Or how to deliver a knock-out in the first paragraph: Today, I want to talk to you about the BIG BANG – or the one-two first paragraph punch of your synopsis. Just like the first line of your book, you want the first paragraph of your synopsis to really grab your editor. You want to zero on the most important part of your book, the theme, or the plot and hook them good. Because, although you are going to try and make your synopsis as entertaining as possible, it is still a summary and you want to make sure you have them before things slow down. What am I talking about? Well, when you move to the Query-letter stage, we’ll be working on 100 word blurbs. These are the story in nutshell, focusing on the highest […]
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Writing (High Action) Scenes
So, the last few weeks we’ve been talking about Character change – bringing him through the various steps, until he’s finally on his knees, (black moment) realizes what he needs to sacrifice to change, (epiphany) accepts the truth, and then emerges a new man to test his resolve and fight his final battle. Awesome. Lot’s of great theory and structure there. Now, let’s get specific with scene building for a bit here. We’ve already covered Scenes and Sequels (go to the articles section to read more) as well as action objectives. We’ve also talked about sizzling dialogue, paring your backstory to a minimum, and using strong sensory words to create mood. So let’s talk about how you put those elements together. It’s about beat, and drawing the reader […]
Read the RestCome with Me over the mountains
We worship God in song and prayer, reading the Word. Perhaps with our money and time. Most of us like to think we are humble and submitted to God in most areas of our life, but… Are we partnering with Him? One common phrase I heard from Believers in this election season was, “Well, God’s in control. He’s going to do what He wants.” Not to discourage my Reform and Calvinistic friends because there is a truth and reality to God’s sovereignty, but we are His Elect. A royal priesthood, a chosen nation. As we humble ourselves, He hears. In Song of Solomon, Jesus the Bridegroom beckons us to partner with Him. “Come with me my fair one. Over the mountains and through the valleys.” We are called to interceded […]
Read the RestTraining for Battle – More Character Change
Ack, we left our character on his second attempt to change, and with a mini victory….and then Rachel and both had to finish our books. *grin* Yesterday we both turned them in, yay!, so this week we’re going to finish the journey on character change! We’re been through acts 1 & 2 – showing him the need for change, and the cost and rewards, stirring up a desire inside him, and giving him a taste of victory. Now, as the Act 2 fades out, we’re going to move him into….training for Battle. (or tackling the change inside). This is the fun part of the book (which is why I’m moving it back to Act 2- the section where all the fun and games happen). You’re going to put your character […]
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