Author Archives: Lara Zielinsky

Editorial Advice 2

Today’s editorial advice is for authors writing synopses. If you are planning to traditionally publish, you have to query publishers or agents to see if they’ll pick up you and your work. What agents and publishers frequently request is a synopsis. What is a synopsis? A synopsis is a full summary of your story, fromContinue reading “Editorial Advice 2”

client releases

2023’s first quarter has been very busy with editing, but I do have a couple client publications to announce. Popular sci-fi romance author Ami Wright has launched a new series co-written with Maddie Syn: Fated Mates of the Qol’rakii. The first two books in the series, The Alien Protector’s Lady and The Alien Protector’s SunshineContinue reading “client releases”

Scene building: Endings

Listen to this post on Spotify. Today’s topic is not about how to end your story, but rather how to end a scene so that it carries the reader through the emotions just riled up and makes them turn the page eagerly to see what happens next. A scene should unfold at a pace thatContinue reading “Scene building: Endings”

Editorial Advice

This week in editorial advice tweets. Questions about POV and MC (main characters; protagonists) This first question asks about when to introduce the MC. My short answer is above, but here’s a longer discussion because 256 characters is never enough. Point of view (POV) is the main vehicle for connecting readers to a character becauseContinue reading “Editorial Advice”

Scene building: beginnings

Listen to this post or others on Spotify or Anchor.fm I’ve talked previously about how to structure a scene. The beginning, or entre, should start as close to the moment the POV character starts pursuing their scene goal. But when exactly is that? And how do you decide whether to start with narrative, like describingContinue reading “Scene building: beginnings”

What affects turnaround time?

I have a robust business editing for indie authors, and have been told both that my turnaround time is too slow, or it’s faster than they expect. I thought it might be beneficial to blog about what goes into a quote about turnaround time, aka the time it takes from getting the project file, untilContinue reading “What affects turnaround time?”

Setting: That can’t happen here

A discussion of why setting matters in fiction Do you have any idea where any of these stories takes place? Asking these questions about a blurb, you can see how important setting is to fiction. With the exception of the last one, retreating to a beach house, there’s very little about setting in any ofContinue reading “Setting: That can’t happen here”

Describing character: gain perspective

Listen to this post and more on Spotify or Anchor.fm You, dear writer, have all those wonderful character sheets filled out with demographics: Jamie Dotter is, 29, 5’11”, blonde, Nordic features, muscular build, college degree from Wellsley College, law degree from Harvard, in her fourth year working as a lawyer with Grant, Hardy, and Iglesias,Continue reading “Describing character: gain perspective”

Scene building using goals

Listen to this blog on Spotify. I previously discussed the structure of a scene is based around conflict and overcoming it. But conflict and obstacles comes in many forms. They can be as simple as encountering a child’s fallen toy on the floor while crossing the room. What really guides the scene and makes itContinue reading “Scene building using goals”