Thanks for the link!! :-)

Loved 10 steps to a Better Story.

Gee, Thanks, Jon! :)

At the risk of sounding very like myself,
Nathan Bransford's piece is consistent with what I've said about writing reviews
of other writers' work.

Patricia Stoltey's piece is spot on,
and Jim Hines reminded me of a song I've quoted before:
Some have the speed,
and the right combinations,
but if you can't take the punches,
it don't mean a thing.
--Warren Zevon, "Boom Boom Mancini"

Nice gathering as always!

Reading my way through these more leisurely today, which is nice. Thanks as always!

Regarding Nathan Bransford's post, I've had similar experiences when editing or critiquing people's works. One guy specifically said he wanted his novel to be a quick airplane read, something someone takes along to pass the hour or two. I tried to give feedback based on what he wanted it to be but there would be people wanting to open up all kinds of "new books" in his book. That's frustrating. And it's not giving the author credit for knowing what he wanted.

I especially enjoyed the "ereader" post & Greg Frost's Dream writing post.

“Suddenly he woke up. It had all been a dream.” If you do that to me, I will personally come to your house and fry you with my death ray before you can ever write another word.

I'd so join him! I read a book once that essentially ended that way - it was over 10 years ago but I still glare at the book on my shelf. What's worse - until that page, it was one of the best books I had ever read!

However - as for "story" dreams - I once had a musical dream. Everyone was dancing & singing, the songs rhymed - it was fantastic. I was so upset that I couldn't remember much when I woke up. I do sometimes remember bits of dreams & decide I like this or that aspect or concept and develop that into a good story. But by the time I'm done, it really bears little resemblance to the dream that inspired it.

I'm especially grateful for the pdf/blog link. THANKS!

The link to Mr. Williams article about leveling up may end up on my blog. It's very good.

Wow! Am I glad I picked this evening to re-enter the blogosphere. This is an excellent round-up, Jon, one I'm adding to Memories for future reference. Well done, you.

Great info, as always. In response to Nathan Bransford's post, though I always try to consider what I read in writer's terms, sometimes I just want to read for fun (we all remember fun, right?) and not pick it apart as I go for writing clues. And there have been a couple of times when all I could really say after reading something was "wow, that's X number of hours of my life I'll never get back." Of course, I would never say that in a review (not that anyone is asking me to write one), and thankfully, it's rarely happened, But when it does it always brings up lots of questions in my mind regarding writing style and effect, goal of the story, was it accomplished, am I being too judgmental or am I just a clueless reader? and so on. I don't think all writers have to appeal to everyone though, and that's perfectly fine. Some people like white wine over red, though both can be equally good.