Category Archives: Novels

The Superpower of Speaking Other Languages

Posted on March 30, 2023 by knlistman

I found a list helpful for writers wanting to avoid the dreaded Mary Sue/Marty Stu character.  If a protagonist had three or more of the traits that character had failed the test. One item that caught my attention was “Speaks … Continue reading →

Posted in languages, Literary devices, Novels, Translations, Writer's resource, Writing trends | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What Rules?

Posted on March 9, 2023 by knlistman

It would seem easier to be a writer after gaining some reputation or a devoted group of followers. But, at that point the writer has to make the decision, “Should I keep producing what readers expect of me or allow … Continue reading →

Posted in Characters, Creativity, Literary devices, Novels, Style and voice, Writer's resource, Writing trends | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Collaborating with Other Authors

Posted on February 23, 2023 by knlistman

How do multiple writers work together to produce a work superior to their individual abilities?  With a great deal of struggling. Despite the idea that synergy, or combining abilities of people in groups, to produce better ideas than individuals most … Continue reading →

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Elusive Elaboration

Posted on December 22, 2022 by knlistman

My friend bubbled over with excitement about her new concept for a river adventure story. She had all the characters, the settings and the basic ideas in her mind. However, as she began writing out scenes, some of the escapades … Continue reading →

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After the fall

Posted on July 15, 2019 by knlistman

The term post-apocalyptic brims with images of ruins, remnants of civilization crumbling around the world. Meanwhile humans a reduced to living like prehistoric hunter gatherers. Honestly, if a novel pictured how life improved for humans after the collapse of civilization, … Continue reading →

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