Category Archives: writing craft

Avoiding Cliché Characters In YA Fiction, by Lori Ann Palma

Posted on July 24, 2017 by

When writers develop characters, we most often begin with an idea—a sort of shapeless blob that becomes more distinct as we write a first draft or do a pre-writing character study. Over time, they grow physical characteristics and a personality, … Continue reading →

Posted in character development, writing craft, Writing Tips | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Chapter Prewriting Guide: Essential Character Inventory, by Kristen C. Strocchia

Posted on July 17, 2017 by

As Darcy Pattison likes to say, no character comes into a chapter or scene neutral. So, as the author, there are a few things that I need to be aware of before sitting to write the next chapter or scene … Continue reading →

Posted in character development, writing craft | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Character Primer: Which Hatched First—The Character or The Plot? by Kristen C. Strocchia

Posted on July 10, 2017 by

Character development is a classic question of which hatched first—the character or the plot? Or—if you’re like me—then the title almost always springs to mind first, spurring the development of both. Sometimes my title ideas inspire a setting and a … Continue reading →

Posted in character development, writing craft | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Confessions of a Pantser Turned Plantser: Nothing is Wasted, by Lindsay Bandy

Posted on May 30, 2017 by

This post by Lindsay originally appeared on the blog in September 2015. Sitting in my college creative writing class, I absorbed the words of my pony-tailed professor: “Nobody knows exactly where they’re going when they sit down to write a … Continue reading →

Posted in writing craft, Writing Tips | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Five Tips for Writing Realistic Dialogue in Young Adult Fiction, by Lori Ann Palma

Posted on May 22, 2017 by

In the coming weeks, Lindsay and Lori Ann will be sharing their favorite posts from the past. This post originally appeared in March 2015. Most writers will tell you that good fiction is all about the show, not about the … Continue reading →

Posted in Practical Advice, writing craft, Writing Tips | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Last Writer Standing, by Lindsay Bandy

Posted on May 15, 2017 by

In the coming weeks, Lindsay and Lori Ann will be sharing some of their favorite past blog posts. This post by Lindsay originally appeared on the blog in August 2015. What does late-night comedy writing have in common with writing for kids … Continue reading →

Posted in Writer's/Illustrator's Toolbox, writing craft, Writing Tips | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Practical Advice: Getting Beyond the Middle of a Draft, by Lori Ann Palma

Posted on May 8, 2017 by

In my past blog posts for Eastern Penn Points, I’ve talked about fear as an obstacle to writing, and while this struggle is still high on the list of creative troubles, it isn’t the only concern. After attending the recent … Continue reading →

Posted in Practical Advice, writing craft, Writing Tips | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments