Darlene Panzera Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Aspiring Writer Academy

How to Delete Dialogue Tags (He said /She said) in Fiction Writing

By Darlene Panzera | August 21, 2023 |

The goal of writing a fictional novel is to give your readers a unique, emotional experience. However, if there are too many clunky dialogue tag interruptions meant to identify which character is speaking, the reader may become frustrated and put the book down. In our post, How to Delete Dialogue Tags (He said / She said) in Fiction Writing, you will learn various methods to make the verbal exchanges in your writing smoother, stronger, and more engaging for the reader.

The goal of writing a fictional novel is to give your readers a unique, emotional experience. However, if there are too many clunky dialogue tag interruptions meant to identify which character is speaking, the reader may become frustrated and put the book down.

In our post, How to Delete Dialogue Tags (He said / She said) in Fiction Writing, you will learn various methods to make the verbal exchanges in your writing smoother, stronger, and more engaging for the reader.

How to Create a Diverse Cast of Characters for Your Fictional Novel

By Darlene Panzera | August 14, 2023 |

Have you read a book where all the characters sound the same and you have trouble remembering who is who? Without dialogue tags, would you know which fictional character is speaking? How can an author create characters that are unique? In our post, How to Create a Diverse Cast of Characters for Your Fictional Novel, we show you how to intentionally design characters who contrast with one another in various ways to create additional conflict and raise the tension in the plot.

Have you read a book where all the characters sound the same and you have trouble remembering who is who? Without dialogue tags, would you know which fictional character is speaking? How can an author create characters that are unique?

In our post, How to Create a Diverse Cast of Characters for Your Fictional Novel, we show you how to intentionally design characters who contrast with one another in various ways to create additional conflict and raise the tension in the plot.

Write Your First Novel: How Do You Start?

By Darlene Panzera | August 7, 2023 |

Are you finally ready to write that book you always wanted to write one day? Great! How do you start? Who should be your main character? What will the story be about? Does there have to be a villain? When and where should the story take place? In our post, Write Your First Novel: How Do You Start? we help you choose your main character, pinpoint the opposition, and create a story that you will be excited to write!

Are you finally ready to write that book you always wanted to write one day? Great! How do you start? Who should be your main character? What will the story be about? Does there have to be a villain? When and where should the story take place?

In our post, Write Your First Novel: How Do You Start? we help you choose your main character, pinpoint the opposition, and create a story that you will be excited to write!

Do You Dream of Being a Published Author? (How Bad Do You Want It?)

By Darlene Panzera | August 2, 2023 |

Many people say they would like to write a book or become a published author but only about 2 percent actually do the work to get it done. If you have the burning passion to write and publish your story and build a writing career, then you will need to take specific steps to separate yourself from the 'hobbyists.' In our post, Do You Dream of Being a Published Author? (How Bad Do You Want It?) we give you three tips to help make your dream come true.

Many people say they would like to write a book or become a published author but only about 2 percent actually do the work to get it done. If you have the burning passion to write and publish your story and build a writing career, then you will need to take specific steps to separate yourself from the ‘hobbyists.’

In our post, Do You Dream of Being a Published Author? (How Bad Do You Want It?) we give you three tips to help make your dream come true.

Who is an ‘Aspiring Writer?’ 3 Tips to Escalate Your Career No Matter What Level You Are At

By Darlene Panzera | July 25, 2023 |

Are you an ‘aspiring writer?’ Or do you think that term only applies to newbies? It is surprising how many writers sabotage their careers because they think they know everything they need to know while successful writers recognize that you should never stop learning. In our post, Who is an ‘Aspiring Writer?’ 3 Tips to Escalate Your Career No Matter What Level You Are At, we discuss the habits of successful writers so you can stand out from the crowd and become one too!

Are you an ‘aspiring writer?’ Or do you think that term only applies to newbies? It is surprising how many writers sabotage their careers because they think they know everything they need to know while successful writers recognize that you should never stop learning.

In our post, Who is an ‘Aspiring Writer?’ 3 Tips to Escalate Your Career No Matter What Level You Are At, we discuss the habits of successful writers so you can stand out from the crowd and become one too!

