I am absolutely inspired by the Olympic Athletes. Their dedication to their sport, the sacrifices they make, the drive inside, their ability to envision victory that propels them forward. I’m loving both the team and the individual events. Like rowing! And the synchronized diving? Amazing. My favorite, however, is swimming. For a brief time, I swam competitively (I wasn’t very good), and watching the events brings back the feeling of adrenaline, the competitive burn, the sense of cutting through the cool water. It brings me back to those school and AAU meets, the smell of chlorine, crowding around the results lists to find my name. Sometimes I wish I’d had the courage, the drive….the vision to continue. I am loving the Olympic commercials, but this one with Ryan Lochte has […]
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What is the difference between Showing and Telling?
Showing is NOT about describing everything that happens. Showing is about helping the reader experience the emotions and motivations of the character. It’s about the reader getting into the character’s head to enjoy the journey.”
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Unlock the Secret to Powerful Stories
This secret will change the way you craft stories. I’m not kidding. What I’m about to tell you will impact your writing all the way to the core and maybe even get you published. I’ve been judging a contest. I feel like I could cut and paste the same comments in each one. What does the hero/heroine want? What is the story question? What journey are they going on? Author’s inciting incident has nothing to do with the opening scene. What is his/her fears? Desire? Give a hint of these in the opening. What is the dark moment from her past? Show some sort of competence. Meaning, a superpower (what he/she does well.) Good at his/her job. Show confidence in the midst of failings and weaknesses. What is the black […]
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Conversations: The powerful use of Internal Monologue
“I’d thought she’d never get here.” Sally shot me a look as she sat down on the Adirondack chair next to me. She eyed me warily. “Were you talking to me?” “No. Why would you think that?” I paused, looked away. “She’s so paranoid.” “Are you schizophrenic?” She raised an eyebrow. “I’m sitting right here.” “Sheesh, touchy,” I said softly. Then, “What are you talking about? How are you?” I smiled. She stared at me like I’d turned purple. I laughed. “I was internal monologueing.” “Out loud?” “So you could hear it.” “Please tell me that’s not what you really think. I don’t mean to be late –“ “Calm down, Sally, it was just for teaching purposes. But if you were reading that, it would certainly add a bit of […]
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