by David Colin Carr | Sep 24, 2013 | Uncategorized, Writing
September 23, 2013 This week I’ve been doing a read-through of a novel about sexual abuse of boys. The reason the author feels this is a topic not much written about is at the heart of the book: the shame. Especially in a culture that treats homosexuality as aberrant,...
by David Colin Carr | Sep 17, 2013 | Editing, Uncategorized, Writing
I could have titled this “Beautiful Beyond Words.” I’m curious what you would make of that phrase if you saw it in a book. I’m afraid I interpret it as: the writer doesn’t fully understand what s/he wants to say the writer has no imagination the writer has limited...
by David Colin Carr | Sep 3, 2013 | Uncategorized, Writing
I’ve written in the past about clients whose description of difficult events can retraumatize a reader. It’s wonderful to be able to transmit emotional experience – this is one of the intentions I ask my clients to clarify – but I’m not sure any reader would benefit...
by David Colin Carr | Jul 16, 2013 | Uncategorized, Writing
To make every word count, weigh its capacity to either carry the story forward or invoke a setting or atmosphere. Note the word “invoke.” Rather than telling your reader what to feel, trust her to feel what is evoked out of her own experience. It is possible she’ll...
