A character-driven story is one that centers on the challenges and personal growth of the hero or heroine. To write a character-driven novel, the writer must understand what makes people, in general, and characters, uniquely, behave as they … [Continue reading]
Writing Lesson 2.6 – Formula for Success
October 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment
You may have read a book that seemed formulaic. By the end of the second page, you knew how it would end. The plot seemed just like some other story you read--only the names were changed to obscure the guilty. Boring! But in truth, all stories are … [Continue reading]
Writing Lesson 2.5 – The Five Senses in Fiction
September 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Good fiction writers make use of the five senses to immerse the reader deep into the story world and to layer in emotions and moods. Rich details depicting the senses bring realism into the story so that we almost feel that we participate in the … [Continue reading]
Writing Lesson 2.4 – Where Motivation Lurks
September 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Part 1: Finding Your Happy Place Even the most seasoned and successful writers occasionally lose their drive. They get in a funk and can't seem to get started or make headway. Story lines whither and dry up. Characters turn to cardboard. The "big … [Continue reading]
Writing Lesson 2.3 – Creating a Story World
September 10, 2010 By 1 Comment
No matter what you write--historical, contemporary, or fantasy--you'll need to plan and research your story world for accuracy. One of my books is set in a resort town with an old church and a cozily furnished bed-and-breakfast with a different … [Continue reading]
