Fiction Writer's Site
H. Thomas Milhorn, M. D., Ph. D.
l

2. Fiction Writing

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Backstory
Beginning Middle, and End
Characterization
Conflict and Suspense
Description
Dialogue
Elements of Fiction
Emotions
Foreshadowing
Figurative Language
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Genre
Glossary of Literary terms
Mood
Narrarive
Pacing
Plot
Point of View
Scene and Sequel
Setting
Special Scenes
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Structure
Style
Structure
Symbolism
Theme
Things to Avoid
Tips
Transitions
Other

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Links

Backstory
Exposition
composition
Jill McGown
RomanceWritingTips
The Writer's Writing Guide: Exposition
Developing a Plot into a Worthwhile Read: Part One -- Exposition
Literature | Glossary of Fiction Terms
Tell it Like it is: The Art of Exposition
Fiction Writing for Writers by Writers
Narrative vs Exposition by Vicki Hinze
The Writer's Toolkit
http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/exposition_vs_narrative.htm
Flashback
11General
MCRW Article: Backstory without Boredom
Wen Spencer: Writing Backstory

Writing Romance Fiction by Carolyn Jewel

Beginning, Middle, and End

The Writer's Writing Guide: Beginnings, Middles and Ends
art
Advice on Novel Writing
Prologue
The Prologue - When to Use One, How to Write One
Beginning

First Chapters: Fiction Index
Dynamic Beginnings: Getting Your Story Off to a Great Start             
Witing Fiction: That First-Chapter Problem
The Writer : The essential resource for writers - Begin with fanfare - Sid Fleischman
Your Opening Quest
http://www.sff.net/people/alicia/artstart.htm
Writing Notes--Openings
How Shall I Begin? -- Writers Write(R)
In The Beginning
Title
The Theory and Practice of Titles

FictionAddiction.NET - The Perfect Title
The Title: What's It Good For, Anyway?
Hook

In The Beginning - Suite101.com
Fiction Factor - How to Hook Your Readers Right for the Start
Hooking the Reader Sample
How to Give Your Story a Strong Hook (Exercise)
MCRW Article: By Hook or Crook
The Creative Cauldron - Article called Set The Hook, Grab Them With Your Opening
Hooked on Hooks - The Writing Life
Open Your Book With a Hook
The Hook - Getting Hooked - Edited by Shara Rendell-Smock
Hooking
Rooftop Sessions: Opening Hook
Middle
Kristen Kyle - Article on Curing the Sagging Pace

http://www.fictionfactor.com/guests/middles.html
http://www.sff.net/people/alicia/artmid.htm
Writers Break: Sagging Middles (Writing Fiction How-To)
End
ENDINGS by Lori Handeland
Article of The Week
How to Write Successful Endings
Falling Action and Resolution Part Three
The End is Near
Fiction Factor - Endings

Characterization
Character02
Character Biography
Character Chart
Character Trait Chart
Character Checklist - The Writing Life
Character Biography - The Writing Life
Developing Characters
Breathing Life into Characters
tip4.html
Writing Fiction: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 4: Characters
Advice on Novel Writing
Character Development Tips
Creating Memorable Characters
Fiction Factor - Adding Character Depth Through Perception
FictionAddiction.NET - Character Development
How To Bring Your Characters to Life
writing advice column 10: "Describing your characters through their actions"
tip2.html
Building Fictional Characters
Characterization
Tameri Guide for Writers: Characters
tip3.html
Writing Fiction - Character Development
Fiction Factor - Developing Character Traits - Physical Attributes
Building Better Characters: Writing Exercise
Creating Memorable Characters
How to Write Believable Characters
Handling a Cast of Thousands - Part I: Getting to Know Your Characters
In-Depth Character Development
Writing Fiction - Character Development
Finding Your Characters
Types of Characters
Creating a Villain Worthy of Your Hero
Dramatica Writing Tips - Heroes & Villains
Writing the Effective Villain by Ruth D
Mary Sue, and How to Avoid Her
Creating Characters with Phobias by Elizabeth Rose
Creating Villains People Love to Hate
Fiction Factor - Casting Your Characters
 Heroes
    All About Romance: We Need a Hero - A Look at the Eight Hero Archetypes by Tami D. Cowden
Fiction Factor - Developing Character Traits - Physical Attributes
Antagonist
Heroes
art
Sharon Mignerey Articles - Building a Strong Protagonist
The Writer : The essential resource for writers - Villains readers love to hate - Tess Collins
Fiction Factor - Casting Your Characters
Names for Characters
Behind the Name: A
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Old Testament Names
African Names
BRITISH Last Name Meanings
Anglo-Saxon Names
Medieval Naming Guides: Old English 
Medieval Names Archive
Medieval Naming Guides: English
The Sikhism Home Page: Sikh Names & Their Meanings

