Are You Writing Text Bricks?

Reality Coaching for Writers

Are you giving readers text bricks? In this episode we’ll discuss how text bricks create:
* Reader Fatigue
* Lack Clarity
* Reveal Poor Content Organization
* Offer Overwhelming Information
* Reduced Engagement

We’ll also give you three tips for how to turn text bricks into memorable moments.

In this episode of Reality Coaching for Writers, we discuss the issue of writing text bricks. Text bricks are long passages of text that lack white space and can be overwhelming for the reader. In writing, we want to prevent “fire hosing” or “text bricking” which happens when too much information is presented at once, making it difficult for the reader to grasp and retain the main points.

As writers, it’s crucial to keep the target reader in mind, ensuring that the information presented is not excessive or extraneous. If your target reader loves long, detailed passages, then text bricks may be fine. If you’re writing for a younger audience (YA and middle grade) then shorter, smaller “bricks” may be preferred.

To address the challenge of creating engaging scenes, especially when a character is isolated, the use of inner dialogue or a playful back-and-forth conversation in the character’s mind can be effective. This technique provides a break from text bricks and keeps the reader engaged.

Humor plays a significant role in both fiction and non-fiction. It serves as a tool to relax the reader and deliver information effectively. Incorporating humor, especially self-deprecating humor, helps readers connect and engage with the material.

When editing and dealing with text bricks, be open to cutting out unnecessary parts — of flipping those passages into dialogue between characters. Editors may suggest removing certain blocks of text, and writers should consider if those portions truly contribute to the story or message. The key is to maintain a balance between providing information and ensuring an engaging reading experience.

Finally, writers should be willing to defend their choices when it comes to keeping certain elements in their writing. It’s crucial to keep the writer’s voice.

Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers.
For more information, check out: https://writerscoach.us

Paula Parker Talks Biblical Fiction

Facts, Fantasy, and Faithfulness

Paula K. Parker is an internationally recognized playwright, author, and freelance writer. Her work has appeared in such national publications as Focus on the Family’s Citizen, Christian Single, Christian Health, Clarity, Release Ink, and HomeLife magazines. Since 2013, she has written curriculum for the WinShape Camp for Girls.

An accomplished playwright, Paula is best known for her sparkling stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility, and Jane Austen’s EMMA.

Paula co-authored two novels, YHWH: The Flood, the Fish & the Giant, and YESHUA: The King, The Demon & The Traitor with New York Times Best-Selling author, GP Taylor. She co-wrote Shameless Self-Promotion with Mike Parker and Torry Martin. Her devotional book, Illuminations showcases the work of international artist Tracy H. Sugg. Her children’s picture book, SLOW LOVE, was illustrated by Breanna King Butterworth.

Her biblical novel, BEAUTY UNVEILED; Sisters of Lazarus, Book One, reached Amazon’s Top Ten Best-seller’s list for Biblical Fiction. The sequel GLORY REVEALED: Sisters of Lazarus; Book Two, reached Amazon’s Top Ten Hot New Releases list for Biblical Fiction. The final book in the series, GRACE EXTENDED; Sisters of Lazarus, Book Three, reached Amazon’s Top Ten Hot New Releases list for Biblical Fiction, and Amazon’s Top One Hundred List for Hot New Releases for Ancient History Fiction.

Her latest biblical novel, THE CARPENTER AND HIS BRIDE; The Birth of Hope, reached the Top Ten on numerous Amazon.com charts, including Hot New Releases in Biblical Fiction, Bestsellers in Biblical Fiction, and New Releases in Historical Fiction. It also won the Bronze Level in Adult Christian Fiction Category for the 2023 Inscriptions Christian Book Awards.

When she is not writing, Paula whiles away the hours with her writer/actor husband Mike, visiting with their five grown children, loving on their eight grandchildren, playing in their gardens, restoring their vintage home, cooking, baking (especially anything chocolatey) and playing the harp.

Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers.
For more information, check out: https://writerscoach.us