I had someone ask me about character and story arc, so I thought I’d blog on it today. A novel or story is about the journey of a character from point A to point B. The protagonist starts out his day, smiling under blue skies as he heads to work, but before noon, his entire life is turned upside down. This disaster is the launch or inciting incident of the book. Every book has to have this. Otherwise, the story meanders. What is the story about? What is the story question? You should be able to summarize in a few sentences. Even a literary novel can be summed up quickly if there is a inciting incident that sends that character on a journey. Along the way, the story and character […]
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Brainstorming: Tips and Tricks
Earlier this week, we talked about crit groups. While I wholeheartedly support critique partners and groups, I’ve found another partnership works best for me. Too often I found my critiques were simply line edits. Receiving more than one or two crits from anyone overwhelmed me, especially working against a deadline. I was wasting people’s time. Several attempts to partner with a friend one-on-one to critique never panned out. Just. Didn’t. Work. After an ACFW conference, several of us got on line to brainstorm. Susie Warren, Tracey Bateman, Christine Lynxwiler and Susan Downs. We had a great time, but it was hard to brainstorm the deeper points in a chat room. And we never got much beyond one person’s story. So, we’d call each and work out the story. Susie was […]
Read the RestCrit Groups: Should I be in one?
The other night during the Voices forum chat, Susie and I were asked about crit groups — if we believed they were valuable, and what advice would we give. Here’s the summation of our collective advice. Should I be in a crit group? If you are new to writing fiction, or struggling in your writing, join a crit group. American Christian Fiction Writers has established groups that are waiting for an author to join. I was in Crit group seven my first few years in ACFW. Crit groups do not have to be your best friends. In fact, I recommend not pairing with your friends if you are starting out. It’s too easy to be nice to each other. You like the other’s work too much. Join up with people […]
Read the RestAny advice on how to find a literary agent?
Great minds are melding today. I woke up with the thought to blog about finding a literary agent from an author’s point of view and learned agent Rachelle Gardner is talking about the same thing, for a slightly different angle over on her blog today. My agent journey is interesting. My first agent was recommended to me by a friend. My second agent I chose. My third, yes, third and final, God chose. I wasn’t looking for an agent when an author and friend called after reading the opening chapter of my first chick lit. Wildly enthusiastic, (don’t you love those calls?) she suggested I submit the work to her agent. After learning of the agents reputation and client list, I whole heartily agreed. Up to this point, I wasn’t […]
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