by Judy Bridges
Tone = The Mood of the Piece
Example
Putting It All Together
Chapter Six
Show and Tell
A Side-by-Side Look at “Show” and “Tell”
Use Your Senses
An Exercise in Showing
Example
Now, Take It Another Step
Example
Make “Showing” a Part of Your Life
Chapter Seven
Writing from the Inside
Writing from Inside Yourself
Writing from Inside the Scene
Example
A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing from the Inside
1. Focus on a Scene
2. Select a Point of View
3. Position Your Adoring Reader
4. Arrange Your Tools
5. “Walk” into the Scene
Use Your Imagination
Close Your Eyes
Picture the Scene
Take a Deep Breath
Position the Narrator
Use Your Senses
6. Write the First Draft Quickly
A Field of Daffodils
Examples
Chapter Eight
Nonfiction and the Organized Mind
The “O” Word
The Big “O” for Creative Types
Alligator Outline
Step 1. Define Your Readers
Step 2. Focus Your Message
Step 3. Decide on a Voice
Step 4. Brainstorm Main Points
Step 5. Brainstorm Supporting Points
Step 6. Brainstorm Sub-points
Step 7. Sequence the Points
Tips for Using the Alligator Outline
To Use the Alligator Outline for a Non-writing Project
Sample Alligator Outlines
Chapter Nine
Critiques and Writers’ Groups
Why Join a Critique Group?
How to Find the Right Writers’ Group
Does the Structure Work for You?
Is the Group Task Oriented or Primarily Social?
Does the Group Welcome Your Type of Writing?
Does the Group Serve the Members or the Organizer?
Does the Group Have a Good Leader?
Do You Feel Welcome?
Is Membership Limited So Everyone Gets Feedback?
Are Writers in the Group Successful?
Is There Enough Expertise in the Group to Challenge You?
Is the Critique Process Fair and Supportive?
Do You Feel Comfortable?
How to Get and Give Useful Feedback
The “Get” Side of the Critique Coin
Guidelines for Participating in Critique Sessions
To Get Feedback on Your Writing
To Give Feedback to Other Writers
The “Give” Side of the Critique Coin
The Shut Up & Write! Critique List
Chapter Ten
A Hatful of Rabbits
When the Going Gets Tough
Rabbit #1: Stake Your Claim
Rabbit #2: Surround Yourself with Support
Rabbit #3: Ditch the Glommers
Rabbit #4: Go through Your Orchid File
Rabbit #5: AC-cent-tchu-ate the Positive
Rabbit #6: Hire a Dutch Uncle
Rabbit #7: Do It Anyway
When You Put It All Together
Chapter Eleven
Spit-and-Polish
Should You Do the Editing or Get Help?
The Part You Do Yourself
Pass One: Read Through
Pass Two: Grammar
Pass Three: Spelling
Pass Four: Punctuation
Pass Five: Outside Reader
Style Guides
For Your Reading Pleasure
Chapter Twelve
Getting Published
It’s a New Day
1. Write Well
2. Study the Markets
Markets for Shorter Work
Markets for Book-length Work
3. Understand the Process
The Two Paths to Publication
The Write-First Path to Publication
The Write-First Path for Shorter Works
The Write-First Path for Book-length Works
The Sell-First Path to Publication
The Sell-First Path for Shorter Works
The Sell-First Path for Book-length Works
Oh, No. Not a Rejection!
4. Be Creative
Writers Find a Way
The Big Secret
Two Paths to Publication—Summary
Appendixes
Appendix A
Sample Format for a Manuscript
Appendix B
Sample Format for a Cover or Query Letter
References
Acknowledgments
About Me
Index - Keyword Search Terms