by Barbara Kyle | Aug 22, 2020 | Uncategorised
“The enemy of art is the absence of limitations.” ‒ Orson Welles (pictured above) It’s a fascinating artistic paradox. Total freedom inhibits creativity, whereas strategic limits generate creativity. Strategic limits? you ask. Let me give you an...
by Barbara Kyle | Jul 23, 2020 | Uncategorised
First Principles If there is one bedrock principle of good storytelling, it’s this: “Show. Don’t tell.” That is, the most vivid way to convey something is to show it, not tell it. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, yes . . . and no. The goal is...
by Barbara Kyle | Jul 20, 2020 | Uncategorised
Shakespeare was an actor. So was Dickens. And so are you. Think about it. When you create stories, you play the lead role inside your head, don’t you? In fact, you play all the roles. It’s one of the most satisfying aspects of being a writer, getting all the...
by Barbara Kyle | Mar 15, 2020 | Uncategorised
(Image: bestselling author John le Carré) Why Genre Matters I sometimes hear emerging writers say, “My book doesn’t fall into a genre. It’s a literary novel.” But is it? Often what they mean is that, naturally, they want their story to be thought of as serious....
by Barbara Kyle | Feb 20, 2020 | Uncategorised
Are you writing a mystery novel? Or thinking about it? If so, my checklist below might help you. I’m at work on a mystery myself. My previous books have been historical novels and thrillers, including my latest release, The Man From Spirit Creek, but this is my first...
