tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46959115979137138792024-03-08T17:42:36.676-06:00Diamond Perspective: On WritingAuthor and Freelance Editor of fiction, Lane Diamond, offers his views on the art and craft of writing fiction, on reading, and on any subjects relevant to the world of writing and the lives of authors.Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-3681951276930784322011-03-29T22:26:00.000-05:002011-03-29T22:26:56.981-05:00A New Blog, A New PosrFor those of you who haven't already switched over, I've moved my blog and website, and I posted a new entry today on building living, breathing characters.
Please visit me at: http://www.lanediamond.com/
-----Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-79178517863878764652011-03-17T14:33:00.000-05:002011-03-17T14:33:43.438-05:00I'm Moving....In the never-ending evolutionary process that is my life as a writer and editor, I've set up a new website, at which I'll be maintaining my blog from now on.
The posts at this site will remain here, in case you'd like to refer back to them from time to time, at least until I can re-establish them at my new site.
I've already started blogging at the new site, so please visit (and follow) me at:Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-1184562568658028892011-02-15T22:59:00.001-06:002011-02-15T23:01:40.465-06:00An Online Interview Regarding Freelance EditorsI recently agreed to provide an online interview for D.T. Conklin, posted through the link below. The subject matter—Freelance Editors—seems particularly relevant in this advancing era of self-publishing, ePublishing, etc.
My thanks to D.T. for providing me the opportunity:
Freelance Editors: A Reemerging Profession
Please check it out, and remember:
To write well, you must work hard. To Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-35210857978018717002011-02-14T17:39:00.000-06:002011-02-14T17:39:22.786-06:00The Use of Structure to Keep the Reader Engaged – Part 2: Punctuation and more….You can build and hold "tension," as a strict literary device, through structure: just the right punctuation at just the right time, and well-placed breaks (chapter, story [***], paragraph, sentence) that leave the reader hungry for more.
I've posted the second in a series of articles on the above at the following site:
Providing Tension…Part 2….
Please check it out, and remember:
To write Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-8634100201540702312011-02-06T00:23:00.000-06:002011-02-06T00:23:03.460-06:00My Short Story "PARADOX" Published in "FARSCAPE 2"If you're a fan of Science Fiction, and you'd like a new anthology of short stories, check out "FARSCAPE 2," which includes my short story, Paradox.
It's available from Lulu through the following site:
Utility Fog Press
Your support is appreciated, of course. I think you'll enjoy a number of the stories.Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-81465917202834402652011-02-06T00:07:00.000-06:002011-02-06T00:07:28.438-06:00The Use of Structure to Keep the Reader Engaged – Part 1: IntroYou can build and hold "tension," as a strict literary device, through structure: just the right punctuation at just the right time, and well-placed breaks (chapter, story [***], paragraph, sentence) that leave the reader hungry for more.
I've posted an article on the above at the following site:
Providing Tension….
Please check it out, and remember:
To write well, you must work hard. To Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-72356872746689051142010-09-20T11:21:00.000-05:002010-09-20T11:21:17.754-05:00The Paragraph Doctor – 0004The primary issues: Wordy Structure, Fractured Logic, Awkward Flow, Weak
I've listed below an actual paragraph from a novel one of my clients is writing. I've changed the names of the characters to protect further the confidence of my client and his/her piece. I've placed the problem text in bold red font.
AUTHOR'S ORIGINAL
In March, sheLane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-68123700969805763252010-07-20T11:50:00.000-05:002010-07-20T11:50:21.929-05:00The Paragraph Doctor – 0003The primary issues: Indirect Structure, Weak Verbs, Show vs. Tell
I've listed below an actual paragraph from a novel one of my clients is writing. I've changed the names of the characters to protect further the confidence of my client and his/her piece. I've placed the problem text in bold red font.
AUTHOR'S ORIGINAL
In the mid-morning, Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-18827963169430774412010-06-22T12:43:00.000-05:002010-06-22T12:43:28.424-05:00Calling All Writers....Does good and proper writing even matter anymore?
I've posted an article on the question of writing well at the following site:
Just Wondering….
