Cindy McCourt

A Fiction Content Framework

When planning a work of fiction, we create a road map of events that our characters will experience. We might even toss in some details, as notes, about a specific location or a specific tool the character will use because some specifics are critical to the story. But, how do you get from a planContinue reading “A Fiction Content Framework”

Writing Nonfiction

It’s been close to 40 years since I sat in a classroom on the second floor of Virginia Tech’s Williams Hall listening to English professor Herb West dictate how we would write the business-oriented papers he assigned. It was a such a memorable experience, that I have used the concepts of his teaching throughout myContinue reading “Writing Nonfiction”

Written Words

We speak using words. People understand us. Why not just write how we speak? Have you ever written a text or email thinking the person on the other end would laugh along with you, only to get a reply that indicated an opposite reaction? In this post, I share word lessons for fiction, nonfiction, andContinue reading “Written Words”

Show, Don’t Tell

This topic is one of the most talked about writing lessons on the internet. Google it. You will find many confusing and helpful posts on the topic. However, until you are told by your instructor or coach or editor that you are telling and not showing, it’s difficult to see when you are doing it.Continue reading “Show, Don’t Tell”

The Dreaded Fiction Outline

I have written eight novels. Each novel has been written at least twice, if not three or more times. Why? Because, as I wrote, I realized the story telling needed to change. Again, why? Why did it have to change if I had a plan? Because there is more to creating a fictional outline thanContinue reading “The Dreaded Fiction Outline”

How I Defeat my Dyslexia

Before my reading comprehension issues had a name, I didn’t understand why I struggled to read, let alone remember or understand the words on the page. In 1970, my parents purchased a system. The experience is a bit of a blur, but it involved reading words on a page from a three-ring binder while aContinue reading “How I Defeat my Dyslexia”

Sentence Salads in Fiction Writing

Until you are a verbal artist with your own style, there are a few strategies you can use to make your storytelling more enjoyable for your readers. The sentence strategies presented here are related to each other, however, that relationship is not necessarily sequential. So, we’ll dive in and explore the following and then putContinue reading “Sentence Salads in Fiction Writing”

Writing “The Gifted”

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