My last three stories that have gone before critique have shared one similar shortcoming: crappy use of narrative summary. I've read a lot about writing and I'm sure I have read about narrative summary along the way, but the way my mind works, I had forgotten what it was and how or if it should be used.

I looked around the Internet and came across this wonderful article "How Interesting is your Narrative Summary?" that explains how to use narrative summary effectively in your writing. So, instead of reinventing the wheel, I invite you to read the teaser that follows and click the 'read more' link after it.

So the verdict, as far as I can tell is this: narrative summary, like any other element of fiction that some would throw out without exception -- there is a current Stephen King-driven war on adverbs -- is a powerful tool. And like any tool, it must be used correctly. You can tighten the nut or you can bludgeon the homeowners.