Category Archives: writing craft

How To Write A Novel (in 72 easy steps!)

Posted on June 17, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

I long ago came to the conclusion that the trickiest part of writing a novel is figuring out how you write novels. You being yourself, a particular author with a particular method of working. All writers know, or should know, … Continue reading →

Posted in writing, writing craft, writing process | 12 Comments

Ann Aguirre Guest Post – On Worldbuilding

Posted on June 5, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

Please welcome my guest Ann Aguirre, author of futuristic romance and urban fantasy. # Some people make exhaustive lists before they start writing. They chart things and color code them and write them on cards. I’m not one of them. … Continue reading →

Posted in guest, sf/f, writing craft | 3 Comments

On writing The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom and Their Lover

Posted on June 2, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

This post originated as a guest post for Lust in Time in December, 2008. The inspiration for The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom and Their Lover was in a contest; I think it was in 2001. I am often inspired … Continue reading →

Posted in business of writing, the duchess, writing craft, writing process | Comments Off on On writing The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom and Their Lover

On writing The Moonlight Mistress

Posted on June 1, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

This post originated as a guest post for Lust in Time in December, 2008. When I sold The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom and Their Lover, the contract was for two books. I’d submitted several brief ideas for the second … Continue reading →

Posted in moonlight mistress, werewolves, writing craft, writing process | 2 Comments

Books on Writing

Posted on May 28, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

I have a few favorite books on writing which I’d like to share. Links are to Amazon.com. This is my favorite, which I enjoy reading for itself as well as for what it teaches me: Steering the Craft: Exercises and … Continue reading →

Posted in writing, writing craft | 7 Comments

Reading For The Writer

Posted on May 11, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

One of the most important things I do as a writer is read. I don’t think it’s possible to become a writer unless you’re a reader first, and for most writers, reading is as integral to their development as writing … Continue reading →

Posted in reading, research, writing, writing craft | 2 Comments

Crystal Jordan Guest Post: How To Make The Mating Instinct Work

Posted on April 29, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

Today’s post is by Crystal Jordan, author of On the Prowl and many other works. You can visit her blog here: http://www.crystaljordan.com/blog/ and her website here: http://www.crystaljordan.com/ Welcome, Crystal! It’s great to have you! How To Make The Mating Instinct … Continue reading →

Posted in guest, paranormal, romance novels, werewolves, writing craft | 4 Comments

Some Notes on Revising a Manuscript: Refining the Prose

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

Some Notes on Revising a Manuscript: Refining the Prose Refining the prose is best saved for last; you don’t want to spend time polishing something that will later be cut. If any words don’t support the plot or characterization or … Continue reading →

Posted in writing, writing craft, writing process | 1 Comment

Some Notes on Revising a Manuscript: Coherence and Storytelling

Posted on April 21, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

Some Notes on Revising a Manuscript: Coherence and Storytelling On a first read of a completed manuscript, it’s a good time to check for overall coherence and storytelling. Check for skipped time and space. It helps the reader if you … Continue reading →

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Why Werewolves?

Posted on April 16, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

This post is a recap of my guestblog for the Full Moon of Werewolves at Lori Devoti’s blog. My Harlequin Spice December 2009 release, Moonlight Mistress, is an erotic novel set during the early days of World War One. It … Continue reading →

Posted in paranormal, werewolves, writing craft | 1 Comment