June 2002 - Issue 7

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A copy of our recommended character biography form is available by sending a blank e-mail with "send biography form" in the subject line.

One way to check "credibility" is to read your work aloud and play-act the parts of your characters. This will highlight any breaches of "credibility standards" in your book or story.

A common credibility issue, is having the dialogue of two or more characters read the same. Dialogue is more than words that come out of a fictitious character's mouth. How the person speaks forms a big part of their actual "character". Interwoven with introspection, mannerisms, movements, gestures and facial expressions, dialogue is one of the most powerful way to make a character multi- dimensional. Each character must have their own identity, personality and credibility.

Now to "credibility in non-fiction". I guess the key factor here is "non-fiction". Everything you write must be credible. This is why it is important to do your research and ensure that nothing in your article or non-fiction book can be challenged. In other words - get the facts right!!

It doesn't matter what you write (short fiction, book length fiction, non-fiction books or articles) you need to address "the credibility factor" in the content.

Another aspect of "credibility" is your own credibility as a writer or author. You should always present yourself and your work in a way that is credible. In this context, another word for "credibility" is "professionalism".

It is never wise to represent yourself as something you are not - or as someone who is not credible in the context of what you are writing or seeking to have published. The definitive measure of credibility, when you are submitting your work, is "honesty".

Most editors welcome information such as "This is my first submission ..." or "I have had four  non-fiction articles published, but this is my first book-length achievement in my chosen subject." Your "professionalism" will always be intact if you apply "the credibility factor" in all your writing pursuits.

© 2002 Robyn Lidstone
All content and articles in this newsletter are the intellectual property of Robyn Lidstone and Livewire Publishing and must not be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the author.