One of the most challenging things in editing novels is deciding where to put the commas.
Really, that was my problem for a long time.
But seriously, it's backstory -- all that lovingly crafted history and world building and character development writers spend so much time on.
When I first started writing, one of my biggest challenges, besides comma placement (and the overuse of the word "run) was how to hint at my character's and world's past without bogging down the reading experience.
Because that's what it's all about, right?
The reader experience.
Bringing the reader in and keeping them entranced in our stories.
So, here's a little example to whet your whistle from the first book in my science fiction mystery series, Into The Black.
Notice the little tidbits I dropped in to give context and background.
Above all, the reader needs context, so they know where your main character is, what they want, and why it matters.
⭐️
From her elevated vantage point on the stairs, Janey McCallister, lead investigator of L’Étoile’s security team, scanned the crowd of gamblers for the elusive pickpocket—the thief who’d been striking every night for the last few weeks. She didn’t see him, but he was down there somewhere, hunting for his next mark. She had to find him before he stole from another guest and cost the casino more business.
And before she was fired.
She was facing a three-strikes-and-you’re-out scenario.
What the stardust!
She wasn’t a green recruit anymore, but she’d already messed up twice since she arrived on the L’Étoile space station twenty-five days ago—and on her first job as a lead investigator.
Tonight, she’d make an arrest that would stick and get her back in the good graces of the chief.
⭐️
So what did you notice about where Janey is?
Re-read if you need to!
Hit reply and let me know! :)
Yup, like a lesson. Because teaching is my jam. (One of my jams!)
On to the podcast!
❤️
