A writer signs up for another plot consultation after completing her first novel, securing an agent and with 2 publishers asking for the full manuscript. Ready to start her next project, this time she's eager to try pre-plotting first in hopes of saving herself from multiple revisions later. Following are 5 plot tips for writers: 1) Continue writing in stream of consciousness and channeling the muse, just this time within the confines of your plot and structure design2) Generative, first …
Still Time to Set Goals for 2016
We all charge together like a herd of buffalo into the new year, filled with optimism -- this is the year I'm going to _____! Fill in the blank: run a marathon finish my memoir lose weight count to 10 before losing my patience ask for a raise start my own business learn a new language self-publish my novel boogie board everyday Great news! There is still time to set goals for 2016. Actually, there is plenty of time to set realistic and inspired goals for 2016. Even if, …
How to Write a Meaningful Novel?
How to Write a Meaningful Novel? An enthusiastic novel writer posted a question on Facebook she wishes to see discussed. "Many suggest knowing your theme and premise before writing the book as they serve as a light along the journey--but sometimes I feel the theme and premise won't be clear until I finish the first draft. What are your thoughts?" Writing a meaningful novel and novels with meaning mean exploring what your story is truly about, what all the scenes add up to and probing for …
The Lonely Writer
Writing and every other creative expression are solitary pursuits. Why does one writer feel like the lonely writer and another simply writing alone? Writing an article, a blog post, a short story, memoir, screenplay and multiple novels demands a concentrated focus. The more passionate you are about what you're doing, the more the world around you drops away. You're physically alone. Far from lonely, emersed in the flow of creativity, you're intimately connected to the expression. In the …
Savoring the Final Hours of 2015
Savoring the final hours of 2015 Savoring seems to be the theme of this year's holiday -- savoring, reflecting, mourning and cheering this year's firsts. What a year it has been -- filled with anguish and loss, discovery and freedom! My personal and professional year-at-a-glance 10 points of gratitude: 1) Shot out of 2014 and into 2015 with the launch of this website and blog that fully integrates for the first time nearly all sides of my work -- Blockbuster Plots, Plot Whisperer blog and …
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