Articles written by Camy Tang

If the climax of a novel seems off, here are a few common weaknesses that can be fixed.

Nov 29, 2009 - Camy Tang

There are four steps that can heighten tension and reader interest in the climax of a story.

Nov 29, 2009 - Camy Tang

Simplifying the plot by tying up subplot threads can make the climax more emotionally heightened.

Nov 15, 2009 - Camy Tang

In lulls in the novel, narrow the scene's focus or change things up to keep the reading pace strong.

Nov 10, 2009 - Camy Tang

Dwight Swain's Sequel can be broken down into easy segments to enable the writer to write a strong story segment that develops character and transitions to the next Scene

Nov 10, 2009 - Camy Tang

Dwight Swain's Scene can be broken down into easy segments to enable the writer to write a high tension, interesting story segment.

Nov 10, 2009 - Camy Tang

Build the story toward the climax by ramping up conflict in scenes.

Sep 7, 2009 - Camy Tang

A writer can inject unexpected disaster into an uninspiring scene to take it from boring to brilliant.

Aug 27, 2009 - Camy Tang

Make the middle of the novel ramp up the tension and conflict and set the reader up for the exciting climax.

Aug 22, 2009 - Camy Tang

Here are a few principles to help a writer avoid a stagnant or slow-paced middle section of a novel.

Aug 22, 2009 - Camy Tang

Here are three questions to ask when a particular scene seems stalled.

Aug 22, 2009 - Camy Tang

There are three aspects of a character's actions and decisions that can weaken the first chapters of an otherwise good story.

Aug 21, 2009 - Camy Tang

Start your story in such a way that the reader has to buy the book to keep reading.

Aug 5, 2009 - Camy Tang

Here are some more subtle ways to present exposition without obviously telling the reader.

Aug 5, 2009 - Camy Tang

Here are some tips for identifying when a novelist "tells" instead of "shows" and how to fix it.

Jun 19, 2009 - Camy Tang

Writers should be aware that the style books used at colleges may be different from the style book used by a publishing house for novels.

Jun 19, 2009 - Camy Tang

There are three reasons why it's usually best for a writer not to include backstory in a novel's first chapter.

May 26, 2009 - Camy Tang

Here are some good tricks to use when writing backstory in a novel so that the reader is intrigued by the information.

May 26, 2009 - Camy Tang

There are a few things to keep in mind when establishing the point of view character at the beginning of a scene.

May 25, 2009 - Camy Tang

Three things to remember when introducing a character, whether the main character or a minor one.

May 16, 2009 - Camy Tang

In the first five pages of a novel, use actions or traits that psychologically cause readers to relate to or like a character very quickly.

May 16, 2009 - Camy Tang

Utilize a writer's voice, a writer's brand, phrase additions, and key words to change clichéd phrases into fresh prose.

Apr 16, 2009 - Camy Tang

Eliminating the Info Dump in dialogue will create mystery that keeps your reader riveted while strengthening the prose.

Mar 18, 2009 - Camy Tang

Often, shorter dialogue lines with more deliberate word choices can improve a scene's pace and create greater emotional impact.

Mar 18, 2009 - Camy Tang

Be judicious in how you name your characters, paying attention to details and not just name meanings, in order to add color, depth, and power to your characters.

Feb 18, 2009 - Camy Tang

A writer can bump their writing up to the next level and make it sparkle by being careful and thoughtful about each word used.

Jan 27, 2009 - Camy Tang

Here are tips for developing writing skills, improving craft, and taking advantage of resources inexpensively.

Jan 9, 2009 - Camy Tang

Add subtlety and richness in meaning by incorporating the tricks of cross-talk in dialogue.

Nov 17, 2008 - Camy Tang

Here are tips for making dialogue flow and sound more natural when a writer has been told the dialogue is stilted.

Nov 12, 2008 - Camy Tang

A writer's own particular brand can be hard to discover, but here are a few tips for helping to brainstorm your own unique writing brand.

Nov 4, 2008 - Camy Tang

In order to craft a more cohesive story, writers should make sure they have these five elements in mind before they start or very soon after they begin writing.

Oct 10, 2008 - Camy Tang

In popular fiction, every protagonist goes on a journey, whether physical or emotional.

Oct 3, 2008 - Camy Tang

Every story needs a firm reason the character can't just walk away from the story trouble. This is called the story crucible.

Sep 11, 2008 - Camy Tang

External goals are the backbone of your character's story arc, and they give the reader something active to follow.

Sep 5, 2008 - Camy Tang