Leanna is an actress, playwright and the author of thirteen Gothic, Gaslamp Fantasy novels for adults and teens. Her books have been published by Tor and Kensington Books and they include the Strangely Beautiful saga, the Magic Most Foul trilogy, the Eterna Files trilogy and The Spectral City series.

She is a four-time Prism Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. Leanna’s short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies and her books have been translated into many languages. She also has a forthcoming serialized work with Scrib’d as well as a project with Serial Box.

A woman of many talents, she tours the country performing the one-woman show By the Light of Tiffany: A Meeting with Clara Driscoll, and is also a licensed ghost tour guide for Boroughs of the Dead in New York City. Leanna has been featured in film and television on shows like Boardwalk Empire and Mysteries at the Museum. Her website is a treasure trove of writing resources and you’ll find the link (along with more info about Leanna) on the show notes page of this episode.

In this episode Leanna and I discuss:

• How it’s important to be nimble when something like a pandemic or something else unexpected upends your schedule and projects.
• What certain historical events and aspects of the turn of the century show up in her found-family Fantasy narrative Dead Ringer.
• Why it was important to have discussions with her editor about how to determine stylistic writing choices and how things should end when writing a serial.

Plus, her #1 tip for writers.

About Leanna Renee Hieber

Leanna Renee Hieber is an actress, playwright and the author of thirteen Gothic, Gaslamp Fantasy novels for adults and teens for Tor and Kensington Books such as the Strangely Beautiful saga, the Magic Most Foul trilogy, the Eterna Files trilogy and The Spectral City series. The Strangely Beautiful series hit Barnes & Noble and Borders Bestseller lists and garnered numerous regional genre awards, with revised editions now available from Tor. The Spectral City, Leanna’s new ghost-filled series set in 1899 NYC with Kensington Books, has been a bestseller across several genres and platforms.

A four-time Prism Award winner and Daphne du Maurier Award finalist, her short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies and her books have been translated into many languages, with forthcoming serialized work with Scrib’d. She tours the country with By the Light of Tiffany: A Meeting with Clara Driscoll, a one-woman theatrical presentation about the 19th century designer of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s lamps. A proud member of performer unions Actors Equity and SAG-AFTRA, she lives in New York City where she is a licensed ghost tour guide for Boroughs of the Dead and has been featured in film and television on shows like Boardwalk Empire and Mysteries at the Museum.

Find out more about Leanna on her website and follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Youtube,  Etsy, and Facebook. Dead Ringer coming soon on Serial Box.

Dark Nest

A suspenseful and romantic space opera; love and loyalty are tested, and battle lines are drawn – amongst the stars and inside their own minds.

Chief Counsel Ariadne Corinth has just found out her long-time lover, the powerfully gifted Chief Counsel Kristov Haydn, has died. Newly evolved psychically gifted humans have been sent by the Homeworld on a space mission aboard two distinct Nests..

Relationships between the Light Nest and the Dark Nest have faltered and Ariadne is sure there is something insidious behind it. In a matter of hours, Ariadne must find out what really happened to Kristov, unite her people to discover vast new powers the Homeworld denied them, or else submit to genocide. (Cover art by Thom Truelove)

Link to Episode 347

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Until next week, keep writing and keep being awesome!

The post Episode 347: The Art and Business of Writing Serials – Interview with Leanna Renee Hieber appeared first on DIY MFA.

Why?

I love dialogue. When I’m reading a book and I spot dialogue up ahead, I think: Sweet—we’re getting to the good stuff soon. And when I’m writing a book and I get to a part requiring dialogue, I think: Sweet—time to have some real fun.

Here’s the reason the simple act of watching one human talk to another can cause our brains to spark: because of the spike in electrical neural activity.

Let’s feel that sparkiness ourselves, right here, right now! I’ll scribble up some examples.

Example Dialogue: Where’s My Phone? (1st draft)

“Have you seen my phone?” barked Person A.

“No, I haven’t,” replied Person B. “Have you checked the kitchen?”

