Self-editing Archives - Jeni Chappelle Editorial

A woman balances a unicycle on a high wire while holding an umbrella. The text reads "How to Create a Compelling and Balanced Backstory"

How to Write Compelling and Balanced Backstory

It’s not an overstatement to say that backstory can make or break your book. Too much, and your readers may be bored to tears—too little, and they won’t know what’s…

How to Escape the Show, Don’t Tell Trap

You read it again and again, repeating in your mind: I thought I was showing. This looks like showing to me! So, how do you get out of the show, don't tell trap? Read on.

Soggy Middle Troubleshooting

Last weekend at the Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival, I spoke with several writers who have gotten stuck in the middle of their book--what I call the 'soggy middle.'

The Plot – Character Connection

In the best stories, plot and character are so intricately linked that you couldn't pull one out without the whole thing unraveling. If you can, it's going to lead to "can't connect" or "didn't love it." This is called the plot - character connection.

What to Look for in Your First Chapter

While I tend to read more than the first pages based on the premise, because starting in the wrong place is really common, those first pages can make or break an entry when it’s on submission to an agent or publishing editor—or a reader if you’re self-publishing.