I've been taking my historical novel Parallel Lives through multiple final steps refining each scene and considering the impact of the words I chose. Daily, I discover meaningful insights through new strategies and twisting old strategies in new ways to create plot at the word level. I keep wanting to share what I'm finding helpful how to refine your novel: plot at the word level. Focus exclusively my own work? Share with others? I tell writers I consult with always to put yourself, schedule …
How to Plot 2 Protagonists in a Novel
I have until Friday to catch up on everything I put on hold when I got serious about resurrecting my novel in late March and invited you to join in and Resurrect that Novel. A few weeks ago, Jade emailed me a great question lots of writers grapple with -- How to Plot 2 Protagonists in a Novel. I thought I'd share her question and my answer here with you. "I am deep in your Writing Deep Scenes. I just have one question: if my novel has POVs from both the heroine and hero equally, does this …
Help Name My New Novel
I need your help naming my new novel. I love both of the working titles I've been using for different reasons. They each have thematic significance and I can't decide between them. Help name my new novel and win the plot book of your choice (see below). The Boy with the Magic Touch: A Love StoryORParallel Lives: A Love Story Without giving you the concept (coming later), I'd like your spontaneous reaction simply to the title alone. Win the Book of your Choice To win the book of your choice …
Behind the Scenes – Scene Types
Welcome to Step 3 of Behind the Scenes - Scene Types. As I explained in my introductory blog post Resurrect that Novel for a new program I'm developing -- Behind the Scenes, designed as a final check for plot at the word level -- we're analyzing both: 1) the words within each scene, testing for the 7 essential elements of plot in each scene using my newest book Writing Blockbuster Plots 2) the scenes by identifying each scene type with the help of Writing Deep Scenes Behind the …
Behind the Scenes — Conflict
Before we begin Step Two Behind the Scenes -- Conflict, let's review Step One Behind the Scene: Plot at the Sentence and Scene Level Step One We were looking for verbs. Specifically, verbs that depict the characters’ actions and nonverbal behaviors as fleeting physical emotional responses through body language. Maximize moments of intense conflict, tension, suspense or curiosity. The character's behavior and actions shown in scene allow us viscerally access to what the character is thinking …
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