On Monday I posted on 'backstory' from Susan Warren's and Rachel Hauck's writing blog, My Book Therapy. You can read that here. Today's post is about the "breadcrumbs" of backstory:
Dropping Breadcrumbs for effective Backstory
Oh Hansel, I’m so afraid no one will find us!
Never fear, Gretel, we will drop breadcrumbs, and someone will follow…
Let’s say you’re the woodcutter, now wouldn’t YOU be curious to know what is at the end of those breadcrumbs? (Especially if they were, say, Panera bagel breadcrumbs? So I might be a little hungry this morning….).
The key to backstory is dropping just enough crumbs to stir your reader’s hunger for more. You don’t want to give them too much at the beginning, or they’ll get filled up, satisfied, and they won’t have an appetite to finish the journey.
How much backstory should you put into a scene? Just enough to give the reader the information he/she needs to understand/accept the current action and decisions. To embrace the character’s motivations for continuing on in the journey.
For example, let’s say that I have a character who has just inherited a ranch. I might open the scene where she is driving up to the abandoned ranch, looking at the life her uncle left her. Now, I might be tempted to go into a lengthy backstory about how, when she was a child, she loved visiting the ranch, how she chased the prairie dogs and rode horses through the tall grasses, and how it gave her an escape from an alcoholic mother. I might go on to recall a conversation she had with her uncle, how he had one no-account son and she was like a daughter to him. I could even say that she’d spent the last five years as a lawyer in Minneapolis and was burned out after winning a child abuse case and wanted a fresh start because it reminded her too much of her own life. I COULD say all that. But it’s WAY too much information for the beginning of a book, and really, it gives away the punchline. We want our readers to discover all this along the way.
Instead, I’ll pare it down to the essentials: “She couldn’t believe that Uncle Henry had left her the ranch instead of Billy Bob. Nor could she believe she’d abandoned her law practice, especially now, after the victories of her last case. But maybe her uncle knew her better than she knew herself, had heard the silent pleadings of her heart. Even now, the wide expanse of the blue sky filled her soul like a spring breeze after a grueling winter, drawing her back to the land.”
Okay, even that might be too much, (and isn’t especially good writing, sorry) but doesn’t it raise a lot more questions for the reader? What silent pleadings? What case, and why would she leave? Who is Billy Bob? And what happened as a child to keep her tethered to the land? All these questions are bread crumbs to draw the reader further into the story.
Ask yourself: What is the ESSENTIAL information the reader needs to know to give sufficient motivation for the character? What story questions can you drop that will keep the reader interested?
Breadcrumbs: Soft, tasty, SMALL morsels to lure your reader into the story.
Tomorrow we’ll talk about what to do with the REST of the loaf, all the great stuff you just can’t wait to tell your reader (and when to catch them up!)
See Gretel, look at the pretty house….maybe there’s someone inside who will feed us…
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Advice for Novelists (Part 13)
C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Chip MacGregor: "Write with verbs and nouns."
I read that advice in Strunk and White's Elements of Style back in high school, and it's still the best bit of writing advice I've ever heard. Too many writers will show me flowery, painted-up hoo-haw that has lots of description and plenty of color, but no power. To add punch to your writing, cut it back. Clean it up. Spend the time selecting the right nouns so you don't have to prop them up with adjectives in an attempt to clarify them. Give me direct verbs, so you aren't trying to dress up your weak writing with adverbs. Verbs and nouns -- that's where the story is told.
--Chip MacGregor, Literary Agent, MacGregor Literary. (Visit Chip's informative blog here.)
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Chip MacGregor: "Write with verbs and nouns."I read that advice in Strunk and White's Elements of Style back in high school, and it's still the best bit of writing advice I've ever heard. Too many writers will show me flowery, painted-up hoo-haw that has lots of description and plenty of color, but no power. To add punch to your writing, cut it back. Clean it up. Spend the time selecting the right nouns so you don't have to prop them up with adjectives in an attempt to clarify them. Give me direct verbs, so you aren't trying to dress up your weak writing with adverbs. Verbs and nouns -- that's where the story is told.
