Louann Pope, Copyeditor & Writing Instructor

03/08/2019

From fast-paced action to intimate drama, third-person limited POV can be adapted to any scene or situation. https://buff.ly/2EE8yYN

01/23/2019

This handy chart will help you pick the perfect names for your characters. More details here: https://buff.ly/2W4W2IG

08/31/2018

Amazon.com is phasing out CreateSpace in favor of Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. IBPA knows you may have questions about this move, so we've set up a free webinar for members with Amy Collins of New Shelves Books. Details here https://buff.ly/2PK87jg

07/07/2018

How can you identify and avoid words that are hurtful to people? The Chicago Manual of Style online questions and answers recently offered this advice: "Use search terms like 'bias-free writing,' 'slurs to avoid,' or 'offensive terms.' To find general advice on how to write sensitively, you can search for 'inclusive language' or 'conscious style.' CMOS sections 5.251–60 might help ('Bias-Free Language'). You can also find lots of advice at Conscious Style Guide."

CMOS online Q&A: www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/qanda/latest.html
Conscious Style Guide: ConsciousStyleGuide.com

03/23/2018

George R.R. Martin on writing multifaceted characters, from a 2012 Writer's Digest interview

03/22/2018

Check out this FREE ONLINE CONFERENCE that takes place April 14th. Theme: Self-Publish for Pleasure and Profit. Register in advance.

Announcing ALLi's new S**C conference programme - based on its popular Indie Author Fringe model but now putting indie authors firmly at the centre!

03/10/2018

9 Tips For Using Fiction Techniques When Writing Memoir

03/02/2018

In 1995, the entertainer and philanthropist started the Imagination Library, inspired by her father, who couldn't read and write. Now, it mails free books to more than a million kids each month.

01/29/2018

Everything you need to know about word count and book length for books and novels and memoirs and children's novels and picture books.

01/24/2018

Thank you, Ursula K. Le Guin, for so many imaginative worlds and wise words.

01/20/2018

Are you struggling with writer's block or self-doubt? Are you having trouble unleashing your creativity? Is writing not fun but you want it to be? This online program from Nina Hart will help.

Nina's program isn't about the craft of writing—plot, arcs, and other aspects of story structure. Rather, where her program can really help you is by giving you an approach for writing that messy first draft. After all, doing that is the first step. Then will come the second draft, third draft, and as many more drafts as you need. But without the messy first draft you'll never get any further.

Early-bird pricing is available until January 25th! Tell Nina that Louann sent you.

A FANTASTICAL ONLINE WRITING JOURNEY! Reclaim your Inner Hooligan Troublemaker in this wildly unique self-paced 8-week online “Schoolhouse” designed by IndieFab Award Finalist author, Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach, and Gateless Method writing teacher Nina Hart. This ONE course will change your cr...

01/19/2018

Writing Tips: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Injuring Your Fiction Characters http://bit.ly/2f4E1GC

12/08/2017

If you'd like some guidance on how to revise effectively rather than just tinkering, check out my online course How to Revise Your Book: The Book Architecture Method https://louannpope.com/classes/

Revision isn't just about small adjustments; sometimes you need a sledgehammer instead of a scalpel. Learn about common revision misconceptions.

11/09/2017

Here are some tips on how to write about skin color:

Skin. Writing with Color has received several asks on this topic. Everything from “how do I describe my character’s skin tone without being offensive?” and “what’s the problem with comparing my...

11/09/2017

Welcome to the mocha-chocolate-coffee-bean-exotic-butterscotch-caramel-cinnamon-cafe-au-lait side of town.

10/21/2017

Writing Tips: The Importance of Character When Plotting Your Novel http://bit.ly/2i7RY5Z

10/11/2017

If you're trying to decide whether to write your novel in past tense or present tense, check out these two articles that summarize the pros and cons:
http://thewritepractice.com/past-tense-vs-present-tense/
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-pros-and-cons-of-writing-a-novel-in-present-tense

09/04/2017

I had a client recently who was wrestling hard with the concept of getting inside her character's head. When editing her pages, I kept highlighting giant chunks of text -- including chunks of dialogue, descriptions, conclusions -- and asking her the same questions over and over again: *