Person A sighed with frustration. “I checked there! I checked everywhere!”

“How about I try calling it?” offered Person B sheepishly.

“I mean that’s a good idea,” said Person A impatiently, “but what would really help me is if you could get up and help me find it!”

Person B looked perturbed. “I’m busy! Why can’t you do it yourself?”

This dialogue fulfills some basic guidelines for writing that you’re probably already aware of. Person A wants something and is driving toward getting it, and there’s also some clear tension between them and Person B, who wants to be left alone. Desire, intention, conflict—it’s all there.

So why isn’t your brain sparking? I know mine wasn’t.

To find out, let’s draft up a second version of the Where’s My Phone example.

Example Dialogue: Where’s My Phone? (2nd draft)

“Have you seen my phone?” said Person A.

“Hey Siri, call Person A,” said Person B.

“You could get up for once and help me,” said Person A with a sneer.

Person B gestured helplessly at their desk. “Can’t you see I’m busy dealing with my own bullshit right now?”

“I’ve been noticing your bullshit for years,” said Person A, unmoved.

“I want a divorce,” said Person B.

Do a brain check: you should see sparks flying. This exchange has all the basics, just like the first version. But it has a few key features that are my favorites when it comes to really fun dialogue.

The characters talk in parallel. 

In the first draft, both Person A and B answer each other’s questions fairly neatly. People in the real world don’t talk like this—they talk at cross-purposes, they interrupt, they don’t listen very well. Now, if you wrote a transcript of an actual real-life conversation, you’d probably wind up with unintelligible gibberish. The challenge as a writer is to strike a balance between the delightful chaos of real-world-speak and the modicum of logic required to propel a story forward in a way that makes sense.

In the second draft, the conflict and drive are still there—but now we see that each character isn’t really that considerate of what the other wants, and that little bit of psychological noise adds a fun layer of complexity to the scene.

The dialogue shows, not tells. 

Yes, it’s the oldest rule in the writing handbook, but that’s because it’s forever true: show, don’t tell. In the first draft, we relied quite a bit on active verbs (barked, replied, offered) and adverbs (sheepishly, impatiently) to shore up what were essentially neutral (and therefore boring) lines of dialogue.

By contrast, the second draft had dialogue dripping with emotion, attitude, and motivation, so much so that all they needed for attribution was a basic said Person A, supported by the occasional concrete physical gesture. The attributions, in fact, become trivial at this point—all of the artistic focus is on the actual dialogue itself. In fact, you could theoretically remove everything in the second draft except the dialogue and still be left with a funny, unexpected, sparky scene. Not so with the first draft, which relies too heavily on telling by verb and adverb.

The great writer Elmore Leonard once advised against ever using adverbs, and even went so far as to ban exclamation points. He was a little extreme, but only due to his devotion to always showing, showing, showing with his craft.

The characters are not talking about what they are talking about. 

For me, the best dialogue isn’t about the subject at hand—it’s about the subtext underlying the situation. In our first draft, Persons A and B are going through mild conflict (A needs help, but B is busy), but the story remains firmly centered around the quest to find a lost phone. That is not an interesting story. I would even go so far as to say that even if we replaced that lost phone with something bigger, like a Lost Ark of the Covenant, it would still remain a boring scene. That’s because great storytelling isn’t so much about the what, but the how.

The second draft is all about the how. The what of the lost phone is almost immediately discarded to allow the characters to unwittingly reveal a much bigger problem: their crumbling marriage. The fact that the exchange ends with B asking for a divorce shows just how tense things had gotten over the years. Isn’t that so much more interesting? In my mind, the best and most memorable stories are always about people—challenge your dialogue to stay centered rock-solid on your characters, even during seemingly trivial moments like a search for a lost phone.

