“ If you can master the opening, you will be leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. Darynda Jones
“ While the goal of a book is to create a positive emotional experience for the reader, the goal of the opening is to set the stage, to pull the reader in. Darynda Jones
“ The key to high concept is that fresh twist. Make it a big one. Wow your reader. Force her to gasp when she comes to that part in your story. Darynda Jones
“ Screw the beaten path! Do your thing. Write the best story you can. the rest will fall into place. Darynda Jones
“ There is a light at the end of the tunnel. A finished manuscript is AWESOME! So go, go, go! *waves pompoms* Darynda Jones
“ Don't let writers block push you around. Figure out what the problem is,whether it's with the ms or it's in your personal life, and face it head on. Don't stop writing. Just try really hard to work th… Darynda Jones
“ Who knew Demon Child would have such a normal name? I expected something exotic like Serena or Destiny or the Evil One That Comes in the Night to Make Us Chilly. Darynda Jones
“ I think the first draft is so challenging because that elusive BALANCE is so challenging. Darynda Jones
“ There is a difference between fresh and weird. You never want to throw your reader out of the story. Keep it fresh but natural. Darynda Jones
“ I learn from everything I do, right and wrong. I think it helps me grow as a writer and a person. Darynda Jones
“ Any time a beloved character is killed off, it affects the audience in a very powerful way, especially in a series. Darynda Jones
“ I made a decision long ago not to make any apologies. Romance rocks, and even though my books don't actually fall into the romance genre, I tout them as very much being about the romance. It's fun. We… Darynda Jones
“ I've been rejected a hundred times. It just takes that one person who totally believes in you! Darynda Jones
“ WHILE writing, just try to have fun with your ms. Enjoy the process, but push on. Always push toward the finish line! Darynda Jones
“ Read. Write. Read some more. Explore the universe through your writing. Practice and learn what moves you and what doesn't. Darynda Jones
“ Fresh writing and an original twist on an old idea. As much as this term is hated in the industry, it doesn't make it any less true. High concept. Simply put, you take a universal concept, something t… Darynda Jones
“ ALWAYS hook a reader. If a detail is unnecessary, it doesn't belong in your work, long or short! Make everything intriguing. If you have to describe a desk, make it awesome. Darynda Jones
