by Barbara Kyle | Aug 8, 2023 | Uncategorised
Mystery. Thriller. Romance. Science Fiction. Horror. The publishing industry uses these labels for what are called “genre” novels. Literary critics often dismiss genre novels as lightweight, even trivial. But are they? After all, it can be argued that even classic...
by Barbara Kyle | Aug 8, 2023 | Uncategorised
I was delighted by the many replies I received to my article a while ago on Why Writing is Good for the Soul. There was enthusiastic agreement about the joy of tapping into that transcendent “zone” where the currents of creation flow. However, although we...
by Barbara Kyle | Mar 14, 2023 | Uncategorised
When I mentor writers, the same questions come up quite regularly. So let me share with you five questions I’m asked most often, and my answers. 1. What’s the difference between a story’s “hook” and its “inciting incident”? A story’s “hook” is simply its opening...
by Barbara Kyle | Mar 10, 2023 | Uncategorised
(Painting: Katharine Pyle) A writer sent me this intriguing question: “Barbara, I’m told my writing is too fast paced. How do I slow it? – Robert L.” It’s an ironic predicament because so often a novel is praised for its fast pace. A thriller, for example, or a...
by Barbara Kyle | Feb 19, 2023 | Uncategorised
My dear friend Laurie recently fell and broke a bone in her right hand. That’s a nasty experience for anyone, but especially Laurie because she’s an artist – a right-handed one! She can’t paint for at least six weeks. I called her to sympathize and offer to help in...
by Barbara Kyle | Jan 8, 2023 | Uncategorised
It was a delight to see my daughter’s pleasure at my Christmas gift to her of watercolor paints. Sara runs a busy business and says she finds joy in painting because it engages her in a way completely distinct from work. Art engages her soul. I find the same pleasure...