How to Write the Midpoint of Your Novel (and Avoid a ‘Saggy Middle’)

By Darlene Panzera | July 18, 2023 |

Do your novels begin full steam with a lot of energy and momentum only to fizzle out by the book’s middle? If repeated, you may soon have a whole drawer of brilliant starts but no finished projects. So how do you avoid writing a ‘saggy middle?’ In our post, How to Write the Midpoint of Your Novel (and Avoid a ‘Saggy Middle’), we give you a template to slingshot your story over that dreaded hump and straight into the second half so you can keep writing and finally get to ‘The End!’

Do your novels begin full steam with a lot of energy and momentum only to fizzle out by the book’s middle? If repeated, you may soon have a whole drawer of brilliant starts but no finished projects. So how do you avoid writing a ‘saggy middle?’

In our post, How to Write the Midpoint of Your Novel (and Avoid a ‘Saggy Middle’), we give you a template to slingshot your story over that dreaded hump and straight into the second half so you can keep writing and finally get to ‘The End!’

20 Items to Bring to Your First Writer’s Conference

By Darlene Panzera | July 12, 2023 |

Attending a writer’s conference is one of the best things you can do to either launch or advance your writing career. But what should you bring? Do you need a notebook or a laptop? Do you need business cards? How should you dress? What if you are published and need to bring books for the conference book table? Which items are beneficial, and which should you leave at home? Our post, 20 Items to Bring to Your First Writer’s Conference, offers a valuable checklist to help put your mind at ease.

Attending a writer’s conference is one of the best things you can do to either launch or advance your writing career. But what should you bring? Do you need a notebook or a laptop? Do you need business cards? How should you dress? What if you are published and need to bring books for the conference book table? Which items are beneficial, and which should you leave at home?

Our post, 20 Items to Bring to Your First Writer’s Conference, offers a valuable checklist to help put your mind at ease.

How to Find a Great Story Idea in 4 Easy Steps

By Darlene Panzera | July 3, 2023 |

How do you come up with new story ideas for a fictional novel? Do you start with a situation or a character or with a concept, theme, or location? How do you know if you have a solid story idea? What information is needed to get started? In our post, How to Find a Great Story Idea in 4 Easy Steps, we lay out the four components that will help you create a working story idea that you can turn into a fictional novel.

How do you come up with new story ideas for a fictional novel? Do you start with a situation or a character or with a concept, theme, or location? How do you know if you have a solid story idea? What information is needed to get started?

In our post, How to Find a Great Story Idea in 4 Easy Steps, we lay out the four components that will help you create a working story idea that you can turn into a fictional novel.

Fiction Writing: What is a Plot Hole?

By Darlene Panzera | June 20, 2023 |

As its name suggests, a plot hole is a missing piece of your novel that trips up your reader. The story is progressing smoothly and then all the sudden something just doesn’t make sense. This breaks trust with your reader, who now finds the story unbelievable. How do you know if your story has holes in the plot? In Fiction Writing: What is a Plot Hole? we discuss the various kinds of plot holes so you can eradicate them from your writing and keep your audience enthralled.

As its name suggests, a plot hole is a missing piece of your novel that trips up your reader. The story is progressing smoothly and then all the sudden something just doesn’t make sense. This breaks trust with your reader, who now finds the story unbelievable.

How do you know if your story has holes in the plot? In Fiction Writing: What is a Plot Hole? we discuss the various kinds of plot holes so you can eradicate them from your writing and keep your audience enthralled.

Fiction Writing: What is a Character Arc?

By Darlene Panzera | June 13, 2023 |

In the best stories, the protagonist (main character) undergoes change as he or she struggles to meet challenges, resolve conflict, and achieve the story goal. The character may overcome a weakness or have a change of heart or point of view, but he is not the same person at the end of the story as he was at the beginning. The story-journey changes him. In our post Fiction Writing: What is a Character Arc? we help you create character change that is both incremental and believable.

In the best stories, the protagonist (main character) undergoes change as he or she struggles to meet challenges, resolve conflict, and achieve the story goal. The character may overcome a weakness or have a change of heart or point of view, but he is not the same person at the end of the story as he was at the beginning. The story-journey changes him.

