When we read a novel, we want to go on a journey with the hero and heroine – not watch them wander through scene after scene, chapter after chapter. How do we develop a strong plot that doesn’t veer off-course by mid-book, leaving our characters lost and our readers frustrated? We need to know the protagonist’s Noble Quest. What: The Noble Quest is the protagonist’s goal – what they want to accomplish. When you see the term “Noble Quest,” think What? Think quest, as in quest for the Holy Grail. (Now doesn’t that example make you want to go watch Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?) Why: Discovering your protagonist’s Noble Quest is a key part of your novel. The Noble Quest is more than your hero deciding “I want […]
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The What and Why of Writing: Bookends
If I asked you why you used bookends, what would you say? Envision that long line of books and how those first six books are staying in place … but then the last few stragglers won’t line up. Bookends create order – helping a row of books stand up straight. While we sometimes need a pair of bookends tucked around the outside of a collection of books, have you ever utilized bookends between the book covers your story? What: Bookends are the “mirror elements” of a novel’s 1st and 3rd acts that brings a character back to face the same issue, situation or conflict and reveals the character’s growth Why: The hero and heroine readers meet in chapter one of a novel is not the same (imaginary) person by the […]
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A Writer’s Christmas Wish List
‘Tis the season when the blog-o-sphere is cluttered with writers’ wish lists. Google “gifts for writers” and you’ll discover things like: A book clock A bathrobe – because we all know writers don’t wear real clothes while writing Moleskin notebooks (I love these things—not that I need another notebook.) Jewelry for writers The MBT Novelist Starter Pack (Didn’t think I’d forget that, did you?) It’s all well and good to drop “all I want for Christmas” hints during this time of the year. How else will people know that you long for a ceramic tray that looks like a notepad? And I have a few hints about gifts to give yourself this season that will help you be a better writer in 2013. Give yourself the gift of less. December […]
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TEE’s What and Why: Story Question
I’m trying something new for the next few posts: I’ll define a My Book Therapy term (the What) and then explain the importance of the term (the Why). Simple enough, wouldn’t you say? Let’s begin. What: Story Question (Those of you who participated in the Monday night Bleacher chat that I taught will understand the motivation for this article!) The Story Question asks “what if?” It also asks a question of the heart or mind – the great “what if?” Why: As I said during the Bleacher chat, if you hang around me long enough, and you’re working on a novel, I will ask you what your Story Question is. Why? The Story Question drives your entire novel. Consequently, the Story Question should be woven through every scene, every chapter of […]
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