Question: My biggest problem is that I question and criticize every sentence I write, sometimes before I write it! And therefore have a hard time just getting the first draft written. Every author has a different method for getting those words on the page. Some spend hours musing, walking, agonizing over those first words. Others spill it out on the page regardless how messy it is, and then spend month writing and re-writing. I know how it feels to not get a scene right. I wrote one entire book (In Sheep’s Clothing) seven times! And for an upcoming book (Finding Stefanie), I wrote six different first chapters before I found the one I liked (ironically, my first draft!) I am a “spitter” as a writer – I like to sit […]
Read the RestArchive | November, 2007
Picks: Belva Plain
I’m a little late in posting this week’s Pick! Sorry. Friday was hectic. Thinking of great authors I’ve loved, Belva Plain comes to mind. She tells great family sagas, rich in characters and history. While her writing is straight forward and simple, with an occassional point of view hop, she has an amazing way of weaving a complex story and drawing in the reader. She employs unusual themes and settings. And some where along the line, there’s a surprise twist or two. An author friend asked several other authors, “What books do you read for pleasure? I can’t seem to find any I can stick with.” I recommended Belva Plain. My friend loved her stories. For the first time in a long time, she spent a Sunday lost in reading. […]
Read the RestPrescriptions: Breaking through writer’s block week 2
Last week I talked how to blitz your way out of writer’s block. Most writer’s blocks, and problems with story have to do with motivation, lack of greatest fears and greatest dreams of the main character. Breaking free from a writer’s block involves going back to those elements, and asking: What could rock my hero/heroine’s world right now? I showed you how, when I was writing Tying the Knot, I used this question with my heroine — a woman traumatized by her past, who learns to trust again. Now, let’s turn to the hero, and see what he can do to break us free. My hero is a Native American who’s always been judged by his outward appearance, but inside he’s a total hero. When he meets Anne, he feels […]
Read the RestSelf-Therapy: Being a storyteller
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about being a storyteller. Think of the books you’ve loved over the years. It’s because you were gripped by the story. Readers forgive and overlook plot inconsistancies, weak dialog or average writing if the author pulls them into a good old fashioned story. So, what does it take to tell a good story? Here are some elements I think we need. Vivid characters. They have personality, spunk, motivation, drive, purpose. Think of the Uncle Remus stories. I haven’t read one in decades, but I can still hear Br’er Rabbit saying, “Don’t throw me in that der briar patch.” Act out your characters if you can’t hear their voice. I am always dialoging with my “people,” acting out different roles and scenes. Create a journey. […]
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