In our post Fiction Writing: What is a Character Arc? we help you create character change that is both incremental and believable.

How to Write Act III and Finish Your Fictional Story in 5 Steps

By Darlene Panzera | June 6, 2023 |

What is included in Act III of a Fictional Novel? In Act III, new information is revealed, prompting the protagonist to make a decision to regather the team or needed resources in preparation for the climax where there will be a face-to-face confrontation with the antagonist or villain, leading to the story resolution. In our post, How to write Act III and Finish Your Fictional Story in 5 Steps, we simplify the entire process and help you bring your story to a satisfying conclusion.

What is included in Act III of a Fictional Novel?
In Act III, new information is revealed, prompting the protagonist to make a decision to regather the team or needed resources in preparation for the climax where there will be a face-to-face confrontation with the antagonist or villain, leading to the story resolution.
In our post, How to write Act III and Finish Your Fictional Story in 5 Steps, we simplify the entire process and help you bring your story to a satisfying conclusion.

Structuring Act II (Part 2) for Maximum Impact: How to Keep Readers Engaged

By Darlene Panzera | May 29, 2023 |

When using the 3-Act-Structure in fiction writing, Act I begins the story, and Act III contains the story ending. But what happens in the middle of the story? Are there specific turning points that should be included? In Structuring Act II (Part 2) for Maximum Impact: How to Keep Readers Engaged, we cover the key components of the second half of Act II, from the Midpoint Reversal to Plot Point II, to help you create a memorable fictional story to keep readers engaged and turning pages.

When using the 3-Act-Structure in fiction writing, Act I begins the story, and Act III contains the story ending. But what happens in the middle of the story? Are there specific turning points that should be included?

In Structuring Act II (Part 2) for Maximum Impact: How to Keep Readers Engaged, we cover the key components of the second half of Act II, from the Midpoint Reversal to Plot Point II, to help you create a memorable fictional story to keep readers engaged and turning pages.

Structuring Act II (Part 1) for Maximum Impact: How to Keep Readers Engaged

By Darlene Panzera | May 22, 2023 |

When using the 3-Act-Structure in fiction writing, Act I begins the story, and Act III contains the story ending. But what happens in the middle of the story? Are there specific turning points that should be included? In Structuring Act II (Part 1) for Maximum Impact: How to Keep Readers Engaged, we cover the key components of the first half of Act II from the Inciting Incident to the Novel Midpoint to help you create a memorable fictional story to keep readers engaged and turning pages.

When using the 3-Act-Structure in fiction writing, Act I begins the story, and Act III contains the story ending. But what happens in the middle of the story? Are there specific turning points that should be included?

In Structuring Act II (Part 1) for Maximum Impact: How to Keep Readers Engaged, we cover the key components of the first half of Act II from the Inciting Incident to the Novel Midpoint to help you create a memorable fictional story to keep readers engaged and turning pages.

How to Create Antagonists Who Are Not Villains

By Darlene Panzera | May 9, 2023 |

A good fictional story will follow the journey of a main character (protagonist) who is trying to achieve a specific goal. The opposition, (or antagonist), will try their best to stop the main character from achieving that goal. The question is why? What if each point of view is equally valid? What if the antagonist is not a villain? In our post, How to Create Antagonists Who Are Not Villains, we show you how to write realistic conflict that will intensify your fictional novel.

A good fictional story will follow the journey of a main character (protagonist) who is trying to achieve a specific goal. The opposition, (or antagonist), will try their best to stop the main character from achieving that goal. The question is why?

What if each point of view is equally valid? What if the antagonist is not a villain?

In our post, How to Create Antagonists Who Are Not Villains, we show you how to write realistic conflict that will intensify your fictional novel.

How to Use Setting to Intensify Your Fictional Scenes

By Darlene Panzera | April 25, 2023 |

While it is important to focus on the characters and plot of your fictional story, how much attention do you give to the setting? Do you use the weather to depict mood a little too often? Are your scene details randomly inserted without any real purpose or meaning? In How to Use Setting to Intensify Your Fictional Scenes, we help you create unique settings that work on multiple levels to enhance the scene, reveal your character’s personality, and build intensity into each story conflict.

