Nina Munteanu Self-Editing Workshop and "The Fiction Writer" Applauded

Nina Munteanu and the Fiction Writer

My Self-Editing Workshop and my guidebook The Fiction Writer received a very nice review from fellow writer Ace Jordyn at The Fictorians in a post entitled, “Serendipity is a WeirdMistress”.

When I attended Nina Munteanu’s one-hour presentation on revision at the When Words Collide Conference [in Calgary, August 2013] the pieces to the puzzle fell together and now revising is totally fun!

I was elated to discover that I had many of the skills and resources I needed to revise. What I lacked was structure for the task. Revising, I learned, is a ten-step process. The second step, Dig Deep, is the most exciting for it gives permission to restructure and change things to make the story better. For example, I had been toying with changing the gender of a main character but was unsure. Then, Nina said it was okay. Bingo! When I did it, I discovered that I hadn’t made the original character as strong and unique as I thought – there were trite mannerisms and stereotypical reactions I had subconsciously written. Why should a female wail and a male not? Or did I want either of them wailing? Was that the reaction I wanted? Of course not! Out with the stereotypes, in with more concrete characters and writing. It’s given me a whole new perspective as I examine all my characters.

The other helpful thing about the book is that Nina has a good succinct information on things important to telling a good story such as an overview of the hero’s journey, using the metaphor, getting sensual, the Zen of passionate writing and more. Simply and succinctly written, The FictionWriter: Get Published, Write Now is an excellent resource which has helped me get my writing to the next level. Simply written (I don’t have the patience for long dissertations), it makes its points quickly on essential things such as the hero’s journey, using the metaphor, getting sensual, the Zen of passionate writing and more.

Thanks, Ace, for a wonderful testimonial! Hope to see you again at When Words Collide next year.

I teach a self-editing and revision course online. You can also purchase my short guide to self-editing and revisions for only $2.99 on Amazon.com. The guide consists of several papers I've written for various venues on the subject of self-editing and revisions. You can read one of the articles here. Learn more about the series of 12+ guides for writers called "What Writers Need to Know Series". 

Best Wishes,

Nina

Robert J. Sawyer Recommends "The Fiction Writer"

Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author of over twenty books, says of The Fiction Writer: Get Published, Write Now!: "I'm impressed...Nina shares the hard-won knowledge she's accumulated...I'm thoroughly enjoying the book, and even learning a thing or two!"











Robert J. Sawyer, called the "dean of Canadian science fiction" by the Ottawa

Citizen and "just about the best science-fiction writer out there these days" by the Denver Rocky Mountain News, is one of only eight writers in history (and the only Canadian) to win all three of the science-fiction field's top honors for best novel of the year: the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award.

Maclean's, Canada's weekly news magazine, says, "by any reckoning, Sawyer is among the most successful Canadian authors ever," and Barnes and Noble calls him "the leader of SF's next-generation pack."

Rob holds an honorary doctorate from Laurentian University; he taught writing at the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, Humber College , the National University of Ireland, and the Banff Centre.

Author Praises "The Fiction Writer" as Frank Helpful and Fun

Lynda Williams, author of the Okal Rel Series (Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing) likes Nina Munteanu's "The Fiction Writer" for its short sections and snappy chat:

"High energy writer and teacher of writing Nina Munteanu is an upbeat coach for new and published writers seeking to refresh their art. She relates tales from her own experiences to personalize her frank and helpful advice on getting published. I particularly liked how she focuses on writing good stuff, though. Her light-hearted "alien's perspective" complete with cartoon character combines with her sense of humour and cheerful tone to make the book a positive experience. Short sections. Snappy chat."

Lynda Williams is a science fiction author and blogger. William's fiction is centered around a series of ten novels set in the fictional Okal Rel Universe (ORU). The ORU founded by Williams has been embraced by fans in a big way. Williams has opened the ORU to fan and pro artists and writers, wishing to engage and create in the ORU phenomenon.