“Ask Jane” Shorts
One-to-three minute videos on critical writing questions that give you the answers you need quickly and let you get back to writing!
How Do I Know When to Start a New Chapter?
In this video, we're tackling a key question in effective writing: when should you start a new chapter? While it's often clear-cut when changing time or...
Should I Place Backstory in Separate Chapters?
In today's video, we discuss my approach to weaving backstory into your narrative by connecting it to current events through sensory references. This approach...
Should I Describe a Place in My Story Objectively or Through the Eyes of a Character?
In this video, I discuss how describing places through the eyes of your characters adds depth and nuance to your writing, helping you create more engaging and...
How Many Named Characters Should I Have in a Novel?
Striking the right balance between too few and too many characters can be challenging. In this video, I delve into the ideal number of named characters for a...
What Do You Do After Sending Your Manuscript to Your First Reader?
You've just sent your manuscript to your first reader—congratulations! Now what?! In this video, I share my personal strategy for staying productive and...
How Do You Find New Books to Read as a Writer?
In this video, I explain my approach to finding new books to read. From considerations related to my own mystery novels and books on the craft of writing to...
Do All Great Writers Need to Be Great Readers And What Do You Read?
In this video, we look at how reading widely across many genres and writing styles can enrich your own writing. I also share my favorite genres and some...
How Many Pages Should There Be Between TRDs?
In this video, we explore TRDs—the plotting concept from my award-winning books on the craft of writing, Mastering Plot Twists and Mastering Suspense,...
Are There Any Reasons to Avoid Using a Pen Name?
In this video, we consider why you might think twice before publishing your writing using a pen name. It's much more than simply changing a name on the cover....
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