Great dialogue, in other words, provides compelling keyframes with nice gaps in between, leaving it up to the reader to fill in those gaps with mental leaps. Instead of spelling emotional conflict with exposition, it’s much more interesting—and interactive—to let the reader piece together that, say, Person A and Person B have been on a disaster course for a long time and are right at the brink of marital collapse. Our brains fire up, piecing together bits of evidence found on the page. And that’s when the sparks start flying.

David Yoon is the author of the New York Times bestseller Frankly In Love, a William C. Morris Award finalist and Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature Honor book, as well as the upcoming YA novel Super Fake Love Song and adult thriller Version Zero. He also drew the illustrations for his wife Nicola Yoon’s #1 New York Times bestseller Everything, Everything. David grew up in Orange County, California, and now lives in Los Angeles with Nicola and their daughter. You can follow David on Instagram.

The post How to Write Sparky Dialogue appeared first on DIY MFA.

The autumn wind howls through the bare branches, rattling the dead leaves as the phone lines skip rope overhead. A lanky figure emerges from the gloom, its tattered clothes flapping against its mottled green skin. Slobbering and moaning, it lurches toward the warm glow of a nearby house. Inside, a figure hunches over a computer, her back to the window, unaware of her impending doom.

The thing raises its gnarled hand and drags its ragged fingernails down the windowpane. Startled, the woman turns around, her own finger hovering over the Return key. It freezes, stunned by the harsh light of the confirmation window:

“Would you like to publish your book on Amazon now?”

With a bloodcurdling scream, the creature flees back into the darkness.

Okay, so maybe that exact scenario hasn’t happened (yet…). But as the proud author of six self-published titles, take it from me: The world of self-publishing is full of thrills, chills, and things that go bump in the night.

 In honor of All Hallows Eve eve, let’s spend this #5onFri freaking out over…getting self-published!

1) Shooting a Gun, Throwing a Knife, and Wielding a Chainsaw–At the Same Time

So, you’ve finished writing your book. Now what?

You need an editor. Where do you find one? You want to design your own cover. How do you know what you want to make or which software to use? How do you create an ebook? Should you offer a paperback too? What about advertising? Should you do it, and if so, where? Amazon? Facebook? And what the heck are “keywords”?!

Self-publishing requires a lot more knowledge than how to write a good story. You need to become your own mini-publishing house, and that requires research. But don’t panic—the information is no more than a Help section reference or Google search away. Like most things, it all comes down to attitude.

The Bottom Line: If you love learning, self-publishing is a treasure trove of new skills, experiments, and discoverie

And when it comes to honing your craft, places like DIY MFA make that journey convenient and fun!

2) Falling into a Bottomless Money Pit

I’ve heard it at nearly every writing conference I’ve ever been to. “If you want to make a million dollars, don’t be a writer.”

Turning a profit can be tough. For self-published authors, the challenge starts immediately. Editing, book layout, cover artists, printing—all the things that are baked into the traditional model are pay-to-play for selfies, and that’s just to get the book in your hands. 

After that, ads and marketing can eat up as much as you want to spend, and more. The upside: You get a bigger slice of the royalties. The downside: You’ll spend the first chunk of those royalties covering what you’ve already spent—or worse, you’ll never make enough to recoup them at all.

The Bottom Line: Until you’re well-known enough to cover your budget on presales alone, self-publishing will be a cost-deficit production.

3) Being Branded with a Red-Hot “SP”

I hate to tell you this, but…

Even after you spend all that time learning how to be a publisher and a good writer, there will still be those who turn their noses up at you, simply because you’re self-published. Even in a post-50 Shades era where an indie book can do just as well on the charts as a traditional one, the idea persists that, if you’re not traditionally published, you’re not a “legitimate” author.

This is an outdated notion. Yes, there are still titles out there that could use some quality control, but the myth of throwing your book on Amazon one night and waking up to instant success is dying. To make a career as any type of author, you need to produce quality work. Self-published authors understand that as much as anyone else.

The Bottom Line: Self-publishing is not a shameful act, even if some still think it is. Instead of arguing, prove them wrong by continuing to produce the best work you can.

