Nathan Bransford - The Forums

A chapter should be written for a purpose, and this purpose should be evident to the reader. The length of the chapter depends on what the writer is trying to accomplish, and is influenced by his own style. Where some use minimal description and dialogue, others embellish the core message. I would j...

I'm one of those writers that read and write in the same genres (science fiction 1st, crime/suspense/mystery 2nd, women's fiction 3rd). Always have been a science fiction fan and have read most of the great authors. I also read literary works, when they appeal to me. I also have an interest in paran...

For a novel, I'm pro outline, as the current novel I'm writing has been called 'epic' in scope. It's a guideline to keep me in focus, with flexibility when those surprises happen that Scott mentioned. I don't find outlines confining, but alter them as needed. I also don't think that it stifles creat...

My favorite part of writing is when I'm creating initial scenes. I can picture it in my head first, then flesh it out with setting and narrative, but I must first visualize. I also enjoy editing and just do it in blocks so I don't get overwhelmed. It's the one thing I remember from a course on time ...