sad stories of sexual abuse, physical abuse, alcoholism, and drug addiction. Does that mean your own story on such topics won’t get the attention of an...
Read More10 Million Links to Help Make Your Memoir Stand Out (Part 1)
Cindy Zelman of Boston, Massachusetts, has written a fabulous article about writing memoir. It’s so great I wanted to share it with all of you. Today’s guest post is Part 1, with Part 2 to follow next Monday, March 11. If you enjoy this article (which I am sure you will) please be sure to post a comment and show some appreciation to Cindy. “10 Million Links to Help Make Your Memoir Stand Out! (Part 1)” Or, some simple advice for those new to memoir writing. If you Google the phrase, How to make your memoir stand out, you will receive 3+ million hits within a few seconds. Sometimes that phrase yields up to 10 million hits. Either way, that’s a lot of information. Who am I to give you advice with such a crowd of experts waiting for you to click on a...
Read MoreFARM GIRLS Available Now!
My sister (Candace Simar) and I have really enjoyed getting together to read from our new book —sharing some of our stories about childhood and a little of what it’s like to live in today’s world. Farm Girls is about memory and loss. About looking back and moving forward. Some of it’s funny and some of it sad. If you grew up on a farm, you will appreciate the stories! But even if you are a city dweller, the thoughts from this book will still resonate. If you live near Pine City and would like to purchase a copy of our new book Farm Girls, it is now available at Pine Center for the Arts and Creek’s Edge in Rock Creek. My sister and I will be reading from our book and signing copies at Pine Center for the Arts during the March gallery...
Read MoreDo You Make This Writing Mistake?
Memoir writers need tension in their stories. Our true character is revealed under pressure. Think back to the emotional moments in your life. What did you learn about yourself? How did you react to the stress? High emotions such as fear, grief, jealousy, or anger are the perfect moments to write about. Show the stress. Show your reaction. By doing this, you’ll reveal yourself. A perfect recipe for a great memoir story. P.S. If you live near the Brainerd area, please stop by the Q Gallery at the Franklin Art Center between 1 – 3 p.m., on Saturday, January 26, 2013. River Place Press will be introducing Farm Girls, a collection of stories and poetry I have co-written with my sister Candace Simar. The Crossing Arts Alliance will serve snacks and...
Read MoreThe #1 Way to Build Tension & Writing Boot Camp Link
What’s the #1 way to build tension in a scene? Writers often move too quickly. Build tension in your written scene by slowing down the action. Let the scene unfold moment by moment. In real time the scene may have happened quickly–perhaps in seconds. But in a written scene, we need to linger on the details. Give some hint as to what the character is thinking as it happens. Put everything into slow motion and describe the sun glinting off the water. The grit of sand on skin. Whatever the details of your story may be, let them unfold slowly. Allow your reader to feel the importance of the moment. P.S. As promised, here is the link to the Creative Writing Boot Camp in Brainerd, MN, on January 12, 2013. My sister Candace Simar and I will co-teach this...
Read More