4) Being Alone in the Woods

 It’s lonely out there for a selfie. You have no agent, no publisher, no release team. Anyone you hire will be contract-based and therefore temporary. And once your book goes live, there is no fanfare or balloon release. Just a click of a button, and a follow up email letting you know your book is live. If you want balloons, you have to get them yourself.

The solution? Social media. There are hundreds of online communities dedicated to supporting self-publishers, and they are full of people who will celebrate, commiserate, and help.

The Bottom Line: You’ll have to look around to find the group that suits you best, but you can find one.

5) Discovering You’re a Pod Person

You know what I’m talking about. The feeling that you’re a fake, a hack, or somehow undeserving of any success you have. Yes, it’s the dreaded Imposter Syndrome, and at one point or another we’ve all come down with a case of it. Combined with that wretched SP brand—someone literally telling you “you’re not a real author”—and you end up with Imposter Syndrome Squared.

The Bottom Line: Many have tried to eradicate the dreaded IS, but its prevalence continues. Just keep on holding your head high. Don’t feed the trolls.

And keep this in mind: Constructive criticism is a critical part of being an author. Sure, it’s not fun to hear that someone didn’t like your book. But it also means that some actually read your book. And if people are reading your book, then how can you be an imposter?

Any Last Words?

The path to self-publication is paved with pitfalls and beset by monsters. However, if you know the challenges before you begin, and approach them with enthusiasm, your journey will be much easier and (dare I say?) even a little fun. So, don your armor, grab your flashlight, and strap on a backpack full of garlic and silver bullets. Because as they say, the only thing we truly have to fear is fear itself. 

And maybe zombies.

Recommended Resources

Please note: I am not receiving any compensation for these recommendations. These are simply outlets I have used and found helpful.

Editorial:

Chimera Editing

Amazon Ads:

 5 Day Amazon Ad Profit Challenge Facebook Group (Free Training)

 Kindlepreneur (Free and Paid Tools)

Content/Social Media Marketing:

Community:

#writingcommunity and #writerscafe (Twitter)

Indie Author Coalition Facebook Group

And of course –Word Nerds Unite!

S.G. Tasz specializes in comedy-horror, paranormal fantasy, supernatural realism, and the cross-sections of all three. Her current series, Dead Mall, follows a team of janitors and mall cops who must battle the hordes of hell in a nearly abandoned shopping mall. In addition to writing, she works as a digital content manager and recently founded The Uglycat Press, a resource hub and review outlet for independent authors. She currently lives in Las Vegas. More information about her books and services can be found at www.sgtasz.com.

The post #5onFri: The Five Scariest Things About Being a Self-Published Author appeared first on DIY MFA.

If you haven’t read it or seen the movie, Crazy Rich Asians is a hoot. It follows New Yorker Rachel Chu’s first trip to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family. Only they’re not the normal family she’s expecting. They’re crazy rich—think private planes, billions in investments and no sense of reality. They also employ outlandish schemes and backstabbing to keep Rachel away from their precious can-do-no-wrong Nicholas. With palaces, matchmaking and clever dialogue to boot, it’s no wonder it’s been called a modern-day Pride and Prejudice.

So what do you read after you’ve finished the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy? Or while you’re on the waiting list at the library for the first book in the series?

Comedians, such as Tina Fey and Ellen DeGeneres, are known for churning out witty memoirs. Yet, these books are shelved in nonfiction. There are relatively few authors writing humorous FICTION nowadays and that’s precisely what readers are requesting. In fact, it’s been twenty years since Helen Fielding topped the bestseller list with the campy Bridget Jones’s Diary.

Not to fear! Here at DIY MFA, we’ve scoured the bookstores and blogs to uncover newer books that will keep you in stitches.

The Matchmaker’s List by Sonya Lalli

Being released in North America in January 2019, this is one to add to your TBR (to be read) list immediately. It’s generating a ton of buzz in the UK where it’s already been published as The Arrangement. Canadian debut author Lalli explores arranged marriage in an Indian immigrant community.

