Comments on: When Action Isn't a Good Thing in Your Novel

By: The Agile Writer Blog

The Agile Writer Blog — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 17:14:03 +0000

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By: cdaveler

cdaveler — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 13:36:19 +0000

I've found that, as a science-fiction and fantasy writer, having a "prop" is an excellent way of conveying rules of the universe immediately without having to editorialize. When people ask how to build their world quickly, I often suggest having a character use an object that represents what kind of world it is. So if it's traditional Tolkien, have them use a magical sword. If it's more complicated, like a combination of magic and technology, have them use a magical gun, even if magical swords exist.

By: Beverly Turner

Beverly Turner — Wed, 16 May 2018 16:19:36 +0000

This post came at an excellent time. I am on my umpteenth edit/revision of my WIP. I will look for action that can be eliminated or changed to actually reflect the characters emotions. Thanks.

By: dholcomb1

dholcomb1 — Mon, 14 May 2018 19:47:44 +0000

I love how the second was so much better. I don't mean this to sound petty, but she couldn't have been percolating coffee; she was brewing coffee. A percolator is the old-fashioned pot on the stove top (though now there are electric ones) with the tube which continually forces boiling water up into the basket. She was brewing coffee in a drip system. It's not interchangeable. My grandma always percolated coffee. I know I shouldn't be hung up that, but as a reader, it stopped me and I had to figure out what was going on because it didn't make sense. Just like a French press or pour over or single serve all operate differently. Apologies if you felt I was overthinking it or causing offense, but I know people who take coffee making seriously. And, yes, I know there are some people who say they will percolate over something when they want to stew on it or think it over. denise

By: littlemissw

littlemissw — Mon, 14 May 2018 00:16:54 +0000

Brilliant post. I'm shocking with this sort of stuff. When I was teaching, we called it busy work - stuff you get kids to do just because they have to do something. My poor characters do so much eye-rolling and shrugging they're liable to get RSI.

By: wendyleslie

wendyleslie — Sun, 13 May 2018 01:01:17 +0000

Thank you Julie - such a useful post for my writing. Making THADs do so much more or... delete!
Being a practical learner, your examples nailed it for me.

By: When Action Isn’t a Good Thing in Your Novel – From the Writers in the Storm Blog | Author Don Massenzio

Sat, 12 May 2018 12:17:44 +0000

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By: Julie Glover

Julie Glover — Sat, 12 May 2018 03:25:32 +0000

In reply to lynettemburrows. We often have those blind spots with our own writing, which is why I love critique partners and editors helping us out with those. I'm sure you'll nail your scenes, Lynette!

By: Julie Glover

Julie Glover — Sat, 12 May 2018 03:24:39 +0000

In reply to Dominique Blessing. Ooh, I love when I read something crafty and immediately think of where to apply it in my WIP! Glad you've got your plan. Thanks, Dominique!

By: Julie Glover

Julie Glover — Sat, 12 May 2018 03:23:33 +0000

In reply to Tiffany Yates Martin. Wow, what a wonderful compliment! Thanks so much, Tiffany. ♥