--Chip MacGregor, Literary Agent, MacGregor Literary. (Visit Chip's informative blog here.)
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Monday, April 28, 2008
My Book Therapy: Backstory. How Much?
I discovered this great post at Susan Warren's and Rachel Hauck's My Book Therapy:
Let’s address the biggest issue with backstory: How much should you develop?
Answer: Enough to know your characters motivations for why he/she does the things they do in your story.
If your character loved to draw as a child, and always dreamed of being an artist, that’s only important if it has something to do with the plot. If he’s a detective solving a murder, it might not have anything to do with the story. However, if he is asked to draw the suspect, and discovers the rusty talent he had, then perhaps it is slightly important. If, even better, he loved to draw, and had talent, but his father told him he was a terrible artist (in order to discourage such a “frivolous” career), and the story is about a policeman who discovers that he has the ability to see the crimes in the pictures he draws, (and thus was always meant to use this God-given gift) well, suddenly this backstory takes on relevance.
As the author, you always want to figure out what elements of their past molded them into the people they are today. Mostly because you’re going to use the fears and dreams, the secrets and mistakes from their past to construct their story.
Ask your character: What is your darkest secret, and how has that affected you today? What nightmare have you carried with you, and what do you fear because of it? What was your happiest moment as a child? Why? These answers create the backstory that counts.
I’ve read countless books where the character seems to have been born on page one. They’re flat, uninteresting, even unbelievable. Even worse, however, is when the character’s entire life history is fleshed out in the first three chapters. I’m not going to remember (as a reader) what college he/she went to. But tell me that he witnessed a murder as a ten year old, and yes, that I’ll remember.
We talked a lot in the beginning months of our journey about sitting your character down and chatting with him about why he is who he is. This is the backstory, and is essential for a well-rounded, three-dimensional, living breathing character, and the key to creating a hero/heroine that your reader will root for. (Mostly because hopefully, he’ll have elements about his past that most people can relate to).
Rachel and I were talking about how to develop a new series, how working on the backstory, really fleshing it out is essential. Not only will it give characters depth but here’s the REAL gem – it will generate future story ideas, also. If our characters had a childhood friend who died, or went missing, although it might not be the biggest event in her life, it’s an element authors can use to develop a future storyline. Backstory gives you material to work with.
And material gives you options for your story. Take the time to flesh out the backstory. It’s a little like digging for treasure….you’ll never know what priceless artifacts you might fine.
Okay, so now that you have your backstory, how much do you tell? What tidbits do you drop, and how thick?
I'll post more about backstory on Wednesday and Friday!
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Let’s address the biggest issue with backstory: How much should you develop?
Answer: Enough to know your characters motivations for why he/she does the things they do in your story.
If your character loved to draw as a child, and always dreamed of being an artist, that’s only important if it has something to do with the plot. If he’s a detective solving a murder, it might not have anything to do with the story. However, if he is asked to draw the suspect, and discovers the rusty talent he had, then perhaps it is slightly important. If, even better, he loved to draw, and had talent, but his father told him he was a terrible artist (in order to discourage such a “frivolous” career), and the story is about a policeman who discovers that he has the ability to see the crimes in the pictures he draws, (and thus was always meant to use this God-given gift) well, suddenly this backstory takes on relevance.
As the author, you always want to figure out what elements of their past molded them into the people they are today. Mostly because you’re going to use the fears and dreams, the secrets and mistakes from their past to construct their story.
Ask your character: What is your darkest secret, and how has that affected you today? What nightmare have you carried with you, and what do you fear because of it? What was your happiest moment as a child? Why? These answers create the backstory that counts.
I’ve read countless books where the character seems to have been born on page one. They’re flat, uninteresting, even unbelievable. Even worse, however, is when the character’s entire life history is fleshed out in the first three chapters. I’m not going to remember (as a reader) what college he/she went to. But tell me that he witnessed a murder as a ten year old, and yes, that I’ll remember.
We talked a lot in the beginning months of our journey about sitting your character down and chatting with him about why he is who he is. This is the backstory, and is essential for a well-rounded, three-dimensional, living breathing character, and the key to creating a hero/heroine that your reader will root for. (Mostly because hopefully, he’ll have elements about his past that most people can relate to).
