Information Density

Great post on “show don’t tell.” I’d tell you more, but I’ll just let Eric Lahti show you.

Eric Lahti

Information density refers to putting more information into a single statement than is readily obvious. Think of it as a process of layering key pieces of a story on top of, or underneath, other things that are happening. Oftentimes it gets revealed through dialog, but there are other ways to accomplish it.

If you’ve been writing for any length of time, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Show, don’t tell.” In fact, you’ve probably heard it enough that it makes you want to strangle a manatee in the nude every time someone says it.

It’s a bit of cryptic phrase. This is, after all, writing we’re talking about, not cinema; showing stuff in prose seems like the antithesis of telling a story. I’ll admit, I struggled with getting my head wrapped around it. But, like all things, once you come at it sideways, it makes a bit more sense. The path…

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A Date With . . . Sylva Fae

Wonderful interview with Sylva Fae.

Frank Parker's author site

My latest date with an indie author arrived a bit late, but was well worth waiting for, as I am sure you will agree. I am grateful to Sylva Fae for interrupting her holiday to answer my questions.

Sylva grew up in Lancashire where, “[If] there were hard times for my parents . . . they kept them well hidden from me and my brother. I had a simple but fun childhood, and I look back with fond memories. My parents were artists who had a love of travel and the outdoors. My dad especially loved travelling and would prioritise holidays abroad over buying expensive toys etc – he wanted us to experience new places and learn about other cultures first hand. My mum was the driving force behind buying a farm, which became a sanctuary for injured wildlife and unwanted pets. When not chasing hens and goats out of…

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Lighting a Candle (Saturday Sound-off)

Well said.

Frank Parker's author site

At our local supermarket check-out this morning one of my neighbours was in front of me in the queue. Shortly after I left I caught up with her and we walked together down the hill, chatting about the weather and recent developments in our small retirement community. When we reached the church she parted company with me saying that she was going to light a candle for a friend and went on to explain how very ill this person was.

Found this image at https://smecsundaymorningforum.files.wordpress.com

As an atheist I regard the idea of lighting a candle in the belief that it might effect a cure or ease someone’s passage into the after-life as somewhat bizarre. But I would not publicly ridicule a person holding that belief or all followers of Roman Catholicism for that and other, to me, futile practices.

Like most Catholics, however, I do condemn some of the…

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A plea to authors – please speak out about piracy

Nail Your Novel

I’ve had a worrying experience with a local book club. I’m not sure it is as it appears, so I won’t name names. But either way, it raises worrying questions about the way authors’ work is valued.

Recently, a book club invited me to make a presentation about Lifeform Three. The club voted to read it. The organiser went out of the room. Ten minutes later she returned. The books were ordered, she said! So quick. Everyone went home happy.

Except. I should have seen seven UK sales within 24 hours but there was only one. An ebook. Being indie, I know the local bookshops don’t have that many copies. Also, cheap second-hand copies on Amazon are scarce. Did the club just pretend they were going to read it?

It was sweet of them to spare my blushes. And I couldn’t exactly ask.

I shrugged it off. But this…

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: VAL TOBIN

Thank you for the interview, Theresa Jacobs. 🙂

Author Theresa Jacobs

Please welcome Val, check out her interview with me, her books, and like, share – READ.

Tell us about your books, genre, stand-alone or series.

I’ve published seven novels, one box set (The Valiant Chronicles), and some short stories. The Valiant Chronicles is also available as a series of individual novels. My main genre is romance (romantic suspense, paranormal romance).

The Valiant Chronicles set is a supernatural thriller comprised of three novels: The Experiencers, A Ring of Truth, and Earthbound.

The Experiencers introduces the main characters and the conflict. It’s a story of good versus evil but with the added challenge that some characters believe they’re working for the greater good when they’re not. I’ve always enjoyed exploring perceptions, truth, and reality.

A Ring of Truth completes the journey after a much darker turn. The two main characters get to a point where they have…

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My Other Car is a Porsche

A news item caught my eye this morning. Apparently, a woman accidentally stole a car, thinking it was the car she’d rented. She drove the stolen car around for two weeks before returning it to the rental company, at which point, the mistake came to light.

via giphy

As I read this story, I thought, I could totally make a mistake like this.

All cars the same colour look pretty much identical to me.

When my brother-in-law was buying a new car years ago, I asked my sister what kind.

“Green,” she replied.

Her hubby said, “That’s not what she meant. She means what make and model”

I replied, “Actually, that is what I meant.”

We had a chuckle over the fact that my sister and I both think alike when it comes to cars.

The only way I recognize which car is ours in a parking lot is by the license plate. You wouldn’t believe how often I walk towards a Porsche, mistaking it for our Mazda 3. Strange how my brain always mistakes the more expensive vehicles for our little go-kart.

Bottom line is, I could be anywhere in the world at any given time. Don’t leave your keys in the car in a parking lot — especially if you own a Porsche.

WATWB – Try Talking, It’s Easier Than Fighting

Eric Lahti

Victor Hugo once said something interesting about enemies. Most people think it was Winston Churchill, but there’s no evidence he ever said “You have enemies? Great. It means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.” There is, however, plenty of evidence that Victor Hugo said something similar:

“You have enemies? Why, it is the story of every man who has done a great deed or created a new idea. It is the cloud which thunders around everything that shines. Fame must have enemies, as light must have gnats. Do not bother yourself about it; disdain. Keep your mind serene as you keep your life clear.”

A little less punchy than the supposed Churchill quote, but also more eloquent. Such is Victor Hugo, I guess. On the other hand, Churchill stomped Nazis, so he gets a pass if he was less eloquent than a professional author.

On a somewhat…

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