Author: Peggy Bechko

Peggy Bechko: Tips for Editing What You Write

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by Peggy Bechko

You’re a writer and let’s face it, editing probably isn’t your favorite thing to do. No surprise there. But there are some guidelines I keep I mind that make it easier for me and might for you as well.

First I keep in mind that there’s a time for writing and there’s a time for editing. There’s no doing both at once, it just won’t work. I have to turn the crazy writer lose to get that story written and out there.

If I try to edit at the same time and keep second-guessing myself it’s far too easy to become overly critical about what I just wrote. So take my advice, tell your inner critic to shut up until the story is actually on paper. Time to edit later. read article

Peggy Bechko: “Anyone With an Internet Connection Isn’t Writing Good Fiction?” Wha–?

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by Peggy Bechko

“It’s doubtful that anyone with an Internet connection at his workplace is writing good fiction.” ~ Jonathan Franzen http://vult.re/16dESat

I ran across this quote the other day and all but burst out laughing. When did he say this? Why? What sparked it?

Really? What century is he living in? I don’t know any writer who isn’t connected to the Internet and probably planning on publishing to Kindle and/or other electronic outlets. read article

Peggy Bechko: Name Those Characters – A Writer’s Puzzle

baby_nameby Peggy Bechko

Have you toyed with, fought with, howled at with giving names to your characters when you’re writing? Have you developed a character, followed him or her, saw them through all sorts of tight spots and just knew the name wasn’t right? Ask any parent, there are many factors that go into naming a child and those characters in your novel you write are just like your children.

Names are important. An obvious fact.

Just think of a name and an instant preconception springs to mind. If the name doesn’t fit the character it’s difficult if not impossible to get/keep things moving on the written page. Names can reflect our personalities, our background or ethnicity or faith. read article

Peggy Bechko: Writers Considering Readers

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by Peggy Bechko

There are a whole lot of things for writers to consider when they’re writing; lots of things about story and where it’s all going and how to get there.

But there’s another thing to consider when writing and this may well be obvious, but strangely, for some it isn’t. And for others it’s an obsession.

That’s the reader. read article

Peggy Bechko: “How Has Your Writing Career Changed?”

Changeby Peggy Bechko

I occasionally get asked that question as do some other writers I know. With the advent of digital publishing coupled with self-publishing along with new videos being uploaded constantly to You Tube and other outlets, it’s a valid question.

The answer is – a lot.

I could just stop there and let it be, but writers are rarely inclined to do that. Besides, much more in my life had affected how my writing career has changed than just the new technology (though that has had a big impact onmy writing) which is what is usually being referred to. read article