Characters who are absolutely sure about what they do, who plunge ahead without fear, are not that interesting. We don’t go through… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
Many writers struggle with exposition in their novels. Often they heap it on in large chunks of straight narrative. Back story – what happens… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
“The exclamation point is a loud party-goer, demanding attention. Overdone, it can be annoying.” — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
“At this point in the story, the character looks at himself. He takes stock of where he is in the conflict and––depending on the… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
The thing I do at the beginning is a "voice journal," a free form doc that is the character speaking to me. I just… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
“Dwight Swain, the great writing teacher, once said that the secret of excitement is to go deeper into your characters. Create more backstory, more… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
Think of it as the Doorway of No Return. The feeling must be that your lead character, once she passes through, cannot go home… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
“A good story transports the reader to a new place via experience. Not through arguments or facts, but through the illusion that life is… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
The most important rule: Do not, I repeat, do not censor yourself in any way. Leave your editorial mind out of the loop. Just… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
My philosophy on writing books is that if you learn only one new thing, or even get a new take on something you already… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
“At some point you’re going to have to formulate your copy, and if you do it early, it will keep you from writing a… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
“Transformation is about change, and change needs to be proven. People can talk a good game. Someone can say he's sorry for stealing and… — James Scott Bell Copy Share Image
