Write His Answer

Donna Brennan’s Interview
with CCWC Faculty Member Tim Shoemaker
Part 2

Question: What’s “head-hopping” and why shouldn’t we do it? And what is a “super-ocular POV finder?”

“Head-hopping” is one of those pesky Point-of-View problems that happen so easily to beginning and intermediate fiction writers. When an editor sees these problems in your manuscript, they see it as a mark of an amateur. The good news is that these Point-of-View issues can be easily fixed-once a person truly understands it.

“Head-hopping” happens when writers jump from one point of view to another. First they’re in one person’s head, allowing the reader to know anything they’re thinking. Then, in the same scene they slip into somebody else’s head-allowing the reader access to their inner thoughts as well.

“Head-hopping” can be really confusing to the reader. It makes them stop and wonder whose head they’re in now. We never want our readers to stop or to be confused. If they put down the story, they may never pick it up again.

Ah, yes. The “super-ocular POV finder” is a little tool each of the attendees will get. It isn’t for sale anywhere. At any price. Okay, it’s a little gimmicky, but this gadget will help people avoid “head-hopping” and other POV problems. Some might say it was worth the price of the conference alone. I would say that would be an extreme exaggeration, but the truth is-it will definitely make a difference with your fiction writing.

We’ll spend a good amount of time on Point-of-View so those attending totally understand it. Totally. And with the help of the handy little “super-ocular POV finder” tool, their writing will muscle-up like an athlete pumping iron and popping steroids-but with no bad side effects.

Question: Do you have any special words of encouragement or advice for folks who have never attended a writer’s conference before?

Plenty. First, if you feel nervous or intimidated, understand that is totally natural. But don’t let that stop you from attending. I learned more about writing at writing conferences than I ever did any other way. Conferences help you learn more-faster.

Second. You’ll meet people. Other writers you can network with-read each other’s work, etc. That’s a good thing-and will help you strengthen your writing.

Third. Sign up for a critique. I think it costs $30 or $35 for a critique. That means an experienced author or editor will review the sample writing you send in and sit down with you for a half hour at the conference to help you. They’ll show you what you’re doing right-and areas you may need to strengthen your writing. This is gold.

Fourth. You’ll meet editors and experienced authors. You’ll have a chance to sit down with them over a meal, or to schedule 15-minute appointments to talk with them. This is building for your future. Every book, every short story, and every article I’ve ever published I can trace back to a meeting at a writing conference. Amazing, right? That’s the potential power of going to a writer’s conference.

Fifth. You’ll hear speakers that will instruct and encourage you. You’ll learn they’re probably a lot like you-and you’ll begin to see how you can impact your world with your writing.

So do it. Attend. Grab the classes. Submit a critique. Meet people. Get inspired. And when you see me in the hall-be sure to say hi!

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Thanks again, Donna and Tim. Great questions and advice. Click here for more information on CCWC’s continuing sessions. It’s not too late to register!