I’m trying something new for the next few posts: I’ll define a My Book Therapy term (the What) and then explain the importance of the term (the Why). Simple enough, wouldn’t you say? Let’s begin. What: Story Question (Those of you who participated in the Monday night Bleacher chat that I taught will understand the motivation for this article!) The Story Question asks “what if?” It also asks a question of the heart or mind – the great “what if?” Why: As I said during the Bleacher chat, if you hang around me long enough, and you’re working on a novel, I will ask you what your Story Question is. Why? The Story Question drives your entire novel. Consequently, the Story Question should be woven through every scene, every chapter of […]
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TEE’s What and Why: The Ds
Ah, the fun of writing a novel. You, the writer, get to wreak havoc on your characters – all the while ignoring any and all havoc in your life. (At least for a little while. You must return to reality at some point.) Wreaking havoc – that’s just another term for “the Ds”: the events that distance your hero or heroine from their goals. Let me be more specific: What: The Ds Think Distancing, Denial, Disappointments and Devastation. Yes, there are Dreams and Delights too – even a dream-come-true, like your heroine getting offered that job she’s always wanted – can wreak havoc in her life. Ds distance a character from what they want, deny them something – a relationship, maybe – and create a Y in the road, forcing […]
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TEE’s What and Why: Writers Conference
I’ve used the words “What” and “Why” to unpack different terms from the MBT glossary like “Story Question” and “Dark Moment” and “Black Moment.” Today I’m using “What” and “Why” to tackle the term “writers conference.” As a writer, you’ve either attended a conference or you want to so badly you’re saving up by digging loose change from between your couch cushions – as well as your closest friends’ couches. What are friends for, if not to donate spare change to a good cause? So what is a writers conference? What: A conference involves tossing a bunch of clothes into a suitcase the night before a way-too-early morning flight to attend workshops where we learn about craft, while deep-breathing through 15-minute editor and agent appointments, and finally meeting people we’ve […]
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TEE’s What and Why: Boy Scout Moment
Say the words “Boy Scout” and most people will think “Be prepared.” (That’s the Boy Scout Motto.) Or they might think of words like trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous … (These are parts of the 12 Points of the Scout Law. I know this because my husband, who is an Eagle Scout, recited all 12 Points to me in rapid-fire succession. Once a Scout, always a Scout.) And yes, this Scout trivia is applicable to writing a novel. What: Boy Scout Moment This is a sweet moment in the beginning of the book where we glimpse the hero or heroine doing something kind – petting a dog, saving a cat, helping an old woman across the street (Boy Scout, remember?) –that functions to create likeability of your character. Why: I […]
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