Not long ago I had a conversation with a new author about what it means when a story is “episodic.” Maybe some of you might be wondering what it means too. Episodic is like TV shows. Sitcoms. Week to week the characters are the same but the situations are different. Old comedy shows epitomized episodic writing. The characterization even changed in order to “fit the bit” for that week. The show may not even even mentioned a problem that was introduced in last week’s show. But shows like Fraser and Friends, even Seinfeld smoothed that out by having continuing story lines and consistent characterization. Each show was different as if time passed and last week’s issue was over and done.The comedy bits were developed out of characterization rather than out […]
Read the RestArchive | 7. Search by Author: RSS feed for this section
Last Minute Emotional Checklist
Many of our Premium Team Members and Voices are packing their bags and putting the final touches on their manuscripts and checking their boarding passes to Indianapolis for the ACFW annual conference. Going to a conference is a necessary part of a writer’s career for sure but it can really take an emotional toll right in the middle of all your best laid plans. Here are a few things you can expect and how to combat them so you’ll be relaxed and successful when you get to Indy: Feelings of fear will come. They always do. Whether they manifest as butterflies in your stomach, sweaty palms or downright terror, the fear show up. Expect it. Embrace it. It’s only preparing you for the rigors of the conference. It will pass. […]
Read the RestLet’s Be Frank. Jealousy Is Part Of This Biz
Am I the only one? You pop on to FB or an email loop to see what’s going on? Only to find out someone has just GOTTEN THE CALL! Signed with an agent. Signed with a house. Inked a movie deal. Or finaled in, yea, even won a major award. Got a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly. And here you sit! Twenty manuscripts and counting with narry a nod. Perhaps your first book stunk up the publisher’s sales record to date. Maybe you’re doing great, building a readership, but can’t seem to hop into the movie market. Welcome to the world of publishing. Of anything entertainment wise. Shoot, I remember struggling in my corporate job with those who advanced faster than me. Earned more money. (Cause you know we all […]
Read the RestLessons on the Writer’s Road
As I pedal through middle-America, I think of you. When I learn new truths, I know they apply to you and what you face. The lessons I’ve learned on the bicycle road are the same lessons on the writer’s road so I want to share some of them with you: Things will NEVER go according to plan. Even your best plans are altered by reality of what is found on the writer’s road. You don’t have the knowledge of what’s down each road, around each curve and over every hill. There is ALWAYS a reason when things don’t go according to plan. You just need to make sure we are open to that reason or we’ll miss an incredible blessing. Plans should only be guidelines. If you marry a specific […]
Read the Rest
