On a long car drive back from New York this weekend, my older daughter asked my husband and I what we thought were some of the coolest fictional powers we’d seen in books, TV, comics, etc. (This is, by the way, an awesome way to make about half an hour pass without noticing.) The conversationContinue reading “Powers Most Super”
Author Archives: Melissa Caruso
Using Setting to Establish Character in the First Page
I’ve been working on a multi-POV novel lately, and I’ve had to introduce several new viewpoint characters. I’m discovering that one of my favorite ways to quickly immerse readers in each new character is through the setting. The great thing about this trick is that your words can do double duty. When you introduce aContinue reading “Using Setting to Establish Character in the First Page”
The Power of Story
January was a rough month for my family health-wise—nothing serious, but an assortment of plagues that left everyone exhausted and uncomfortable. To console and distract my sick kids, I started re-reading them Harry Potter. Even though they’re old enough to read the books just fine on their own, cuddling together and reading them aloud forContinue reading “The Power of Story”
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Last year was crazy busy in real life, and a roller coaster for our family. For my writing life, however, it was the Year of Revision. While I did new writing too, of course, I think it’s safe to say I did more revising in 2015 than in any previous year in my writing career.Continue reading “Looking Back, Looking Ahead”
Thanksgiving Post
Thanksgiving is here, so it’s time for some gratitude! I’m thankful for a ton of stuff in my life, of course, but here are some things I’m thankful for as a writer: A husband who supports my writing career and understands the time it takes. Kids who totally have my back, including an eldest whoContinue reading “Thanksgiving Post”
When to Trunk?
The horrible thing about being a writer is that rejection is, plain and simple, part of the business. There’s no way around it. You are going to get rejected. And unless you are one stone-cold badass, it’s going to hurt to at least some degree every time. Learning to shrug it off and move onContinue reading “When to Trunk?”
Writing Time
Time is a tricky thing. I’ve had lots of friends ask me how I find the time to write, as a mom with a day job and various other commitments and responsibilities. The answer has always been simple: sacrifices. There are so many hours in a day. If you’re serious about writing, that writing timeContinue reading “Writing Time”
Top Ten Best Things About Having an Agent
Ever wondered what it’s like being an agented writer? Well, in the spirit of David Letterman, I’m here to tell you the top ten best things about it. 10. Finally have something to put on author web page 9. Sound like a pretentious ass when you say “my agent” at parties 8. 15% discount atContinue reading “Top Ten Best Things About Having an Agent”
Setting Ain’t Nothing Without Character
A while back, I was writing a scene set in New York, and it was no good. I’d put in all these little details I’d actually seen in New York myself, and I’d used the internet to double check everything I remembered, and made heavy use of Google Maps… but it still didn’t seem likeContinue reading “Setting Ain’t Nothing Without Character”
On Letting Characters Be Smart
Last night I was reading a good book, quite absorbed as it ramped up toward the climax, when certain telltale signs began to appear. “Aaaand here’s the part where we fail to share crucial information for no good reason,” I thought. And sure enough, there it was. Now, this was a great book I reallyContinue reading “On Letting Characters Be Smart”
Melissa Caruso 