Shana Asaro

Crazy villains are the least interesting to me. I like a smart villain with a devious plan that will help him/her reach their ultimate goal. #writingtips #pubtip

Nice things happening to nice people makes for an uninteresting story. So don't forget to include one of the most important elements in your book--conflict! Here we offer tips on how: bit.ly/2NI5vlj #LoveInspiredAuthorSearch #pubtip

The simple inclusion or omission of a comma (or two) can change the entire meaning of a sentence. Here is a quick lesson. #pubtip #writing #grammar

#pubtip: ALWAYS include a synopsis.

MEGA #pubtip. I can't tell you how many manuscripts I've read with a sagging middle.

More #grammartips: When to use "I" or "me". "I" is a subject; "me" is an object. "Joe and I went to dinner." BUT "Come to dinner with Joe and me." Test yourself by taking out the name. Does it still sound correct? (You wouldn't say "Come to dinner with I.") #pubtip #writing

Ditto. Be creative to push yourself into that "Great" category and don't settle for just okay. #pubtip

Just like action movies need a climactic fight scene, romance novels need an emotional black moment. Build to a breaking point. #pubtip

If you write books with kids in them, make sure you know the child safety seat laws by state: bit.ly/2hCX52n #pubtip

Geography should not be the primary romantic conflict between your hero and heroine. That's external. Give me internal conflict! #pubtip

Pirates of the Caribbean movies are great at showing how goals & motivations should drive a plot. Jack Sparrow knows what he wants. #pubtip

Caveat: Not all movies are actually good at developing conflict, so exercise caution. #pubtip

If you're struggling with conflict in your writing, look at your favorite movies. What can you learn about conflict from them? #pubtip

Haven't read the review, but this is the exact kind of thing we see in manuscript submissions. Stakes & urgency are important! #pubtip

How to make readers care about your characters: Don't give them wants. Give them needs. #pubtip

BEST NEWS EVER! All writers should watch #ThisIsUs and take notes about characters, dialogue and emotional gut punches. #pubtip

And definitely don't send a submission to an editor with the salutation "Dear Agent"! (and vice versa) #pubtip

Authors: If you have someone read your ms before submitting, make sure you trust them to be honest with you about problems. #pubtip

More lessons on terrific writing/plotting from last night's #ThisIsUs: Throw your characters curve balls! #pubtip

This is the kind of stuff you should strive to accomplish in your #writing. Those scenes that really hit the reader emotionally. #pubtip