We’re going to spend this month learning to understand the players in the publishing world: freelance independent editors, agents, and writers. But first let’s get a little silly as we examine the whys and wherefores of an excellent author bio. Have you ever wondered why agents want to see an… Read more“Understanding author bios”
Author: Victoria
Structuring Story with Hollywood legend Robert McKee
Those of you who have read The Art & Craft of Fiction know that I first came to tightly-structured plot through Syd Field’s great book on scriptwriting, Screenplay. Field is one of the top two scriptwriting teachers in Hollywood. The other is Robert McKee. So last year I finally read… Read more“Structuring <em>Story</em> with Hollywood legend Robert McKee”
My Super-Easy Formula for Writing a Blurb
Today, as promised, I’m going to teach you my super-secret formula for how to write a blurb. I taught this recently at a major writers conference—not because it was part of my class and workshop on genre fiction, but because I had some time on my hands the evening before,… Read more“My Super-Easy Formula for Writing a Blurb”
Why “Fair Use” Is Not What You Think It Is
This is a warning post. I’ve been talking about the San Francisco Writers Conference, where I recently taught “Make Your Genre Fiction Irresistible.” I had the time of my life there meeting scores of wonderful editors and writers. Wow. Thank you again, Michael Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada, for inviting me!… Read more“Why “Fair Use” Is Not What You Think It Is”
Authorial control, transitions, exposition, & how to tell a good joke
These questions from Diana Rubino are about my new ebook, Art & Craft of Writing: Secret Advice for Writers. If you haven’t got a copy, you can now pick one up free. “10 Ways to Become a Better Writer in 10 Days”: “We can feel free to throw in gratuitous… Read more“Authorial control, transitions, exposition, & how to tell a good joke”
Step by Step Guides to Becoming Your Own Dev Editor
Hey everyone! I want to talk today about my new series on the Art & Craft of Writing: Step by Step Guides to Becoming Your Own Dev Editor. You can find out about how to sign up for this series through the email list inside my new free ebook, Secret… Read more“Step by Step Guides to Becoming Your Own Dev Editor”
Sandra Boynton interview for Writer’s Digest
Aaaaahhh!!! Can you hear me shrieking? I’m on my way to Cow Planet! I’ve been asked to contribute to the Writer’s Digest 2017 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market. My #1 first choice of author to interview was, of course, the brilliant, hilarious, and unforgettable childhood classic: Sandra Boynton. So I… Read more“Sandra Boynton interview for Writer’s Digest”
3 Ways to Make Your Genre Fiction Irresistible
3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR GENRE FICTION IRRESISTIBLE: Doing What the Best Authors Do to Make Your Novel Sell Victoria Mixon, Author & Editor SFWC 2016 Do you ever wonder why readers become addicted to an author, buy the all of the author’s books, become passionate fans—and whether you can… Read more“3 Ways to Make Your Genre Fiction Irresistible”
Revision: the forward motion of conflicting needs
Dear Victoria: Thank you for answering my first question about Art & Craft of Writing Stories. 2) My other question is about P. 270, (I have your book open in front of me). About midway down, “What do you suppose happened here?” Then we’ll ask “And how could these needs… Read more“Revision: the forward motion of conflicting needs”
San Francisco Writers Conference
Hey, guys! I’ll be teaching at the San Francisco Writers Conference 2016. My class, “3 Ways to Make Your Genre Fiction Irresistible,” will be held on Monday, February 15. It’s a three-hour class and workshop, in which I’ll teach my four standard questions—with which most of you are familiar—and then… Read more“San Francisco Writers Conference”