>Mistake Number 3

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This one is debatable. I believe readers find a display of expertise to be convincing, adding to the author’s credibility. But there has to be a reason for it. The best example Bickham cites is a paragraph filled with over-elevated language. That’s not going make any reader happy. So, as a general rule, let’s agree:

3. Don’t Show Off When You Write.

About the author

I am the author of three novels--THE LAST BIRD OF PARADISE, OLIVER'S TRAVELS, and THE SHAMAN OF TURTLE VALLEY--and three story collections--IN AN UNCHARTED COUNTRY, HOUSE OF THE ANCIENTS AND OTHER STORIES, and WHAT THE ZHANG BOYS KNOW, winner of the Library of Virginia Literary Award for Fiction. I am also the co-founder and former editor of Prime Number Magazine and the editor of the award-winning anthology series EVERYWHERE STORIES: SHORT FICTION FROM A SMALL PLANET.

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