So, here we have it, the rough draft of Luke Alexander’s scene. Poor Luke has a dark, riddled past, which we’ll uncover as we go along. But he’s also a hero, so although he is very uncomfortable with being around his deteriorating father, I wanted to also show that he is the kind of guy who will do the right think when needed. Since the inciting incident of the story has already begun with MacKenzie, I wanted to spend more time on normal world with Luke, show the kind of person he is. His journey will start when MacKenzie happens upon the scene. Here are the SHARP elements of the HOOK I started with: (for a class on these elements, go to the My Book Therapy shop and download I […]
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About Susan May Warren
Former Russian Missionary Susan May Warren is the best-selling author of more than 40 novels and novellas with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill, and Summerside. A Christy award and RITA winner, and multiple finalist for the RITA, Christy and winner of Inspirational Readers Choice contest, Susan currently has over a million books in print. A seasoned women’s events speaker and writing teacher, she is the founder of http://www.mybooktherapy.com an online community for writers, and runs a fiction editing service teaching writers how to tell a great story. Visit her online at: http://www.susanmaywarren.com.Author Archive | Susan May Warren
Final Scene, Chapter One, Scene One
Susie & Rachel’s thoughts: A couple things we wanted to point out – first, note the changed hook. Neither Rachel nor I like starting a book with dialogue or a full name. First, with dialogue it often feels too jarring, we don’t know who is talking, and the reader feels like they can’t catch up. Also, when we’re in deep POV, no one really thinks of themselves (usually) with their full name. So, look for ways to work in the name, maybe by bringing another character on the screen. We did it via Twila, the talk show host. I hope you can see the difference in effect between the two pieces… Again, if you’re interested in how to write a HOOK, go and read the past HOOK posts, […]
Read the RestChapter 1: Scene One, Susie’s Response
My turn! These are all great thoughts that Rachel has inserted, and going through them has made me think through all my motivations, and how I draw out the scene. I kept a lot of her insertions, or changed others because of her take on the scene. Occasionally, I opted not to make changes because I liked the flow of the story better my way, but I definitely considered her thought. Because I’m a suspense writer, I like having actions very tight, and more and more I’m going away from the physical + emotional response, and more into a metaphorical or simple action that betrays their emotions. But it’s a matter of taste and voice. A great editing partnership works when both parties are working together to strengthen a […]
Read the RestThe Edit: Chapter 1, Scene 1
Hi Book Bloggers, We’re off on our Blog-a-Book. We are so excited! This is a GREAT story. Let’s go over some ground rules. Susie is writing a rough chapter. On purpose. This gives me an opportunity to give input and help us think through our writing. What kind of questions should we be asking ourselves? Anytime there is a first draft, it gives us opportunity to see where we’re going with the story and how we can tweak our prose, goals, motivation, and conflict. Also how to layer and deepen POV. Let’s dive into the story. Chapter 1.1 “Just once, I’d like to take the Oscar walk down Hollywood Boulevard in my jeans, a blue devil’s tee-shirt, and a pair of flipflops.” Who is she talking to? I’d like to […]
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