I’ve been doing a lot of traveling lately, teaching at various events–five events in five days. In my travels, I’ve met a variety of characters…definitely a gold mine for the writer in me. I took notes of peoples’ quirks, snippets of dialogue and basic observations for future characters. And I’ve had the opportunity to engage with other writers who have shown the core of their own character. So this issue of the Voices e-zine has been quite timely.
Lisa and the Voices e-zine staff have done a wonderful job of producing a variety of articles relating to characters and the speculative fiction genre.
Our resident Book Therapist Rachel Hauck shows her heart once again as she talks about choosing a character for your story. New staff writer Amanda Stevens offers a wonderful interview with author/editor/publisher Jeff Gerke. Jeff presents insight into creating characters for plot-driven novels. And, of course, our e-zine wouldn’t be complete without A Word of Encouragement from our personal life coach, Dr. Reba J. Hoffman. Beth Vogt, our Skills Coach, shows us how one letter can make the difference in critique groups.
And I just love reading debut author stories, so be sure to read about debut novelist Jennifer Fromke and her novel, A Familiar Shore. Delaina Netherland offers up a dose of laughter with her Shameless Stalking article. We’re delighted to have her as a guest writer. If you missed this year’s MBT Deep Thinkers Retreat, be sure to check out Melissa Isaksen’s review.
New this issue, veteran staff writer Patricia Woodside pulls in Diversity in Writing with her column about “Multicultural Characters in Speculative Fiction”. Marketing Coach and funny girl Melissa Tagg shares the lighter side of speculative fiction with her “You might write speculative fiction if…” article. Dr. Carrie Fancett Pagels gives us insight into Making Your Characters Behave with her suggestions on interviewing characters…always ask why to reach your characters’ core motivations and beliefs.
For those of you who write in a male POV, be sure to check out Matthew Sheehy’s A Manly Mindset and writing conflict for married couples. We all need to be appreciated, don’t we? Social Media Coach Edie Melson’s column makes us ask ourselves what kind of character we are when it comes to social networking. You don’t want to miss that one! Voices e-zine editor Lisa Jordan offers suggestions when naming your characters. Names can build your character’s identity.
MBT Hostess Alena Tauriainen offers another scrumptious recipe for us to try along with tips to help us stay in shape while writing. Are you wondering what creative writing software is the best? Be sure to read Jennie Atkins’ column, The Write Technology, for more information in helping you decide. And finally, if you’re looking for a great read, be sure to check out Preslaysa Williams’ Featured Fiction column.
Again, thanks so much to the Voices e-zine staff for their time and diligence in putting together another stellar issue. Don’t forget, you can have an opportunity to write for the e-zine too. Check out the Voices writers guidelines here: Voices Writers Guidelines.
Enjoy!
Susie May