Imagine if your grandmother was the one selecting your dates? As you’ve probably guessed, this premise leads to a quirky list of bachelors both amusing and cringe-worthy. At one point, protagonist Raina even lies about her sexuality to get her “nani” to lay off for a while. Then, the “one” appears and Raina must find a way to undo the lie. The strong, supporting cast of eccentric family, friends and neighbors will make you want to return to this happy little section of Toronto again and again.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Take one stodgy genetics professor who is ruled by data. Add one partying grad student who is ruled by emotion. Mix together. That’s the situation which leads Professor Don Tillman to take on “The Rosie Project.”

Rosie is looking for her father, and Tillman suggests a scientific approach to track him down. As you might expect, logic isn’t always predictable when it comes to matters of the heart. Fans of this book always talk about the hilarious scene where Professor Tillman attempts to dance.  There is also a long-awaited movie in the works and a sequel called “The Rosie Effect.” For writers, it is inspiring to know that the author didn’t begin writing until age 50.

Less by Andrew Sean Greer

Speaking of writers turning 50, Arthur Less is failing at his craft. He wants to escape both his half-century birthday and his ex-partner’s wedding. So, he has the brilliant idea of attending all the literary retreats and events he’s turned down over the years. Readers follow him through multiple countries with often comic results. He shows up to one retreat only to find he’s the only writer there!

This book won the Pulitzer Prize in 2017 yet, I’m amazed at how few readers have heard of it.  Give it a try, but be warned there are parts both funny and sobering. It’s a meaningful, whimsical look at middle age.

When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger

This snarky narrative is split between three women each trying to uncover a betrayal in their ultra-rich Connecticut town. One of the women, Emily Charlton, starred in another Weisberger classic comedy entitled The Devil Wears Prada. Yet, you don’t have to know anything about that book to enjoy the deliciousness of lululemons. As in Crazy Rich Asians, you’ll be in hysterics when you find out what’s really going on behind closed mansion doors.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Reese Witherspoon, an actress and avid reader, recently selected this book for her Hello Sunshine Book Club.  She’s acquired production rights to several of her book club picks including Eleanor Oliphant. So, heads up, read this before the film comes out.

Debut author Honeyman introduces readers to three loveable loners. There’s Raymond, the IT Guy, who’s in desperate need of soap and water. Sammy is an elderly man who has just fallen outside Raymond’s office. And then there’s Eleanor—the outspoken protagonist whose blunt dialogue makes for some wicked witticisms. Together, the odd trio form an unlikely friendship and change Eleanor for the good.

Short Takes: A Speedy Rundown of more Side-splitting Stories

• Snobs by Julian Fellowes: The creator of Downton Abbey and Gosford Park pokes fun at the English aristocracy.
• The Windfall by Diksha Basu: A middle-class Indian family suddenly joins the ranks of the nouveau-riche.
• Five Star Billionaire by Tash Aw: Set in Shanghai, a billionaire plays a pivotal role in the lives of three young people chasing their dreams in the big city.
• Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman: A mother gains hilarious insights into the families of three children in her daily carpool.
• The Wangs vs. The World by Jade Chang: This is the opposite of the get-rich quick stories we’re seeing in this genre. It’s what happens when the 2008 recession hits and one family loses it all. A road trip, reminiscent of Little Miss Sunshine, delivers refreshing oddities at every stop.

In a world with one bad news story after another, readers are hungry for some comic relief. This is a genre DIY MFA members should not only read but consider WRITING. There is a real need for more humorous fiction and fresh voices to write them.

Do you have any suggestions for recent, funny reads? What about tips for writing comedic novels?  We’d love to hear from you. Please comment in the space below.

Terri Frank is a professional librarian and holds a Master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working in a library, she’s probably visiting a library with her husband and two kids. Her current writing projects include a novel about a tuberculosis sanitorium.

The post Beyond Crazy Rich Asians: A Look at Humorous Fiction appeared first on DIY MFA.