Conflict and Suspense
Creating Conflict and Sustaining Suspense
How to Keep Them Reading
Writing-World.com: Murder Ink
Tension
art
Fiction Factor - Creating Conflict & Sustaining Suspence
Mrs. Dowling's Literature Terms-Conflict
The seven basic conflicts@Everything2.com
Creating Suspense
Fiction Factor - Keep Them Reading - Building Suspense
Tameri Guide for Writers: Conflict
Fiction Factor - Conflict in Fiction
FictionAddiction.NET - In Ten Seconds the Bomb Will Go Off and Destroy the City (Tension And Conflict)
http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/tension.htm

Description
Tameri Guide for Writers: Description


Dialogue
Body Language/Sign Language
Body Language
Everyday Body Language

http://www.bodylanguagetraining.com/
Self Confidence, Happiness and Posture
Examples Of Body Language
Presenters University - Courses - Archive Page
When Body Language Lies : HBS Working Knowledge
Reading Body Language
Using Body Language
Sign Language

American Sign Language
Character Thoughts
Writing4Success Tipsheet 21 - Italics 101 Part 2: Using Italics to Show Thoughts

CHARACTER THOUGHTS
Dialogue Tags
Avoid Creative Dialogue Tag Syndrome
The Use and Abuse of Dialogue Tags
Dialogue Tags! She Exclaimed
Writing Dialogue
Breathing Life Into Dialogue
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR DIALOGUE: MAKE IT EFFECTIVE AND REALISTIC
To Speak or Not to Speak: Creating Dazzling Dialogue, Part I - Suite101.com
Dialogue by Karen Leabo
The Writer's Writing Guide: Dialogue
About.com: http://www.sfwriter.com/ow08.htm
Dialogue - The Writing Life
Writing Dialogue
To Speak or Not to Speak: Creating Dazzling Dialogue, Part I
WORK:Dialogue&DescriptiveTagsbyMKathleenCrouch
tip5.html
FictionAddiction.NET - Snappy Dialogue
Dialogue
art
Tameri Guide for Writers: Dialogue
How To Make Dialogue Work Harder
tip6.html
Advice on Novel Writing
How to Write Successful Dialogue
Punctuating Dialogue
Punctuating Dialogue
In Quotations: Formatting Dialogue
Slang/Jargon/Dialect/Police Codes
A Prisoner's Dictionary
A dictionary of slang - "B" - Slang and colloquialisms of the UK.
FictionAddiction.NET - Writing Dialect: It's in the Rhythm
Twists, Slugs and Roscoes: A Glossary of Hardboiled Slang
AussieSlangWords+Definit(368).txt
GangsterTerms+Definit(405).txt
Police Jargon: How to Talk Like a Cop

Police Slang and Codes
Wizard's GAY SLANG DICTIONARY
Glossary of Internet & Web Jargon
Commonly-Used American Slang - 280+ Expressions
http://dictionary-thesaurus.com/wordlists/AussieSlangWords+Definit(368).txt

Elements of Fiction
Introduction to Literature

Fiction Elements
PAL: Appendix G - Elements of Fiction - A Brief Introduction
The Elements of Fiction
Elements of a Successful Novel
English - Elements of Fiction
The Elements of Fiction
Elements of Fiction
Fiction Elements
Pat Swenson, Elements of Fiction Analysis - Course Lecture #1, California State University, Northridge
virtuaLit Fiction: Elements of Fiction

Emotions
Controlling Character Emotion
Basic emotions
List Of Common Emotions
Understanding and Releasing Emotions
Characteristics of Emotions
Emotions play an extremely important role in human mental life
FictionAddiction.NET - Emotional Rollercoaster: Writing Love
Writers Break: How to Write Fiction, Writing Anger
Writers Break: Writing Fiction, Writing Revenge
Creating Characters with Phobias by Elizabeth Rose
Envy, Jealousy, Covetousness
FictionAddiction.NET - Emotional Rollercoaster: Writing Suspicion
Writers Break: How to Write Fiction, Writing Love

Figurative Language
Figurative Language

Figurative Language--language using figures of speech (a way of
What is the definiton of figurative language?
Figurative Language (Billy Marshall StoneKing)
figurative.html
Figurative Language Devices
The Writer's Writing Guide: Metaphor

General Fiction Information
Advice on Novel Writing

Craft
Fiction
Fiction Writing Articles
How to Write a Novel
Writing Fiction: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 1: How to Use this Guide
Writing Your First Novel