While it is important to focus on the characters and plot of your fictional story, how much attention do you give to the setting? Do you use the weather to depict mood a little too often? Are your scene details randomly inserted without any real purpose or meaning?

In How to Use Setting to Intensify Your Fictional Scenes, we help you create unique settings that work on multiple levels to enhance the scene, reveal your character’s personality, and build intensity into each story conflict.

Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the movie “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”

By Darlene Panzera | April 19, 2023 |

The best way to learn story structure is to analyze good stories. Can you readily identify each plot point in every movie you see or book you read? Or do terms like ‘inciting incident,’ ‘midpoint reversal,’ and ‘black moment’ leave you confused? In our Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the movie “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” we show you how to recognize each element and provide a Free Plot Template so you can draft satisfying, high-quality stories of your own.

The best way to learn story structure is to analyze good stories. Can you readily identify each plot point in every movie you see or book you read? Or do terms like ‘inciting incident,’ ‘midpoint reversal,’ and ‘black moment’ leave you confused?

In our Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the movie “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” we show you how to recognize each element and provide a Free Plot Template so you can draft satisfying, high-quality stories of your own.

How to Create the Protagonist for Your Fictional Story

By Darlene Panzera | April 11, 2023 |

Are you interested in writing a novel but struggle with a story idea or how to develop your main character? What should your character look like? What factors should you consider when creating their personality? How does the story influence character and character influence story? In our post, How to Create the Protagonist for Your Fictional Story, we lead you step-by-step in the development of a main character your readers will relate to, root for, and enjoy.

Are you interested in writing a novel but struggle with a story idea or how to develop your main character? What should your character look like? What factors should you consider when creating their personality? How does the story influence character and character influence story?

In our post, How to Create the Protagonist for Your Fictional Story, we lead you step-by-step in the development of a main character your readers will relate to, root for, and enjoy.

How to Write a Novel While Working Full Time

By Darlene Panzera | April 4, 2023 |

Writing a novel while working full time or raising small children or caring for aging parents is no small feat. So how do you do it? How do you find time to write when your schedule is already filled? How do you make forward progress without feeling overwhelmed? In our post, How to Write a Novel While Working Full Time, we give valuable tips and resources to help you balance your work schedule with your writing so you can finally finish that coveted manuscript.

Writing a novel while working full time or raising small children or caring for aging parents is no small feat. So how do you do it? How do you find time to write when your schedule is already filled? How do you make forward progress without feeling overwhelmed?

In our post, How to Write a Novel While Working Full Time, we give valuable tips and resources to help you balance your work schedule with your writing so you can finally finish that coveted manuscript.

How to Manipulate Pacing to Increase the Intensity of Your Scenes in a Fictional Novel

By Darlene Panzera | March 20, 2023 |

Are there sections in your story that are moving too slow? Do you feel like your scenes are not climatic enough? With the right techniques, you can use pacing to slow a story down or to speed a story up, depending on what is required for each scene. What you do not want, is to have the wrong pacing at the wrong time. Follow along as we show you How to Manipulate Pacing to Increase the Intensity of Your Scenes in a Fictional Novel to help you write a novel that your reader can not put down.

Are there sections in your story that are moving too slow? Do you feel like your scenes are not climatic enough? With the right techniques, you can use pacing to slow a story down or to speed a story up, depending on what is required for each scene. What you do not want, is to have the wrong pacing at the wrong time.

Follow along as we show you How to Manipulate Pacing to Increase the Intensity of Your Scenes in a Fictional Novel to help you write a novel that your reader can not put down.

Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the Disney movie “Frozen”

By Darlene Panzera | March 13, 2023 |

The best way to learn story structure is to analyze good stories. Can you readily identify each plot point in every movie you see or book you read? Or do terms like ‘inciting incident,’ ‘midpoint reversal,’ and ‘black moment’ leave you confused? In our Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the Disney movie “Frozen” we will show you how to recognize each element and provide you with a Free Plot Template so you can draft satisfying, high-quality stories of your own.

The best way to learn story structure is to analyze good stories. Can you readily identify each plot point in every movie you see or book you read? Or do terms like ‘inciting incident,’ ‘midpoint reversal,’ and ‘black moment’ leave you confused?