Rachel and I were talking about how to develop a new series, how working on the backstory, really fleshing it out is essential. Not only will it give characters depth but here’s the REAL gem – it will generate future story ideas, also. If our characters had a childhood friend who died, or went missing, although it might not be the biggest event in her life, it’s an element authors can use to develop a future storyline. Backstory gives you material to work with.
And material gives you options for your story. Take the time to flesh out the backstory. It’s a little like digging for treasure….you’ll never know what priceless artifacts you might fine.
Okay, so now that you have your backstory, how much do you tell? What tidbits do you drop, and how thick?
I'll post more about backstory on Wednesday and Friday!
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Friday, April 25, 2008
Amy Wallace...poised and witty!
Deb Raney sent this to me this morning...Rita Finalist Amy Wallace gave a FABULOUS interview on a FamilyNet TV show, Mornings.
She put in a wonderful plug for ACFW and a couple of other CBA authors. Amy, you were wonderful! So poised and witty and such an interesting interview. A great testimony to the Lord's role in her writing, but also an honest view of the challenges of the writing life.
I so appreciate the hard work Amy has gone to to create her books (and it's apparently paid off since her novel is a RITA finalist this year!)
You can watch the interview here: http://www.familynet.com/site/c.rwL5KhNXLtH/b.3894643/k.6C87/Mornings__Video_Archives.htm (click on the right of the photo clips until you see Amy's face.)
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Advice for Novelists (Part 12)
C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Melanie Wells: Write write write. And let people read your work. Toughen up and listen to what they have to say. They’re your readers, for crying out loud. You work for them.
--Melanie Wells, author of My Soul to Keep, When the Day of Evil Comes, and Soul Hunter. Visit her online at her website here.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Melanie Wells: Write write write. And let people read your work. Toughen up and listen to what they have to say. They’re your readers, for crying out loud. You work for them.
--Melanie Wells, author of My Soul to Keep, When the Day of Evil Comes, and Soul Hunter. Visit her online at her website here.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Year of no travel?
This year was supposed to be a quiet year. I decided I wasn't going to go to Mt. Hermon or ICRS--the International Christian Retailers Show. I didn't book much speaking events either, because I had books to write and I wanted to make sure to enjoy my son's senior year.
Well ... somehow things change. In January I travel to Chicago to work on a book with an amazing young women. In two weeks I'm traveling to San Diego to visit my sisters. (FUN!) In mid-May I'll be in Chicago again doing television and radio interviews. In June I'm joining John on a work trip. In July my whole family will be going on a three-week missions' trip to the Czech Republic. September is the ACFW conference (www.acfw.com) and in October my agent is hosting a mini-retreat. So much for staying home!
Yet the cool thing is ... because I didn't fill my schedule with my own agenda, these slots were open for things God wanted me to do. The mission trip was a surprise, but we are so excited about serving God. Traveling to spend time with family is a joy ... and it also reminds me that life isn't always about work.
In life it's easy for us to fill up our schedules with "good things." Personally, I'm trying to ditch the "good things" for "God things."
So, please keep me in your prayers as I travel. And watch for those travel notes!
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Advice for Novelists (Part 11)
C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Terry Burns: In a perfect world it would be all about the quality of the writing. But the truth be known perseverance and dedication has probably made more writers than raw talent. At any given time even with a terrific manuscript there may be only one perfect place in the whole publishing industry for a project at that exact point in time, yet a large majority of writers give up before they knock on the right door to find that fit. Read the rest here.
--Terry Burns, agent with Hartline Literary (Visit his website and weekday blog here.)
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Terry Burns: In a perfect world it would be all about the quality of the writing. But the truth be known perseverance and dedication has probably made more writers than raw talent. At any given time even with a terrific manuscript there may be only one perfect place in the whole publishing industry for a project at that exact point in time, yet a large majority of writers give up before they knock on the right door to find that fit. Read the rest here.--Terry Burns, agent with Hartline Literary (Visit his website and weekday blog here.)
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sometimes...
It's all in what you tell yourself...
