Sally tossed her notebook on the table. “You’re tan. How fair is that? I’m still pasty white.” I gave her a smile. “I’m still white as a walleye compared to the Hawaiians, not to mention the native Hawaiians.. How is your storyworld writing going?” “It feels like a travel brochure. I don’t know how to make it interesting.” “It’s all about perspective, which is what I wanted to talk to you today. Every book, regardless of what kind – Suspense/Romance, Fantasy, Thriller, Historical romance – every book starts out someplace. In a world. At a moment. And, in today’s literature, with a person. Whether it’s a firecracker start to a book, or something that begins with a wide-angle view, drawing into the scene, it is viewed through the eyes of […]
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Conversations: Building Storyworld Basics
Dear Sally, I’m thinking of you sitting in our coffee shop, the hush of the waves of Lake Superior combing the shore, the sky so blue you could dive in, the smell of evergreen fresh in the air from last night’s rain. But I’m writing to you from the beaches of Hawaii, my toes dug into the creamy sand, the salt of the ocean drying into crystals on my skin. As you’re diving into your novel and writing scenes, I thought it might help if we touched upon Storyworld this week. Storyworld is so key, from the first scene to every scene beyond to anchor your character – and especially your reader – into the story. Think of Storyworld as more than just the setting, but as the world you […]
Read the RestQuick Skills: Scene Creation Checklist
I thought it might be helpful if I posted the Scene Creation Steps you could use when crafting a chapter. If you’ve been following the blog for the past month, we’ve addressed each of these sections/elements in the blogs. Part One Keeping Scene Momentum: Character Journal Ask the following questions: 1. What did you think about what just happened? 2. What are your choices? 3. What will you do next, and why? 4. What is the worst thing that could happen to you right now? 5. And, if it’s a romance –how do you feel about this person? What do you fear happening emotionally? Part Two Create Scene Tension Scene Tension Equation: Sympathetic Character + Stakes + Goals + Obstacles + Fear of Failure. Step 1: Determine your Action Objectives […]
Read the RestConversations: Keeping your Reader Hooked through every chapter.
Sally came into the coffee house dressed in a pair of jeans, an old sweatshirt and a baseball cap. “Don’t laugh. I told my husband I’d go fishing with him today. He has the day off and just got a new boat.” I handed over her cup of coffee. Apparently Ann has figured out our weekly meetings and the sustenance required. “This is good. You can spend the day in the boat, thinking about your next chapter. It’ll give you a chance to think like your reader.” “See your reader will eventually go fishing as well – at least metaphorically, which means they can’t read your book through in one sitting. And, just like you as the author need to keep the momentum going between chapters as you write, you […]
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