In our Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the Disney movie “Frozen” we will show you how to recognize each element and provide you with a Free Plot Template so you can draft satisfying, high-quality stories of your own.

Fiction Writing: The 3 Different Levels of Editing

By Darlene Panzera | February 19, 2023 |

What is the best way to edit a manuscript? Do you even know where to start? Are you familiar with the difference between revisions, line edits, and copy edits? In our post, Fiction Writing: 3 Levels of Editing Your Story, we discuss the various phases of editing with checklists to help you get started so you can make your novel the best it can be!

What is the best way to edit a manuscript? Do you even know where to start? Are you familiar with the difference between revisions, line edits, and copy edits?

In our post, Fiction Writing: 3 Levels of Editing Your Story, we discuss the various phases of editing with checklists to help you get started so you can make your novel the best it can be!

5 Reasons Your Writing Sucks! (And How to Fix It)

By Darlene Panzera | January 16, 2023 |

Have you submitted your manuscript to multiple publishing houses only to receive a slew of rejections? Have the reviewers of your self-published book been less than kind? Do your critique partners suggest your story needs help but do not offer any suggestions on how to fix the problem? In our post, 5 Reasons Your Writing Sucks! (And How to Fix It), we help you identify areas that may be weak, and list the steps you can take to make your story better.

Have you submitted your manuscript to multiple publishing houses only to receive a slew of rejections? Have the reviewers of your self-published book been less than kind? Do your critique partners suggest your story needs help but do not offer any suggestions on how to fix the problem?

In our post, 5 Reasons Your Writing Sucks! (And How to Fix It), we help you identify areas that may be weak, and list the steps you can take to make your story better.

How to Brainstorm a New Novel Using Goal, Motivation, and Conflict

By Darlene Panzera | January 12, 2023 |

Looking for a new story idea? Before you can sit down and start writing a work of fiction, you will need to brainstorm three key elements: - What is your character’s Goal? (What does he want?) - What is this character’s Motivation? (Why does he want it?) - What is the Conflict your character will face? (What is stopping him from getting it?) In our post, How to Brainstorm a New Novel Using Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, we show you how to create a working outline to help get your story started!

Looking for a new story idea? Before you can sit down and start writing a work of fiction, you will need to brainstorm three key elements:

– What is your character’s Goal? (What does he want?)
– What is this character’s Motivation? (Why does he want it?)
– What is the Conflict your character will face? (What is stopping him from getting it?)

In our post, How to Brainstorm a New Novel Using Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, we show you how to create a working outline to help get your story started!

How to Write Query Letters (for Fiction)

By Darlene Panzera | January 3, 2023 |

Do you have a finished novel? Are you interested in pitching your story idea to an agent or editor? The first step is to put together a query letter, the first part of your book proposal. But what goes into a query letter? Do you include a back cover blurb? A list of comparable books? In How to Write a Query Letter (for Fiction), we discuss line by line each part of a query letter for your best chance of attracting the attention your novel deserves.

Do you have a finished novel? Are you interested in pitching your story idea to an agent or editor? The first step is to put together a query letter, the first part of your book proposal. But what goes into a query letter? Do you include a back cover blurb? A list of comparable books?

In How to Write a Query Letter (for Fiction), we discuss line by line each part of a query letter for your best chance of attracting the attention your novel deserves.

How to Get Back into Writing

By Darlene Panzera | December 22, 2022 |

If you are a writer who meets every deadline and keeps your production schedule flourishing at peak level through holidays, sickness, and other hard, challenging time periods, then my hat is off to you! Great job! For others, that masterful feat is not so easy. If you have slacked off from writing for any reason, we hope How to Get Back into Writing can give you a PLAN to get back in the game!

If you are a writer who meets every deadline and keeps your production schedule flourishing at peak level through holidays, sickness, and other hard, challenging time periods, then my hat is off to you! Great job!

For others, that masterful feat is not so easy.

If you have slacked off from writing for any reason, we hope How to Get Back into Writing can give you a PLAN to get back in the game!

