SPF-081:How Stories Work – with Jenny Parrott
One of Mark and James’ editors, Jenny Parrott, talks to James about the role of the professional editor in an author’s life. Jenny is clearly as devoted to good storytelling as any author, and she explains some strategies authors can use themselves to improve their stories, and why editing matters so much.
This week’s key highlights:
- Figuring out what to tell the reader, and what to hold back
- Why emotional engagement with characters matters
- The importance of changing pace in a novel
- Choosing first person or third person point of view for your story
- Ideal novel structure and length
- The important reason good writers try to improve their craft with each book
- How good editors can provide a safe place to discuss options for a book
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
BOOK: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
BOOK: Under The Skin by Michel Faber
BOOK: What Was Lost by Catherine O’Flynn
FILM: The Right Stuff
FREE EBOOK: How To Work With An Editor
FREE EBOOK: Writing a Page Turner
PATREON: The SPF Podcast Patreon page