Where your story takes place is nearly as important as WHO is in your story. Every place in this great world has its unique stories, landmarks, histories, and it will become a part of your story. Also, different places lend themselves to different professions — Firefighters in NYC are different than wildland firefighters in Yellowstone. A country singer from Nashville is bound to be different than a Bluegrass picker from East Tennesse. And there aren’t too many mountain guides in Florida, but I’d hate to see a Canoe guide from Northern MN trying to figure out the everglades. (However — it’s often those paradoxes that make a great story!) So, think about our setting – where would you like to put our hero, and how does it lend itself (or […]
Read the RestTag Archives | fiction editing services
WHO is our Hero?
So, who do you want to write about? Consider carefully your hero — every hero comes with different baggage, (of course, I mean, yes, we want them to be strong and courageous, but really, who, in today’s world, doesn’t have some baggage?) And that baggage, or background will have determined the kind of person he is today, and to some extent, why he’s chosen his profession. We’ll start with who he is, and then use some “therapy” to go back into the past and figure out his broken places, as well as his greatest fears and greatest dreams. So…be thinking of our hero’s past as you choose who he is today… Vote! Every Voice Counts! Online Surveys & Market Research
Read the RestStill trying to pick a genre?
Maybe this will help: I asked the wise and brilliant Chip MacGregor (www.chipmacgregor.com) what genre was the hottest right now… ” The fastest growing category in publishing right now is YA, but that’s only because of TWILIGHT. Aside from that, romance is definitely the strongest category. Next fastest growing? Probably thrillers. What genre sold the most? In terms of numbers of books, it was romance.” and the illustrious and also wise Steve Laube (www.stevelaube.com) said, “If I were to be held down and forced into an answer I would have to say “romance.” That category, while always evergreen, continues to be the staple of the fiction industry.” (Thanks, guys, for your help!) so, there you go… Every voice counts! Online Surveys & Market Research
Read the RestWhat kind of book should we write?
What kind of book do you like to read? I usually start with this question when I’m teaching students how to write. Because, the things you are reading will usually determine the genre that you are most equipped and most interested in writing in. I read a lot of different genres – historical romance, romantic comedy, women’s fiction…but the genre most represented on my shelf is romantic suspense and thrillers. So, that’s what I tend to write. Have I written the others? Yes. But my strengths, the genre I am honing is the one I love the most. Romantic Suspense. Whenever you start a book, you need to begin with the TYPE of book you’re writing…the GENRE. So, go take a look at your bookshelf, and then come […]
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