Alena here, working on my Next Step in my writing journey. I’m still trying to maximize my writing time. For most moms, the kids are back at school but along with that come all kinds of sports and extra-curricular activities. So most of the writing time I get these days are either weekends or late at night, with time throughout the day. I’m still doing the usual; working on my manuscript at lunchtime, break time, between picking up and waiting for kids. A quiet house and uninterrupted writing time is such a rare thing for me. I recently re-discovered my iPod the other day. Now, while it is an automatic tool I take along with me when I’m jogging, it’s not on my list of tools when I think of […]
Read the RestTag Archives | my book therapy
Conversations: How to write Emotions part 2
Yesterday, I told you the story of Darla, and how she showed us 2 of the four layers of emotions. Today, let’s talk about the final two layers. Just as a review: The first layer of writing emotions is simply that surface emotion – the name of the emotion. The sectond layer is called: Just Under the Skin Layer. This layer names the emotion and pairs it with a physical response. But let’s go deeper: Sweat dribbled down her brow. She gripped the seats with whitened hands. She practiced early labor breathing. Even if I hadn’t heard her on the phone, seeing her actions, I would have gotten it. I don’t need to know the emotion to know she afraid. The next layer is simply the physical response only. […]
Read the RestConversations: Building your story through the rhythm of scenes
The sun tugged at the irises peeking from the dirt edging the coffee shop. Another month in the northland and spring might actually arrive, cascade into summer. I found Sally at our table, grinning at me. “What?” “Now that I know my characters, and my story structure, I think we’re coming to the best part – the scenes.” “You’re right. At least, that’s my favorite part about writing. Because we can talk big picture and characters all day long, but when you create scenes, you are bringing the story to life. Think of every book as live action that we can observe, like a movie. In fact, for me, writing is not unlike viewing a movie…I close my eyes, see the scene and walk through it with the reader.” “That’s what […]
Read the Rest
Quick Skills: The 3 Acts Chart
Hello! For all you visual learners out there, here’s a chart of the Three Acts summarized. (if you are a Team Member, you can also find this in the Team Member Locker room!) (We call it the Lindy Hop at MBT!) Lindy Hop diagram Or, here it is below, summarized. Act 1 Plotting Diagram LIFE (Home World…their wants, desires) Inciting Incident The Great Debate PUSH/PULL Noble Quest Act 2 Plotting Diagram (Noble Quest) Attempt…and Failure Cost Consideration Desire (Motivation) Reward (taste of what will they get if they continue?) (Disappointments & Y’s in the Road) Training for Battle (1) Bad Y in the Road (2) Badder Y in the Road (3) Baddest Y in the Road Attempt…and Victory (This can occur any time during the Training phase) (HELP!) Black Moment […]
Read the Rest