Genre
General Information
Manus & Associates Literary Agency, Inc.
Writing Fiction
Writing Fiction: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 10: Genre
Dummies::Exploring the Different Types of Fiction
Action/Adventure/Thriller
The Suspense Novel
Horror
A Basic Guide to Horror
No Bones About It: How to Write Today's Horror, Part I

No Bones About It: How to Write Today's Horror, Part II
No Bones About It: How to Write Today's Horror, Part III

Fiction Factor - Horror Sub-Genres
Mystery/Crime
ticket2write - Plotting the Mystery Novel
Murder or Suicide? How You (and Your Detective) Can Tell the Difference
Scene of the Crime
Writing-World.com: Mysteries
A Guide to Classic Mystery and Detection
MSN Encarta - Detective Story
ticket2write Catagories of Mysteries
Romance
Historical Romance

Six Ingredients of a Sensual Romance Novel, by Patty Salier
Why not Write Sensual Romance?
The Subgenres of Romance
20 Steps to Writing Great Love Scenes
Genre Spotlight: Romance - Suite101.com 
Fiction Factor - Sex in Fiction
Out There | Writing sex
Fiction Factor - Romance Sub-Genres
Genre Spotlight: Romance
Writing Romantic Comedy
art
Fiction Factor - Sex in Fiction
http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/historical_romance.htm
The Subgenres of Romance
Writers Break: How to Write Fiction, Writing Love
Conflict and Resolution in the Romance Novel
In the Name of Love... Finding the Right Names for Your Characters
Why not Write Sensual Romance?
SciFi and Fantasy
Science in Science Fiction: Making it Work
Fantasy Worldbuilding Questions
Fantasy Worldbuilding Questions Part 1
Fiction Factor - Fantasy Sub-Genres
The Subgenres of Science Fiction
Creating a Realistic Fantasy World
Fiction Factor - Aliens & Faeries: Non-Human Characters Acting Badly
Fiction Factor - Science Fiction Sub-Genres
Fantasy vs Science Fiction by Mike Caton
Fiction Factor - Creating Believable Aliens
Science in Science Fiction: Making it Work

Glossary of Literary Terms
A Glossary of Literary Terms

Literary Terms
Writing Terms Defined -- With Examples
Creative Writing for Teens Glossary
Introduction to Literature
Literature | Glossary of Fiction Terms
Elements of Fiction: Definitions
Jill McGown

Mood
 Getting Moody
Weather
Partly Cloudy, Scattered Showers: Setting the Scene with Weather
The Weather Doctor: SENSING THE WEATHER
Weather In Fiction
Senses
FictionAddiction.NET - Heighten Your Senses in Writing
Writing the Five Senses--Description in Creative Writing


Names
20000-NAMES.COM: 20,000+ Names from Around the World

Anglo-Saxon Names
Fantasy Character Names
Links: Character Naming Resources
Medieval Naming Guides: Old English
 4: Problems with names and how to avoid them"
African Names
Behind the Name: A
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Medieval Names Archive
The Sikhism Home Page: Sikh Names & Their Meanings
Writer's Resources--Name Lists--Names for your characters
African-American
BRITISH Last Name Meanings
Links: Character Naming Resources
Medieval Naming Guides: Old English

Narrative
Fiction Factor - Effective Narrative
Tell, Don't Show
http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/exposition_vs_narrative.htm
http://www.fictionfactor.com/guests/exposition.html

Pacing
Pacing

Plot
Fiction Factor - Thickening The Plot
Plotting your Novel by Lee Masterson
Keep it Active
Plots by genre
Plots by setting
Plotting by Personality
Plotting the Novel
Plotting Your Novel
The Big List of RPG Plots, by S. John Ross    
Writing Fiction: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 2: Plot
Writing Fiction: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 9: Types of Story
Archived Article of The Month
Article of The Month
Developing a Plot into a Worthwhile Read: Part Two - Conflict
http://www.sff.net/people/alicia/10prob.htm
http://www.tameri.com/write/plotnstory.html
The Writer's Writing Guide: Plot
About.com: http://www.oneofus.co.uk/writing_tips/plot_and_subplot.htm
art
Construct Plots -- About Creative Writing for Teens
Fiction Factor - Thickening The Plot
Literature -- Constructing Plot
SciFiEditor.com - Science Fiction - Article - Steven Swiniarski
TSA Writing Tips-No Nos
Advice on Novel Writing
Article
Plot
Stella Cameron - Writing - Plot
The Big List of RPG Plots, by S. John Ross
FictionSite: Insight
Article Archive of Just About Write
Outlining
Fiction Factor - Writing Tips for Fiction Writers

