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A Preview of What’s Happening At MBT in 2013!

By on January 8, 2013 in 1. Discover your story, 4. Writer’s Life, Inspiration and Life Coaching, 5. MBT Interviews and Events, 7. Search by Author:, Encourage Me!, Susan May Warren, Team Member Preview, Writing Life Coaching

We have lots planned for MBT this year!  If you’re wondering why you might want to stick around, bookmark the blog, get the flashblog or join our free or paid premium membership…well, here are a few reasons! 1. Focus on SCENES!  We’re going to focus on building great SCENEs this year – both in our Advanced Member lessons and our Peptalks!   We’re going to be doing live critiques on the Peptalks – (anonymous!) as well as pulling apart powerful scenes to show you how they work.  In the Advanced Member lessons, we’ll take apart the elements and show you how to build them into your own novels. 2. The Business of Writing!  We know that becoming an author is much much more than just writing a great book. Today’s author must […]

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Saying Goodbye to Sally, and what she learned on the journey!

By on January 7, 2013 in 1. Discover your story, 3. Publish your Story, 4. Writer’s Life, Inspiration and Life Coaching, 6. Search by Series:, 7. Search by Author:, Encourage Me!, Susan May Warren, Truth or Dare: Conversations with an aspiring novelist, Writing Life Coaching

“I like your jacket,” I said as Sally sat down at the table. She unwound a knitted scarf, rich with reds and greens. “Christmas gifts, as well as these.”  Sally held out fingerless gloves. “For typing on cold days.” “Perfect.  How is the editing going?” “I’m finished, or at least, for now. I sent it to a group of friends to read, and I’m looking at a conference to attend so I can pitch my story.” “I’m proud of you, Sally.  You’ve learned so much this year –“ “I know. I have this strange euphoria. Story ideas follow me into the night and I can’t wait to get started on my next story.” “It’s because you realized…you can write a book. All the way to the end. Nothing feels better […]

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Conversations: Editing and Wordsmithing your novel!

By on December 17, 2012 in 3. Publish your Story, 6. Search by Series:, 7. Search by Author:, Editing Basics, Susan May Warren, Truth or Dare: Conversations with an aspiring novelist

Sally sat down at the table, handing me a Christmas tin.  “Merry Christmas.” I opened it.  Inside lay petite, decorated Gingerbread men and women, their faces, aprons and overalls intricately decorated. “Wow.” “It’s my one Christmas claim to fame.  I sell them at the annual craft show.” They looked too good to eat.  “You put me to shame. My talents end with chocolate chip cookies. Although, my children love them.”  I put the lid on the tin.  “You know, your cookie prowess is not unlike finding your voice, or wordsmithing your story. Which is the final step in editing your manuscript before you move to proofing.” “I am nearly finished all my scene by scene edits.” “Then you’re ready to make your story sing. It’s in the wordsmithing phase where […]

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Conversations: Understanding Turning Points

By on November 12, 2012 in 2. Create Your Story, 4. Writer’s Life, Inspiration and Life Coaching, 6. Search by Series:, b. Building a Scene, Creating Story Layers and Subplots, How do I start my Scene?, SOTP or Plotter?, Susan May Warren, Truth or Dare: Conversations with an aspiring novelist

“I’m so sorry,” Sally said, sitting down and unwrapping her scarf from her neck. Outside, ice glazed the puddles, the sky a slate gray. The first hint of snow hung in the air, the world of northern Minnesota in crisp expectation. It was a perfect day to teach Sally about how to understand Turning Points in a novel. I love the change of seasons.  I blew on my candy cane mint mocha.  “Why?” “Our high school football season is over,” she said. “I know how you love to go to the games.” I do.  I live for the Friday night lights.  “It was a tough game.  A number of game-changing turning points that could have turned the game our way.  Our boys fought a tough fight.” “I heard that on […]

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