Slingshot Week: How to Set New Goals for Writing in 2023

By Darlene Panzera | December 17, 2022 |

Do you need to recharge after the holidays? Are you looking forward to setting new goals for the coming year? Or at least the next 90 days? The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the perfect time to take a deep breath and reevaluate where you are at in your writing journey and where you want to be. In Slingshot Week: How to Set New Goals for Writing in 2023 we offer tips on how to use this week to your advantage to help you succeed in the coming year!

Do you need to recharge after the holidays? Are you looking forward to setting new goals for the coming year? Or at least the next 90 days? The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the perfect time to take a deep breath and reevaluate where you are at in your writing journey and where you want to be.

In Slingshot Week: How to Set New Goals for Writing in 2023 we offer tips on how to use this week to your advantage to help you succeed in the coming year!

The Pros and Cons of Writing Holiday Fiction (Collections & Anthologies)

By Darlene Panzera | December 7, 2022 |

Interested in The Pros and Cons of Writing Holiday Fiction (Collections & Anthologies)? During the holiday season you have probably seen advertisements for a multitude of ‘Holiday Book Collections.’ Readers love these collections, not just to put them into the holiday spirit, but because they can usually get several stories for a reduced rate. Authors also love these collections because the group promotions can help launch their book onto bestseller lists.

During the holiday season you have probably seen advertisements for a multitude of ‘Holiday Book Collections.’ Readers love these collections, not just to put them into the holiday spirit, but because they can usually get several stories for a reduced rate. Authors also love these collections because the group promotions can help launch their book onto bestseller lists.

The Pros and Cons of Writing Holiday Fiction (Collections & Anthologies) helps you decide if joining in on a collection is the right choice for you!

Novel Writing Tips: Don’t Bury the Dialogue!

By Darlene Panzera | November 22, 2022 |

When writing the first draft of a fictional novel, authors may write fast, without giving much thought to format or style issues when it comes to dialogue. However, during the revision phase, it is important to look at each line to ensure the conversations between characters have the greatest impression upon readers. In Novel Writing Tips: Don’t Bury the Dialogue! we show you how to make your character’s speech stand out for clarity, maximum impact, and stylistic effect.

When writing the first draft of a fictional novel, authors may write fast, without giving much thought to format or style issues when it comes to dialogue. However, during the revision phase, it is important to look at each line to ensure the conversations between characters have the greatest impression upon readers.

In Novel Writing Tips: Don’t Bury the Dialogue! we show you how to make your character’s speech stand out for clarity, maximum impact, and stylistic effect.

How to Choose Characters to Populate Your Fictional Story

By Darlene Panzera | November 7, 2022 |

When starting to write a novel, what do you do first? Create characters or a story idea? It’s kind of like the infamous chicken and the egg question. Starting either way can be fine. But at some point, you need to figure out—who are going to be the characters in this story? In How to Choose Characters to Populate Your Fictional Story, we discuss the different roles characters can play to create a story readers will love. Free Story-Casting Questionnaire included.

When starting to write a novel, what do you do first? Create characters or a story idea? It’s kind of like the infamous chicken and the egg question. Starting either way can be fine. But at some point, you need to figure out—who are going to be the characters in this story?

In How to Choose Characters to Populate Your Fictional Story, we discuss the different roles characters can play to create a story readers will love. Free Story-Casting Questionnaire included.

Fiction Writing: Critique Group Etiquette & Warning Signs of a Good Group Gone Bad

By Darlene Panzera | October 24, 2022 |

Are you looking to join a critique group and wonder if it will be the right fit for you? Or have you been in a critique group for a while, but doubt whether the feedback is helpful? Worse, are you a writer who has suddenly found themselves stuck in a toxic critique group due to changes within the group dynamic? In Fiction Writing: Critique Group Etiquette & Warning Signs of a Good Group Gone Bad, we discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly to help you get the best feedback on your work.

Are you looking to join a critique group and wonder if it will be the right fit for you?
Or have you been in a critique group for a while, but doubt whether the feedback is helpful?
Worse, are you a writer who has suddenly found themselves stuck in a toxic critique group due to changes within the group dynamic?
In Fiction Writing: Critique Group Etiquette & Warning Signs of a Good Group Gone Bad, we discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly to help you get the best feedback on your work.