Tag Archives: Shannon Donnelly

A Synopsis Checklist

Posted on April 7, 2014 by writersinthestorm

by Shannon Donnelly Years ago I was struggling to try and figure out how to write a synopsis. It took a lot of input from other writers, and some workshops, but I finally became comfortable with syopsis writing—and now it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging Guests, Craft, Shannon Donnelly | Tagged , , | 49 Comments

10 Dialogue Tips To Make Your Novel Shine

Posted on March 3, 2014 by writersinthestorm

By Shannon Donnelly Great dialogue can make or break a novel. This view may stem from growing up watching a lot of 1930’s screwball comedies. Zingers fly with rapid fire and everyone talks. A lot. But the importance of dialogue really … Continue reading →

Posted in Craft, Shannon Donnelly | Tagged , , , , | 54 Comments

What Makes a Romance? Seven tips.

Posted on February 3, 2014 by writersinthestorm

Just a quick announcement – the winner of the drawing for the online course at Lawson Writer’s Academy is . . . Jamie Beck! Writers in the Storm welcomes Shannon Donnelly to clarify what a book needs to land on … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging Guests, Craft, Shannon Donnelly | Tagged , , , | 37 Comments

Scene Arcs

Posted on October 7, 2013 by writersinthestorm

By Shannon Donnelly Everyone knows there’s a story arc—story goes up in tension, reaches a peak, and falls down. And there are character arcs, too, since story is character and character is story. But what about your scene arcs? That’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Craft, Miscellaneous, Shannon Donnelly | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Getting Your Characters to Spark

Posted on September 2, 2013 by writersinthestorm

Before we get to the awesome Shannon Donnelly, I wanted to be sure you all saw the winner of Tiffany Lawson Inman’s critique: Angela Quarles! By Shannon Donnelly I just finished reading a story that had a major problem—no sparkage … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging Guests, Craft, Miscellaneous | Tagged , , , | 34 Comments

Deadlines

Posted on August 5, 2013 by writersinthestorm

Laura here. I just wanted to squee a moment. The very first book I wrote (and edited 3,457 times,) Her Road Home releases tomorrow!  It earned a RT 4 star review! You can learn more about it on my website.It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging Guests, Inspiration, Miscellaneous | Tagged , , , | 34 Comments

Once More with Feeling

Posted on July 1, 2013 by writersinthestorm

by Shannon Donnelly Emotion. It’s what we read for in fiction. We want the thrill, the sorrow, the laughter, and the tears. Unfortunately, words are abstracts. Emotions are visceral—they’re in our bodies. That means the illusion to bring about emotion … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging Guests, Craft | Tagged , , | 32 Comments

Hooks, Lines—and Sinkers

Posted on June 3, 2013 by writersinthestorm

NOTE: Our very own Laura Drake is teaching an online course on “Fearless Pitching,” June 10-July 7. Click here for more information. Now, Let’s welcome back Shannon Donnelly! First lines fall into three categories—hooks, lines, and sinkers. The sinkers are … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging Guests, Craft | Tagged , , | 31 Comments

Likeable Characters

Posted on May 6, 2013 by writersinthestorm

First of all, we at Writers in the Storm must let you know that we continue to be blown away by your  first lines. Your responses rained tantalizing hooks across pages of comments. Today we are pleased to welcome back … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging Guests, Craft | Tagged , , | 47 Comments

How Much Detail Is Enough For Your Story?

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Jenny Hansen

Here’s Shannon Donnelly with 12 tips to help you gather “just enough” details for your story! ************* There’s a dilemma that faces every writer of fiction—when is enough enough? When do you need more details to help the reader “see” … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging Guests, Craft | Tagged , , , , | 40 Comments