We often focus on plotting our stories – you know, everything that happens between our hero and heroine. The Inciting Incident. The Ds (Disappointments) or obstacles, that force them to face Ys in the Road and ask the question, “Which way do I go now?” over and over again. The Black Moment. And the long-awaited Happily-Ever-After, where our hero and heroine ride off into the sunset . . . Sorry. I lapsed into a cliché there, didn’t I? It’s vital to plot a strong main story, but while you’re doing that, remember to deepen your story too. How? Weave in an intriguing Layer or Subplot What: A story Layer and a Subplot are two different elements: A Layer adds depth to the plot and enhances the character’s struggle – and […]
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Taking The Next Step: Fast Drafting
As a newbie writer, I completed my first Fast Draft. I was elated. I even did the happy dance. I couldn’t believe just how much I learned and of course, I had to share. Plot And Plot Some More! For me, it was truly a timesaver and stress reliever to have the story plotted ahead of time. I was really blessed; my friends helped brainstorm the story. Then I used The Book Buddy to get my thoughts down. It allowed me to have all the main points of the plot and the character development done before I sat down to write. It cut down on some of the “blank-screen-staring” that so many writers go through. At the same time, it still allowed me the freedom to change several scenes and […]
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Brainstorming Your Way Out Of Writer’s Block Strategy #3 – Just One Verb
There are times when writer’s block slams us with the inability to progress. A flat scene is fixable, but an empty page with no fresh ideas numbs the creativity. It might be the overwhelming responsibility of getting the whole story on the page. Maybe a specific scene is difficult to build into the criteria you have in mind. Here is what it might look like to use this strategy: 1. Start with just one verb. One action that the whole scene is about. Verb: Choose an action word to describe what is happening or what your character is doing in this scene. Examples: running, hiding, chasing, abandoned, etc. Let’s use the word abandoned for this exercise to build a scene. Here is what it might look like to use this […]
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