Yesterday we talked about Sparks and Wooing and how to weave them into Act 2. But…the best way to combine them is with a great KISS. This post is all about specifics. The Whens of The Kiss can be found at: http://www.mybooktherapy.com/index2.php/2010/10/12/the-kiss-and-the-hearbreak-ten-beats-of-a-romance-part-3/. Just to review quickly here are the three kisses in a romance (and if you are writing a romance in the General market, you can extrapolate from there. J): Kiss One: An “introductory—I didn’t mean to, did we just do that?” Kiss Kiss Two: A, “I really want to kiss you now and I’m going to” Kiss Kiss Three: And an “I love you, and I mean it” Kiss But let’s touch on the hows. A kiss should be savored. […]
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Creating SPARK in your romance! (How to build Act 2)
We took a little hiatus last week as we all got ready for NaNoWriMo. If you are a NaNo-er, you may be interested in joining the MBT Voices NaNoWriMo celebration. We’re encouraging people to dive in with daily notes, problem solving discussions and some great prizes (including a Kindle!) for those who complete their goal. We also have a tool to help you plot your story! So, if you’ve been thinking about participating in NaNoWriMo, go sign up on the official NaNoWriMo site, and then visit the 2010 MBT NaNoWriMo Celebration forum for encouragement, tips, and support as you write your novel in 30 days. Today, we’re going to move onto Act 2 and talk about how weave in the next two beats: Wooing and Sparks, as well […]
Read the RestProcessing the Paralyzing Premise
I’ve heard editors and agents comment on book proposals. “Wow me.” Or, “I’m looking for something dynamic. Fantastic.” As a hungry writer, such words can be paralyzing. Editors and agents are asking for filet mignon when I’m approaching with my supersized McDonalds meal – hot from the grill and fry vat. I think, hope, pray, believe it’ll be a satisfying meal. But, no, turns out the requirement is filet. High concept. I’ve heard that too. Have you? “We’re looking for high concept ideas.” I’m not even sure what that means from house to house, agent to agent. Definitions and tastes vary from agent to agent, editor to editor. One agent loves literary. To him, a high concept, wow-me-fantastic story will have a literary tone. Another agent loves the high concept […]
Read the RestToo Stupid to Live? Building Act 1 with believeable motivations!
Yesterday we talked about incorporating the first couple beats of your story into the first Act, and especially the first scene. Today, we’re going to continue the conversation by show how we might use Why/Why Nots to help move our character forward in his journey toward Act 2. ACT 1 Review: Life Inciting Incident The Big Debate (Romantic) Quest You’ve already established your character’s home world and had them meet in a way that helps the reader to feel sympathy for your characters. You’ve also shown that they have an interest/need for something more, namely, a romance. Finally, you’ve hinted at the stakes of the story, and perhaps even woven that in with the Why Not (or obstacles) between your characters. E.g., having your character say, “The […]
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