Point of View
Writing-world.com/fiction/POV
Point of View
POV and Perspective
Sleeping With Enemy
Advice on Novel Writing
FictionAddiction.NET - Point of View: Third Person
How to Write a First Person Narrative
Point of View
The Writer's Writing Guide: Point of View
Establishing the Right Point of View
FictionAddiction.NET - Who Said That? First, Second or Third-Person Point of View
How to Write a Third Person Narrative
Point of View and Other Devices
The Writer's Writing Guide: Voice
FictionAddiction.NET - Point of View: First Person
Look Who's Talking: Establishing Point of View
http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/sleeping_with_enemy.htm
Viewpoint, Perspective and Time
Writing Fiction: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 5: Point of View and Narrative Voice

Scenes and Sequels
LynnTurner/action
Scenes: The Building Blocks of Novels - Suite101.com
Writing Fiction: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 7: Scenes and Half-Scenes
art
Plotting a Novel - Scenes and Structure by Marg McAlister
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/novel_writing/14516
http://www.fantasyscribe.com/blog/writing-the-perfect-scene.html
Scenes: The Building Blocks of Novels
Scribe’s Writing Desk » Writing the Perfect Scene
Writing.Com: Scene and Sequel: Scene
M-R Unit
Writing.Com: The Smallest Picture: Motivation Reaction Units

Setting
Writing  Dynamic Settings
Creating a Vivid Setting
Four Ways to Bring Settings to Life
Writing Fiction: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 3: SettinFour Ways to Bring Settings to Life
It's Your World: Setting Your Novel - Suite101.com
Houses are People Too: The Structure of a Literary Device
Writing Fiction: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 3: Setting
Creating the Perfect Setting - Part I *Writers Write -- The IWJ*
How To Achieve Effective Setting By Paul Saevig
The Power of Place - The Writing Life
http://teenwriting.about.com/od/usecreatesetting/

Show Don't Tell

Advice on Novel Writing

Show, don't tell
The Writer's Writing Guide: Showing and Telling
FictionAddiction.NET - Stop Teasing (Show, Don't Tell)
Show, Don't Tell?

Special Scenes
Action
http://members.aol.com/lynnturner/action.htm
Writing the Action Scene
Writing Tip #30
Writing Action Scenes
Battle
Writing Battle Scenes by David G. Woolley
Druids of Paranor - How to Write a Battle Scene
Love
20 Steps to Writing Great Love Scenes

Article Archive of Just About Write
Keeping it Sweet While Turning Up the Heat
Writing Love Scenes that Sizzle by Deirdre Savoy
Writing the Love Scene
A Writer's Life: Writing Sex Scenes
Fiction Factor - Sex in Fiction
Love Scenes - by Margaret Moore
Writing powerful love scenes
Art0023 Inside Romance Article
http://www.pamcrooks.com/writers_tips.htm
Sex in the Romance: Background Information

Structure
Elements of a Successful Novel - Suite101.com
The Elements of a Story
Writing Fiction: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 8: Form and Structure
The Writer's Writing Guide: Structure

Symbolism
Advice on Novel Writing

http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/hidden_meanings.htm

Theme
The Writer's Writing Guide: Theme

Things to Avoid
Cliche's
Cliche
Modifiers & Cliches
Horrible Clichés To Avoid
Metaphor or Cliche?
Other
Mistakes In Writing
http://teenwriting.about.com/od/1/tp/GetRejected.htm?once=true&
Don't Shoot Holes in Your Credibility
Five Fiction Mistakes that Spell Rejection
Most Common Mistakes :: WebDreamer :: Las Vegas' OnLine Magazine
The Top Ten Mistakes New Fiction Authors Make
Common Mistakes In Fiction Manuscripts
http://www.fictionfactor.com/guests/mistakes.html
Fiction Factor - Top 7 Mistakes Writers Make and What to Do About Them
Safe Sex - avoiding sexist language
Don't Shoot Holes in Your Credibility
Five Fatal Flaws that Can Lead to Rejection
Fundamentals of Fiction: Avoid Those Beginners' Blunders
Horrible Clichés To Avoid
Mistakes In Writing
Safe Sex - avoiding sexist language
Rita Herron, Writing Tips
Seven Deadly Sins of Writing
Things to Avoid in Your Fiction

Tips

General Fiction Writing Tips
Tips About Fiction, Beginning the story, Character, Dialogue, Dramatic elements, Habits of Working, Novel
Writing Tips
The Writer's Writing Guide: Transitions
10 Disciplines for Fiction Writers
http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/eight_ways.htm
How to Write a Bestseller

Transitions
RomanceWritingTips

Terrific Transitions
tips.html

Other
Eight Ways to Tighten Your Prose
Houses are People Too: The Structure of a Literary Device
How to Write a Novel
Advice on Novel Writing
Hidden Meanings
Visualization
 

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