Craft
Character Goals and Motivation
A goal is like an agenda. Something the character wants. It has to be hard to get. Readers like to see the character struggle. They like to know what the character wants, but they have absolutely no idea how she’ll get it. Your audience wants to live moment-by-moment through your character’s life, feeling all the…
How to Improve on a Blank Page
One of the most common questions I get from aspiring writers is “How do I start?” The ideas are in their heads, but the problem is getting them on paper.Whether you are writing magazine articles, story stories, novels, or even homework assignments—here are some tips for improving on the blank page. Sift Through Your Ideas.…
Plot: Series of Scenes
There are many different ways a writer plots–you could say it’s an individual thing. I think as writers we listen and learn about the various techniques that work for others, then we incorporate what works for us–sometimes through trial and error. Some don’t plot at all, but write by what some people have called by…
The Role of the Synopsis When Submitting
Why do I need to cut a synopsis? While I haven’t talked to every editor and agent on the planet, the majority of the ones I’ve spoken to prefer a 2-3 page synopsis. However, every editor is different. One editor will want a one-page synopsis, another will want an extensive chapter-by-chapter synopsis. In my experience,…
Querying With an Unfinished Manuscript
AS A FIRST TIME AUTHOR, should you finish your manuscript before you query an editor? I have been asked this question by all kinds of hopeful writers, and the answer is, sorry Kids, but yes. I know, I know. I’m not exactly the most experienced “published” novelist on the block. After all, my book isn’t…
Basic Plotting Tips
When we are talking about a plot, I am compelled to say: SHOW DON’T TELL. You might study some of your favorite movies. A movie has to show you what is going on. It’s the nature of the beast. Also, while you’re at it, study books on your keeper shelf to see what that author…
Your Hero’s Goal
By Ron EstradaI’ve been spending the month of October preparing for NaNoWriMo. Without a plan, you could easily waste 50,000 words next month. Today, we’ll discuss your hero’s goal. First, let’s review: You should have, by now, developed the backbone of your story: The Moral Premise. Here are the steps you should have taken:…
2 Essential Elements of a Scene
By Ron Estrada The characters of Breaking Bad have different goals…this creates conflict! If you’ve been following along with my NaNoPlotMo method of plotting, or even if you haven’t, eventually you have to write the scenes. Be excited! This is the fruition of your labor. Now you’re free to create without fear of missing some key…
State Your Theme
by Ron Estrada A lot of things have to happen in the first twenty pages of your novel. You’re busy introducing characters, setting, smashing that perfect opening line (stop it…It’s not as important as everyone says). But there is something often overlooked by writers. That is the statement of your theme. The Story Question The…
Um… I’ve Been a Little Interrupted
And I’m perfectly okay with it. It’s taken me a really long time to be okay with not writing, or not worrying about writing, or not stressing about keeping a blog schedule. But it’s a beautiful and freeing place to be. As a new writer there was this sense of urgency to write and publish,…