The Chopping Blog

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What happens after YES?
February 21, 2023
It’s a writer’s dream: you open that email or get that phone call from a publisher or agent with the big news: they want to publish your novel. It’s actually going to happen.
- On the craft
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- 1 comment
Smoke and Sentiment—Theme and Symbolism in Creative Writing
February 20, 2023
In the end, you have one job: don’t be boring.
- On the craft
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Story Skeleton—The Catcher in the Rye
February 17, 2023
With these tricks of voice, Salinger creates a character who feels like a real person. He captures the nuances of Holden's emotions, making the reader feel his pain, confusion, and alienation.
- Story Skeleton
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- 2 comments
Clash of the Query Letters 2023—1st Place
February 10, 2023
Twelve-year-old Alex Parker is less than thrilled when she is shipped off to stay on her Uncle Sal’s goat farm in the middle of nowhere. Sure, it's on a tropical island, but goats are boring compared to the salamanders and skunks she usually takes care of.
- Contest updates
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- 2 comments
Clash of the Query Letters 2023—2nd Place
February 10, 2023
As she faces hunger, crevasses, and men trained to kill, Daphne discovers not only that what the iceman said is true, but also that the secret kept under wraps in Camp Century all these years has the power to bring down human civilization.
- Contest updates
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Clash of the Query Letters 2023—3rd Place
February 10, 2023
As her search for Dad gets persistently derailed, Laurel is plunged into a world of espionage, murder and betrayal. She learns a deadly virus has been weaponized for Russia. By Dad. And her stepmother Audrey isn’t who she seems to be, either.
- Contest updates
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The Heart of Fiction: Character versus Plot
February 08, 2023
This is life. It’s the human experience. And it’s at the heart of why characters either come to life on the page or flatline.
- On the craft
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Do I need an MFA to be a writer?
February 06, 2023
Is it necessary in order to become a published author? No. But I don’t think anyone who embarks on it will regret their decision.
- On the craft
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Book Broker—an interview with Samantha Fabien
January 30, 2023
"I’m hungry for mysteries, thrillers, suspense, and horror for adults and young adults."
- Agent interviews
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The Synopsis Skirmish is on!
January 30, 2023

Our judge, Michelle Barker, will be asking herself one question: does this synopsis convince me that I'm in the hands of an adept novelist with a unique and engaging story to tell?
- Contest updates
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Building a Novel: Scenes, Chapters, and Pacing
January 26, 2023
If the scene is the fundamental unit of fiction, chapters are more of an organizational tool that relate to both structure and pacing.
- On the craft
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- 1 comment
Book Broker—an interview with Rita Rosenkranz
January 25, 2023
"I look for books that speak to our current needs and preoccupations."
- Agent interviews
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- 1 comment