Craft
The 6 Month Novel
by Ron Estrada I’m interrupted constantly. How am I going to get a novel written in 6 months? I didn’t say they had to be consecutive months. However, the goal is to help you establish a writing system. One day, as you’ve often fantasized, you will be able to stick to a schedule. We want you…
The Rule of 5
by Ron Estrada As we near year’s end, many of us are setting goals for 2014. You are, aren’t you? Writers should always set goals writing and reading goals. Discipline is a component of our craft that may rank even higher than talent. The world is awash with brilliant writers who have never been published.…
The 52 Books Challenge
by Ron Estrada Having heard a few too many of my friends, both virtual and real, tell me that they never read any more, I decided to ask them, and you, if you can commit to 52 books in 2014. A book a week. Paper, e-book, or audio. I have two reasons for doing this:…
A Novelist’s Movie Review: Catching Fire
by Ron Estrada Catching Fire, the second part to The Hunger Games trilogy, opened last week just in time for the big Thanksgiving movie rush. Of particular interest to writers is the big question of how to treat the middle part of a trilogy. While not the focus here, I always stand on two rules…
Watching a Movie with a Purpose
by Ron Estrada This week kicks off the big movie season for Hollywood. Thanksgiving weekend will launch some of the biggest flicks of the year. In fact, Catching Fire, part two of the Hunger Games trilogy, has already opened. It’s on my “to see” list this week. As a writer, though, you shouldn’t just sit…
Moral Premise Workshop Week 1 – Ironic Hook
by Ron Estrada I’m going to spend the next few months going through the story creation steps outlined in Stanley Williams’ excellent book, The Moral Premise. For those of you who’ve been following me, you know that I’ve become a student of Story Structure this year. This is my next educational step in my writing…
The Mid-Point Moment
by Ron Estrada Your novel’s midpoint is often compared to the center pole on a circus tent. Without it, you get a long, sagging middle supported only by the first and second plot points, which are too far apart to hold your reader’s attention. Larry Brooks, author of Story Engineering, suggest the midpoint be a…
The Moral Premise
by Ron Estrada Up until recently I associated “premise” within the field of debate. It’s important to understand your premise if you are going to argue a point. For example, it’s fairly common for a Christian to argue the truth of Jesus’ claims based on what is written in the Bible. The problem is that…
Top 10 Lessons Learned at ACFW
by Ron Estrada I, your humble reporter, attended the ACFW Writer’s Conference last weekend. It was the first time I’d attended since 2005. As you can guess, I found myself…interrupted after that point. If you can swing it, get there. The fellowship alone is worth the price. Start saving your pennies now for ACFW next…
Conference Debriefing: Easing Back into the Real World
Repost Sept 27, 2012 Conference is over. You met with like-minded people, heard amazing speakers, and spoke with an editor or to, but you’re back home and easing into the real world. Normal life must continue despite all the emotions and excitement you’ve just experience, so how do you handle it all? Rest You’re body…