I just finished book 2 of the Hunger Games series, Catching Fire. Excuse me while I go pick up book 3 and spend the day ignoring my to-do list. This series is a lesson in how to create fabulous tension. Not only is the story premise powerful, but every chapter has that “can’t put down” quality. Why? TENSION on every page (as the Master Donald Maas would say!) But what is tension. Recently, I read approximately 1,768,639 contest entries. Okay, not quite that many, but it felt like it. And very few really wove real tension into their story. Obstacles and Activity are not Tension. Tension is a combination of a Sympathetic Character + Stakes + Goals + Obstacles + Fear of Failure. If any of these are missing, we don’t […]
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Conversations: What is Scene Tension?
“Happy Mother’s Day, Sally,” I said, while holding a plate of basil mashed potatoes and beef medallions. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on that broccoli salad – the house specialty – and eyed it as another patron of the Sunday Brunch dived in. Sally looked up as she spooned smoked salmon onto her plate. “Hello.” She glanced behind me, and I saw one of her children, the six year old, heading into the buffet line. “How’s the writing going?” “Good,” she said as she reached around me, handing him a plate. “Don’t spill.” She stepped out of line. “I don’t know if we can meet tomorrow. I have a school field trip.” “No problem, I said, we’re just going to talk about Scene Structure.” She made a face. […]
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Showers of Creativity Part Two: Trust Your Creativity
If you have read the Bible, perhaps you have read the verse that tells us God has given to each of us a measure of faith. Some people confuse faith and trust. We all have at least a tiny bit of faith. Trust, however, must be earned. For you to trust anyone, they must first show themselves trustworthy. That holds true with your own creativity as well. You have to step out in your gifts and experience a successful outcome in order for you to trust those strengths. Trusting in your gifts is essential to your success, so you know what I’m going to say. Time to step out. Scary proposition? Let me help. Here are a few things I’ve learned about using my faith to step out to live […]
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Showers Of Creativity, Part One: Created in the Image
This month we’re going to journey through showers of creativity. We will look at what that means to you personally and how you can use it for your success, and the benefit of those who will be reading your books. I have to stifle a giggle when people tell me they just aren’t creative. I know that simply isn’t even remotely true. All of us—even those Doubting Thomas family members—were created in the image of God. And God is The Creator. It’s literally impossible for you to not have creativity. I’m a very creative person but if you know what’s good for you, you will NOT trust me to plan your wedding or even a party for you. You’ll wind up with bags of Doritos, paper plates and cans of […]
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