Alena here, working on my Next Step in my writing journey. I’m still trying to maximize my writing time. For most moms, the kids are back at school but along with that come all kinds of sports and extra-curricular activities. So most of the writing time I get these days are either weekends or late at night, with time throughout the day. I’m still doing the usual; working on my manuscript at lunchtime, break time, between picking up and waiting for kids. A quiet house and uninterrupted writing time is such a rare thing for me. I recently re-discovered my iPod the other day. Now, while it is an automatic tool I take along with me when I’m jogging, it’s not on my list of tools when I think of […]
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Conversations: Build the foundation of a great scene
Sally was waiting for me as I walked into the coffee shop. The fallen leaves chased me inside and Kathy handed me a spicy pumpkin latte, with whip and a layer of caramel. I sat down at the table and couldn’t help note the frown on Sally’s face. “What?” “It’s just boring.” Her hand rested on a stack of printed manuscript papers. “I mean, the story is good…in my head. But it seems to lack…well, let’s put it this way; my husband fell asleep somewhere between page 87 and 103.” “Oh my,” I said, sipping the latte. Just the right balance of whipped crème sweetness and pumpkin pie spice. “So, what do you think is the problem?” “He says I have a great story, with great storyworld and fun dialogue and even […]
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Featured Fiction Friday Presents: Margaret Daley!
Well, the Frasier Winners have been announced. The hard work of the judges has decided the winners, and today we will take a look at the novel of another of our esteemed judges… Margaret Daley and her book Shattered Silence. Q: Margaret can you tell us a little bit about your story? A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders. While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn’t what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana’s faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence? […]
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At MBT we’re all about trying to give you the best tools to create powerful stories. That’s why I asked our MBT Brainstorming Coach Michelle Lim to write a book about brainstorming techniques that help a writer create conflict in their stories. I’ve discovered that many authors just get stuck while brainstorming, and their stories lack spark or twists. Michelle’s book is a powerful tool to help an author think outside the box and create powerful twists and turns in their story. I’ve asked her here to today to chat with us about her new book: Idea Sparking: Brainstorming Conflict into your Novel. What prompted the idea for this book? Since I was a teenager I loved plot. If the story kept me turning pages by flashlight after bedtime, […]
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