The sun tugged at the irises peeking from the dirt edging the coffee shop. Another month in the northland and spring might actually arrive, cascade into summer. I found Sally at our table, grinning at me. “What?” “Now that I know my characters, and my story structure, I think we’re coming to the best part – the scenes.” “You’re right. At least, that’s my favorite part about writing. Because we can talk big picture and characters all day long, but when you create scenes, you are bringing the story to life. Think of every book as live action that we can observe, like a movie. In fact, for me, writing is not unlike viewing a movie…I close my eyes, see the scene and walk through it with the reader.” “That’s what […]
Read the RestArchive | May, 2012
Showers Of Creativity, Part One: Created in the Image
This month we’re going to journey through showers of creativity. We will look at what that means to you personally and how you can use it for your success, and the benefit of those who will be reading your books. I have to stifle a giggle when people tell me they just aren’t creative. I know that simply isn’t even remotely true. All of us—even those Doubting Thomas family members—were created in the image of God. And God is The Creator. It’s literally impossible for you to not have creativity. I’m a very creative person but if you know what’s good for you, you will NOT trust me to plan your wedding or even a party for you. You’ll wind up with bags of Doritos, paper plates and cans of […]
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TEE’s What and Why: Dark Moment
I was going to talk about the Black Moment this week. Then I decided to back up and talk about the Dark Moment. There’s a certain order to things crafting a novel. So there’s no sense in talking about the What and Why of the Black Moment if we haven’t tackled the What and Why of the Dark Moment. What: Dark Moment This is a specific negative event in a character’s past that shapes them into the person they are today. Heads Up: This next part is crucial. You recreate the Dark Moment in the Black Moment. More on that in my next What and Why column on the Black Moment. Why: Determining the Dark Moments is essential in developing both your hero and heroine. Out of the Dark Moment […]
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Quick Skills: The 3 Acts Chart
Hello! For all you visual learners out there, here’s a chart of the Three Acts summarized. (if you are a Team Member, you can also find this in the Team Member Locker room!) (We call it the Lindy Hop at MBT!) Lindy Hop diagram Or, here it is below, summarized. Act 1 Plotting Diagram LIFE (Home World…their wants, desires) Inciting Incident The Great Debate PUSH/PULL Noble Quest Act 2 Plotting Diagram (Noble Quest) Attempt…and Failure Cost Consideration Desire (Motivation) Reward (taste of what will they get if they continue?) (Disappointments & Y’s in the Road) Training for Battle (1) Bad Y in the Road (2) Badder Y in the Road (3) Baddest Y in the Road Attempt…and Victory (This can occur any time during the Training phase) (HELP!) Black Moment […]
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