I’ve heard editors and agents comment on book proposals. “Wow me.” Or, “I’m looking for something dynamic. Fantastic.” As a hungry writer, such words can be paralyzing. Editors and agents are asking for filet mignon when I’m approaching with my supersized McDonalds meal – hot from the grill and fry vat. I think, hope, pray, believe it’ll be a satisfying meal. But, no, turns out the requirement is filet. High concept. I’ve heard that too. Have you? “We’re looking for high concept ideas.” I’m not even sure what that means from house to house, agent to agent. Definitions and tastes vary from agent to agent, editor to editor. One agent loves literary. To him, a high concept, wow-me-fantastic story will have a literary tone. Another agent loves the high concept […]
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About Rachel Hauck
Author Archive | Rachel Hauck
Your Now Story
“What’s the story of your heart?” Haven’t we all heard that question? Or overheard another author say, “I’m writing the story of my heart.” I believe in those lingering stories. The one waiting to be written. The idea not yet honed or ripened. Perhaps a story ahead of it’s time. But I don’t really have a “story of my heart.” I have a cool idea tucked away. An end-times epic not in line with the theology of the Left Behind books so I’m not sure mainstream publishing would be interested. But, I’m not aching to write it. At least not now. Because the story of my heart is the one I’m writing. And the story of your heart should be the one you are writing. If it’s not, ditch it. […]
Read the RestThe Essence of Hero and Heroine
Early on we learn conflict makes a great story. Conflict elicits emotion. Tension is necessary to keep the story flowing and the readers turning pages. In romance, it’s easy to put the hero and heroine in conflict with each other. They are the main players, the key figures on the stage and well, why not have them at opposite goals, fighting, arguing, hating one another. Donald Maass says, “He’s hot, she’s hot, but they can’t stand each other.” Well, true, that does make for a good story. But in our ameturish hands, a fighting hero and heroine can come across snarky, mean, petty and well, too stupid to live. What we need to demonstrate is WHY the hero and heroine belong together. What is it about her that he loves? […]
Read the RestAs promised, the “The Proposal” moment!
Last time I blogged I talked about finding my “anchors” for the story that allowed me to go deeper with the characters and the plot. As I worked through the middle part of the book, I came out of my office and said to my husband, “I need a “The Proposal” moment!” “Like??” he said. “You know when Margaret (Sandra Bullock) is trying to convince Drew (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her and they are standing out on the sidewalk?” “Yes…” “And she tells him, if you don’t marry me, I’ll be deported. They’ll give Bob my job and he’ll fire you. Which means you’re out on the streets starting all over again.” “Okay…” “I need that kind of detail. Why does Joy allow Spear to come and work with her […]
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