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Quote by James Scott Bell

“In fact, one could argue that the skill of the fiction writer boils down to the ability to exploit intensity.”

Author

James Scott Bell is a renowned author and writing instructor. His works span across genres such as suspense, crime, and legal thrillers, enjoying great popularity among readers. more

“Many writers struggle with exposition in their novels. Often they heap it on in large chunks of straight narrative. Back story – what happens before the novel opens – is especially troublesome. How can we give the essentials and avoid a mere information drop? Use dialogue. First, create a tension-filled scene, usually between two characters. Get them arguing, confronting each other. Then you can have the information appear in the natural course of things.”

“A writing teacher once told me that the most successful movies and books were simple plots about complex characters. You should be able to articulate your concept in a couple of lines.”

Should Writing Book Character Able Lines Simple Successful Teacher Couple Concepts Complexes Plot Complex Characters

Author:James Scott Bell

“Characters who are absolutely sure about what they do, who plunge ahead without fear, are not that interesting. We don’t go through life that way. In reality, we have doubts just like everyone else. Bringing your Lead’s doubts to the surface in your plot pulls the reader deeper into the story, and this is an excellent way to coax the reader to lose himself in the story world you’re about to create.”

World Way Writing Character Stories Reality Loses Interesting Doubt Reader Deeper Surface Excellent Plot Plunge

Author:James Scott Bell

“The most important rule: Do not, I repeat, do not censor yourself in any way. Leave your editorial mind out of the loop. Just let the ideas come pouring out in any way, shape, or form they want to. Do not judge anything.”

Way Want Mind Important Ideas Form Judging Shapes Repeats Pouring Loops Editorials Do Not Judge

Book:Write Great Fiction - Plot & Structure

Source: Write Great Fiction - Plot & Structure

“Structure is translation software for your imagination.”

Imagination Structure Software Translations

Book:Just Write: Creating Unforgettable Fiction and a Rewarding Writing Life

Source: Just Write: Creating Unforgettable Fiction and a Rewarding Writing Life

“Every hour you spend writing is an hour you don't spend worrying about your writing.”

Writing Hours Worry

Author:James Scott Bell

“There's a perilous word fiction writers need to watch out for. The word is 'had.'”

Needs Fiction Watches Fiction Writers

Author:James Scott Bell

“Think of it as the Doorway of No Return. The feeling must be that your lead character, once she passes through, cannot go home again until the major problem of the plot is solved.”

Thinking Character Feelings Problem Home Return Majors Plot Doorways Major Problems Lead Characters

Author:James Scott Bell

Quote by James Scott Bell

Author

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