This may seem like a odd topic, but I’ve gotten a lot of questions lately about how some of you are following so many blogs you don’t have time to write. Of course I’m also hearing from some who haven’t committed to following any blogs because of a fear that there won’t be any time to write. Either extreme will blog…er…bog down your career. All kidding aside, as a writer it’s vitally important to continue your education. And blogs can be an extremely efficient way to do this. I can hear the chorus of complaints now. There are millions of blogs out there—how do I find one that’s worthwhile? How do I narrow down my choices—do I have to read hundreds to find one that fits what I need? Where […]
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Conversations: How to build emotion into your Storyworld
A glorious blue sky beckoned me onto the porch of the coffee shop where a light summer breeze rustled the impatiens in the containers, the tangy scent of deep friend donuts scenting the air. I took a sip of coffee, waiting for Sally, watching the lazy caress of the waves upon the rocky shoreline, listened to gulls cheering on the tourists. Today, I would talk to Sally about using storyworld to build emotions. A great story is about connecting with the reader at an emotional level. We want them to feel what the character feels and thus engage in their experience on the page. Storyworld helps build the emotional engagement. How? With the right use of nouns and verbs, and the way they are woven together, the reader receives an […]
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Conversations: Putting Point of View into your Storyworld
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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Time on the couch with Your therapist
Over the past few weeks, some interesting questions have come my way from readers, up and coming writers, and published authors. I thought I’d take today’s blog to answer their questions publicly so we can all learn. Here we go: Q: As an unpublished author, am I shooting too high when I query well-established, wise agents? Should I instead look to get in on the ground floor with a newer agent? A: This is a great question. There is no reason for an unpublished author not to shoot for his or her dream agent. Or publishing house. Start at “the top” and see where you land. I had a saying when I started out, “Aim small, hit small. Aim big, hit big.” I figured if I shot for the stars […]
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