“If you think you can,
Or you think you can’t,
You’re right.”
-- Henry Ford
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
“If you think you can,
Or you think you can’t,
You’re right.”
-- Henry Ford
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Friday, April 18, 2008
Love stories!
Want to put a great big smile on your face?
Go read the "How I Met My Spouse" stories on the GenX Parents blog.
They're great! Go now.
Tomorrow is the last day to enter...here is your writing assignment for the day!
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Go read the "How I Met My Spouse" stories on the GenX Parents blog.
They're great! Go now.
Tomorrow is the last day to enter...here is your writing assignment for the day!
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Advice for Novelists (Part 10)
C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Ted Dekker's advice: Finish the novel. Then write another one. And then, write another one. During this time you can look for an agent. You have to have an agent. No publishers will look at you otherwise. If you give up after your first book, you were never meant to be an author. If you give up after the second one, you still were never meant to be an author. Publishing requires writing and writing and writing. When you have three complete novels, you probably will be published. My fourth novel was published.
Ted Dekker, author of Skin, Adam, The Circle Trilogy, House, and many other bestselling novels.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Ted Dekker's advice: Finish the novel. Then write another one. And then, write another one. During this time you can look for an agent. You have to have an agent. No publishers will look at you otherwise. If you give up after your first book, you were never meant to be an author. If you give up after the second one, you still were never meant to be an author. Publishing requires writing and writing and writing. When you have three complete novels, you probably will be published. My fourth novel was published.Ted Dekker, author of Skin, Adam, The Circle Trilogy, House, and many other bestselling novels.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
And a bit more about texture...
Last week I shared about texture...here are what some other great writers had to say earlier this week on the subject...
...and here is a bit more...
Texture is one of those things that's hard to define but you know it when you see it. I believe it's in the details. A "richly textured" novel brings the reader into the story through details - details that don't bring the reader OUT of the story by being unrelated information where the author wants to squeeze in some research work, but rather details that enhance the story so the reader feels they're "there" with the characters, inside their head, touching, smelling, seeing, hearing, tasting whatever it is the character experiences.
The important part is that the details have to be related to the character, the story, the setting in a way that makes them seem a natural part of the story. One other thought on texture is that as the story progresses, it creates its own history and connectionbetween the character's experience and the reader's. So once the story has progressed a bit, if the character thinks back on something that happened within the context of the story, the reader will have the same memory as the character. There's a connection there, a layer of history they went through together that bonded them. The shared memory adds to the feeling of being in that story world, complete with layers of shared history.
Maureen Lang
http://www.maureenlang.com/
~~~~
I'm not sure what she means by "texture," but my suggestion is to be uninhibited in writing with your own unique writer's voice. Most often the entries I judge have a very bland, generic writer's voice with the writer's "true" voice only coming through in glimpses here and there. It's always amazing when a writer can break through their own psychological barriers and write with complete abandon, with complete freedom and absolutely unhindered.
One book I really liked that taught how to unleash a writer's voice is FINDING YOUR WRITER'S VOICE by Thaisa Frank and Dorothy Wall. Not all the exercises resonated with me, but most of them were terrific to help me define and develop my writer's voice.
Camy Tang
http://www.camytang.com/
~~~~
After reading the answers to what we wish we'd known about this business, this question just hit me. It seems so simplistic, and I'm sure the writer didn't mean it that way. In a way, it reminds me of the parable of the seeds - some fall on the path and won't sprout (join writers' groups, but never write), some in weeds and get choked out (polish three chapters and a synopsis over and over, but never finish a book), some on fertile ground and prosper. The fertile ground has the nourishment and conditions necessary, but even there, many seeds don't sprout. It's the seeds that actually soak up the nutrients and sunshine and keep doing so until maturity that prosper.
My answer: Assuming this writer has learned the basics (Story and Structure), study Donald Maass' Writing the Breakout Novel. Do the workbook. Read Brandilyn Collin's Getting into Character and many other great books that deal with writing deeper and raising the stakes. Become of student of human nature. Read great books and analyze why they are memorable. Take classes (college, adult education, on-line, at conferences), and apply the lessons to your work. Write, write, write. Persevere. IOW, the hard way, which eventually every writer must do. A very few people are naturally great writers. The rest of us learn by practice, experience and sweating blood over our books.
