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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Here are techniques for creating fictional villains readers will love to loathe and fear.  We writers can make readers shudder when our scoundrels  appear.

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Readers want to fall in love with our characters.  Here are some techniques about how to create characters readers will be passionate about, and so will dislike seeing the novel end.  Also, some advice on handling minor characters.

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Some scenes are too much, and they may ruin a novel for readers.  What are they?  Plus, here are some good techniques for describing our characters, having our descriptions do double duty.  And don't forget the quirks.

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How can we know when we've prepared enough?  Is it time to start chapter 1?  Here's a list of eight things we probably should have figured out before we start our first chapter.  Also, how to show rather than tell about emotions and reactions.

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Some elements of a novel are more interesting than others, and some are less interesting.  Writers should give readers more of the involving and fascinating aspects, and here is a ranked list of those elements.  Also, a look at how three great writers describe their characters, and what we can learn from them.

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Scene structure is an art hidden from the reader but critical for the success of a scene.  We'll talk about structure in this episode.  Also, here is one of the best ways to avoid mushy, colorless sentences that don't grip the reader.

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Should we as writers practice our craft?  What are the benefits, and how should we do so?  And here are more ideas about making clear to readers what our character is thinking.  Also, here are some laughably bad sentences.

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Here are eight signs that our plot isn't as interesting as we'd like, which is to say; it's dull.  And how to fix it.  Also, how do we carve out the time to write in our busy lives?  A good author reveals how she did it.

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We should show as opposed to tell most of the time.  But sometimes telling is fine.  Here is a formula for when to show and when to tell.   Also, we'll talk about techniques for clear and spare writing.  And the reason Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is my favorite novel.  And a wonderfully funny sentence from Lee Child.

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