Question:..as I'm in this second rewrite deep...I'm losing track of my big idea--what's the biggest problem that I should keep in mind as I'm moving ahead? I think it's to get closer to the character, with every action meaning something, showing...the theme will arise out of all that as the plot is well defined at this point...right?Answer:Support surrounds you and your story always. What a leap of faith, of bravery... I'm so proud of you!!!Q: what's the biggest problem that I should keep in …
Plot for Murder Mystery Writers
Two male writers, both writing murder mysteries -- one for the adult market, the other targeted for urban middle-grade boys.In reading the two character profiles I was sent before the plot consultation, I quickly ascertained their writing preferences. The adult writer had complex goals plotted out for his characters with spotty character traits. The middle-grade writer had well-thought out character traits for the protagonist AND the major secondary characters, too, and the character goals had …
Birthday Wishes
My mom blogged about my birthday. Svensto No wonder I dabble in magical thinking... …
History Provides the Perfect Antagonist
A writer I've been working with on an on-going basis picked a unique time in our country's history to write about. Built into this time frame is an event where nature colluded with industry and for five days led to the deaths of many in the community. It's an age-old dilemma -- what brings a livelihood to everyone in an entire community ends up killing them. Unwilling to admit to what is right there in front of them, people trust the "powers-that-be" -- they would never knowingly poison an …
Lead the Reader to the Plot
White pebbles help Hansel and Gretel find their way home. Breadcrumbs simply vanish.Stories are shown in scene. Each scene leaves little pebbles to advance the plot on at least three levels:Dramatic Action plotCharacter Emotional Development plotThematic Significance plot (and more...)A Few White Pebbles to lead the reader to the important parts of the story:Cause and Effect = because of what happens in one scene, the next scene arises. Cause and effect leads the reader from one scene to …
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