The ending of our novel should be a surprise but not a complete surprise.  Here are techniques for crafting that balance.  And famous character descriptions can inspire us to create our own fascinating character portraits.

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If we are going to spend a year or two writing a novel, shouldn't we avoid a mistake in our very first chapter that ruins the novel's chances with agents and publishers?  Here's the mistake and how to avoid it.  Also mentioned are techniques on keeping the point of view tight.

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Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read.  What's the best way to mix dialogue with action?  How can we make sure dialogue and action work together to propel the story forward?  And how science fiction legend Ray Bradbury came up with his plots.

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Sometimes when plotting we run out of ideas.  Here's a good way to prime the plotting pump.  And more on qualifiers, the leeches that infest the pond of prose.

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No one in line to buy an autographed copy of your novel?  You are not alone.  The Wall Street Journal tells of famous authors who have suffered empty bookstores.  And techniques for fitting our narrative voice to our genre

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Dialogue is fun to write and fun to read.  Here is a strong technique to make our dialogue fascinating for readers.  Also, novel writing's rule of exceptions.

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We'll talk in this episode about another big mistake, one that will cause agents and editors to put aside our manuscripts after four or five pages.  Also, some dialogue is better than other dialogue, and so here are tips on writing fascinating dialogue.

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Dialogue that does only one thing might be inert.  Talk between our characters should do double duty, and here are techniques about how to write double-duty dialogue.   Also, how to avoid the as-you-know syndrome in dialogue.

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What's the one most important writing technique for novelists?  If we get it wrong it sinks our publishing chances.  We'll talk about how to get it right.   Also, how to add the charming or funny or odd trait to our character that will make him or her stick in the reader's mind.

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Can we know in advance if we have the talent to write a novel, before we spend the time and effort to write it?  Here are some thoughts.  Also, we can get better at close observing and phrase- making, and some techniques are discussed.

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