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Catherine E. McLean * Karma and Mayhem * Writers Cheat Sheets

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Welcome to the home web site of

Catherine E. McLean

Author-Writing Instructor-Workshop Speaker
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Karma and Mayhem
He's a warlock with two souls and karma issues.
She's mayhem personified.
When the two face a cauldron of murder, demons, and witches,
is their love more powerful than death?

Soon to be published by www.soulmatepublishing.com

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"Just Desserts" is a lighthearted flash fiction short story (click the link on the masthead above to read it).
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What's a Writers' Cheat Sheet?  It's a visual aid and reference document that helps a writer understand, execute, check, or recall an aspect, device, or technique of writing fiction.
        Agents, editors, and publishers say that 95% to 98% of the manuscripts they receive these days are unpublishable.  Why is that?  Because writing fiction is not as easy as it seems.  After all, when it comes to writing fiction, there are more than one hundred and forty-four aspects to be considered--and mastered.  Such craft techniques as Point of View, Viewpoint, and Show-Don't-Tell are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a marketable short story or a novel. Most peoples' schooling involved learning the English language, grammar, and punctuation in order to communicate.  That education didn't emphasize fiction or how to be a storyteller.  But what about having a writing talent?  Actually, talent can take a writer only so far.  What enhances talent is craft.  And craft can be learned.  Craft is the difference between self-published, free downloads, or the ninety-nine cent book, and a story that's remembered because that story was a good read.  I strongly believe writers can educate themselves and utilize good fiction writing skills.  Doing so will make a story rise above the 95-98% of what continues to be submitted and self-published.  To that end, my craft workshops educate writers.  I am also an advocate of using "cheat sheets" to accelerate the story-writing and publishing process.
       Please note:  I primarily give workshops but will evaluate manuscripts for devices and elements of story craft as well as copy edit .  Costs vary as does time availability.  Use the form below to inquire.

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Click here to go to "The Sampler"

Join me at Linked-In or Facebook

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Catherine is a Pennwriters' Published Penn Member and
recipient of their 2010 Meritorious Service Award.

    Feel free to contact me about doing an interview, guest blog, or workshop--or ask a question about fiction techniques and devices, or to leave a comment.

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