Diamond Perspective: On Writing

A New Blog, A New Posr

2011-03-29T22:26:00.000-05:00

For those of you who haven't already switched over, I've moved my blog and website, and I posted a new entry today on building living, breathing characters. Please visit me at: http://www.lanediamond.com/ -----

I'm Moving....

2011-03-17T14:33:00.000-05:00

In the never-ending evolutionary process that is my life as a writer and editor, I've set up a new website, at which I'll be maintaining my blog from now on. The posts at this site will remain here, in case you'd like to refer back to them from time to time, at least until I can re-establish them at my new site. I've already started blogging at the new site, so please visit (and follow) me at:

An Online Interview Regarding Freelance Editors

2011-02-15T22:59:00.001-06:00

I recently agreed to provide an online interview for D.T. Conklin, posted through the link below. The subject matter—Freelance Editors—seems particularly relevant in this advancing era of self-publishing, ePublishing, etc. My thanks to D.T. for providing me the opportunity: Freelance Editors: A Reemerging Profession Please check it out, and remember: To write well, you must work hard. To

The Use of Structure to Keep the Reader Engaged – Part 2: Punctuation and more….

2011-02-14T17:39:00.000-06:00

You can build and hold "tension," as a strict literary device, through structure: just the right punctuation at just the right time, and well-placed breaks (chapter, story [***], paragraph, sentence) that leave the reader hungry for more. I've posted the second in a series of articles on the above at the following site: Providing Tension…Part 2…. Please check it out, and remember: To write

My Short Story "PARADOX" Published in "FARSCAPE 2"

2011-02-06T00:23:00.000-06:00

If you're a fan of Science Fiction, and you'd like a new anthology of short stories, check out "FARSCAPE 2," which includes my short story, Paradox. It's available from Lulu through the following site: Utility Fog Press Your support is appreciated, of course. I think you'll enjoy a number of the stories.

The Use of Structure to Keep the Reader Engaged – Part 1: Intro

2011-02-06T00:07:00.000-06:00

You can build and hold "tension," as a strict literary device, through structure: just the right punctuation at just the right time, and well-placed breaks (chapter, story [***], paragraph, sentence) that leave the reader hungry for more. I've posted an article on the above at the following site: Providing Tension…. Please check it out, and remember: To write well, you must work hard. To

The Paragraph Doctor – 0004

2010-09-20T11:21:00.000-05:00

The primary issues: Wordy Structure, Fractured Logic, Awkward Flow, Weak I've listed below an actual paragraph from a novel one of my clients is writing. I've changed the names of the characters to protect further the confidence of my client and his/her piece. I've placed the problem text in bold red font. AUTHOR'S ORIGINAL In March, she gave us another assignment, and once again I

The Paragraph Doctor – 0003

2010-07-20T11:50:00.000-05:00

The primary issues: Indirect Structure, Weak Verbs, Show vs. Tell I've listed below an actual paragraph from a novel one of my clients is writing. I've changed the names of the characters to protect further the confidence of my client and his/her piece. I've placed the problem text in bold red font. AUTHOR'S ORIGINAL In the mid-morning, he groaned and awoke. All-around a fog hung.

Calling All Writers....

2010-06-22T12:43:00.000-05:00

Does good and proper writing even matter anymore? I've posted an article on the question of writing well at the following site: Just Wondering…. Please check it out, and remember: To write well, you must work hard. To succeed in this tough gig, you mustn't be lazy.

Letter to a Client

2010-06-11T10:54:00.001-05:00

The Editing Process, the Revision Process, and the Final Editing Process Many have asked about my focus as editor, so I thought it might be helpful to share a letter I recently sent to one of my clients (name withheld). While the issues I address with [client] are specific to [client's] piece, much of what I say is universal, and helps to explain my editorial approach. Dear [client], I

The Paragraph Doctor – 0002

2010-06-07T17:43:00.002-05:00

The primary issues: Past Perfect Tense, Comma Use, Wordiness I've listed below an actual paragraph from a novel one of my clients is writing. I've changed the names of the characters to protect further the confidence of my client and his/her piece. I've placed the problem text in bold red font. AUTHOR'S ORIGINAL Yellow Flower Bloom was the first to look up from her cooking. Her man told her

The Paragraph Doctor – 0001

2010-05-31T13:58:00.001-05:00

The primary issues: Repetition, Wordiness, Reader Commands I've listed below an actual paragraph from a novel one of my clients is writing. I've changed the names of the characters to protect further the confidence of my client and his/her piece. I've placed the problem text in bold red font. AUTHOR'S ORIGINAL Jomo rubbed his thumb over his pointer finger. The High Wizard

I'm Coming Back

2010-05-25T11:15:00.003-05:00

I'll be returning in earnest on Monday, 5-31-10, when I'll begin re-posting at this blog. The posts will be shorter, more pointed, and probably more diverse than before. Visit me then, and thanks for sticking around through my hiatus.

Re-Thinking the Blog

2010-02-15T22:59:00.000-06:00

I've been re-thinking this blog, as what I've been doing is a lot of work on a per-entry basis, and seems to be garnering little in the way of excitement, appreciation, disgust -- any kind of response at all. Indeed, I need a little break from writing anyways, to refresh my attitude, my outlook, my creativity. I'll continue to edit for my clients, but aside from that, I'm going to enjoy a short

Back After a "Sick" Break

2010-01-15T16:03:00.003-06:00