Please check it out, and remember:
To write well, you must work hard. To succeed in this tough gig, you mustn't be lazy.Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-84455855551668479072010-06-11T10:54:00.001-05:002010-06-11T10:55:51.399-05:00Letter to a ClientThe Editing Process, the Revision Process, and the Final Editing Process
Many have asked about my focus as editor, so I thought it might be helpful to share a letter I recently sent to one of my clients (name withheld). While the issues I address with [client] are specific to [client's] piece, much of what I say is universal, and helps to explain my editorial approach.
Dear [client],
I Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-8013116690599013252010-06-07T17:43:00.002-05:002010-06-07T17:46:13.582-05:00The Paragraph Doctor – 0002The primary issues: Past Perfect Tense, Comma Use, Wordiness
I've listed below an actual paragraph from a novel one of my clients is writing. I've changed the names of the characters to protect further the confidence of my client and his/her piece. I've placed the problem text in bold red font.
AUTHOR'S ORIGINAL
Yellow Flower Bloom was the first to look up from her cooking. Her man told her Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-22605596641244180112010-05-31T13:58:00.001-05:002010-05-31T14:00:03.436-05:00The Paragraph Doctor – 0001The primary issues: Repetition, Wordiness, Reader Commands
I've listed below an actual paragraph from a novel one of my clients is writing. I've changed the names of the characters to protect further the confidence of my client and his/her piece. I've placed the problem text in bold red font.
AUTHOR'S ORIGINAL
Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-48627638322661227032010-05-25T11:15:00.003-05:002010-05-25T11:15:31.824-05:00I'm Coming BackI'll be returning in earnest on Monday, 5-31-10, when I'll begin re-posting at this blog.
The posts will be shorter, more pointed, and probably more diverse than before.
Visit me then, and thanks for sticking around through my hiatus.Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-50784218777789760462010-02-15T22:59:00.000-06:002010-02-15T22:59:16.733-06:00Re-Thinking the BlogI've been re-thinking this blog, as what I've been doing is a lot of work on a per-entry basis, and seems to be garnering little in the way of excitement, appreciation, disgust -- any kind of response at all.
Indeed, I need a little break from writing anyways, to refresh my attitude, my outlook, my creativity. I'll continue to edit for my clients, but aside from that, I'm going to enjoy a Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-81403138812484806052010-01-15T16:03:00.003-06:002010-01-15T16:05:45.424-06:00Back After a "Sick" Break
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In the above linked article, author A.J. Barnett provides a kind of beginner's overview of how and why to effectively utilize dialogue in your story. It's a nice addition to my recent articles on the use of action leads and inserts in lieu of awkward dialogue tags.
If dialogue is a sticking point for you, read the article.
As to his claim that "UpLane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-91882344571887130792009-12-31T12:58:00.000-06:002009-12-31T12:58:13.590-06:00The Ten Mistakes (A Link)A kindred spirit in the editorial pursuit of excellence....
I recently read an online article by Pat Holt (Holt Uncensored) that points out many of the issues I address with my clients. It's an excellent piece, and I'm always pleased to justify my editorial efforts through the words of others in the biz.
When you get to Number 10 (COMMAS) on his list, if you're a client of mine or have Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-42183445398130101632009-12-30T01:18:00.002-06:002010-01-02T01:13:42.861-06:00Great Novels = Great Inspiration
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font-size:Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-69552548580763173342009-12-24T00:15:00.001-06:002009-12-24T00:17:41.358-06:00A Great Time of YearMerry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays!
Take care of you and yours during this special time of year--and always.
Thanks for stopping in to read my humble blog from time to time. I haven't received many comments thus far (I know it's still early) so I'm not sure how well received the pieces are. I would both welcome and appreciate all future comments. Please feel Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-43142662051155458892009-12-22T12:24:00.001-06:002009-12-22T12:25:22.839-06:00Poor Writing: Just Plain Lazy – Part 1
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mso-paper-source:0Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-85033744053542488972009-12-12T00:26:00.000-06:002009-12-12T00:26:43.512-06:00SHOW versus TELL – Part 2
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mso-paper-source:0Lane Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789847313380225886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4695911597913713879.post-56239688272078632842009-12-02T15:46:00.000-06:002009-12-02T15:46:42.185-06:00A Quick Inspiration
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