Too many writers seem to think there's a magic tip to gain the secret of writing something that will attract an agent and an editor and catapult them to their goal, which is to becoming published. That's a fairy tale. Yes, it's discouraging to keep writing and writing with no success, but that could be what it takes.
Sunni Jeffers
http://www.sunnijeffers.com/
~~~~
By texture, I assume you mean depth and dimension, in character, in plot and in setting. In the interest of keeping it short, I will deal with how to give a character texture.
To do this, don't be satisfied with falling back on stereotypes for characters. Present character in both their external appearance and internal functioning who are complex and even contradictory and a surprise to the reader. In my Bargain Hunters series, I have a blond character who was cheerleader in high school. The cliche would be to make her dumber than a box of rocks. But Kindra is a physics major who still has cheerleader syndrome: she has to bounce three times before she does anything. While to strangers, she might seem to have one blond moment after another, her friends know she is sharper than a Ginsu knife.
Also, in describing characters physically, zoom in and look for details that go beyond a fashion show and giving hair and eye color. A character who is dressed to the nines but has dirt under her nails is intriguing. As you zoom in, look for the bump at the corner of charater's eye. A tiny scar on the upper lip could have a whole story behind it that says something about the character's background.
Mannerisms as well reveal externally what might be going on with the character internally. Maybe you have a character who tugs on her ear everytime she tells a lie. Or one who keep pushing her glasses up even when the don't need to be pushed up.
Get beyond cliches and what is expected, details, details, details. That will give you the texture you are looking for in a character.
Sharon Dunn
http://www.sharondunnbooks.com/
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
...and here is a bit more...
Texture is one of those things that's hard to define but you know it when you see it. I believe it's in the details. A "richly textured" novel brings the reader into the story through details - details that don't bring the reader OUT of the story by being unrelated information where the author wants to squeeze in some research work, but rather details that enhance the story so the reader feels they're "there" with the characters, inside their head, touching, smelling, seeing, hearing, tasting whatever it is the character experiences.
The important part is that the details have to be related to the character, the story, the setting in a way that makes them seem a natural part of the story. One other thought on texture is that as the story progresses, it creates its own history and connectionbetween the character's experience and the reader's. So once the story has progressed a bit, if the character thinks back on something that happened within the context of the story, the reader will have the same memory as the character. There's a connection there, a layer of history they went through together that bonded them. The shared memory adds to the feeling of being in that story world, complete with layers of shared history.
Maureen Lang
http://www.maureenlang.com/
~~~~
I'm not sure what she means by "texture," but my suggestion is to be uninhibited in writing with your own unique writer's voice. Most often the entries I judge have a very bland, generic writer's voice with the writer's "true" voice only coming through in glimpses here and there. It's always amazing when a writer can break through their own psychological barriers and write with complete abandon, with complete freedom and absolutely unhindered.
One book I really liked that taught how to unleash a writer's voice is FINDING YOUR WRITER'S VOICE by Thaisa Frank and Dorothy Wall. Not all the exercises resonated with me, but most of them were terrific to help me define and develop my writer's voice.
Camy Tang
http://www.camytang.com/
~~~~
After reading the answers to what we wish we'd known about this business, this question just hit me. It seems so simplistic, and I'm sure the writer didn't mean it that way. In a way, it reminds me of the parable of the seeds - some fall on the path and won't sprout (join writers' groups, but never write), some in weeds and get choked out (polish three chapters and a synopsis over and over, but never finish a book), some on fertile ground and prosper. The fertile ground has the nourishment and conditions necessary, but even there, many seeds don't sprout. It's the seeds that actually soak up the nutrients and sunshine and keep doing so until maturity that prosper.
My answer: Assuming this writer has learned the basics (Story and Structure), study Donald Maass' Writing the Breakout Novel. Do the workbook. Read Brandilyn Collin's Getting into Character and many other great books that deal with writing deeper and raising the stakes. Become of student of human nature. Read great books and analyze why they are memorable. Take classes (college, adult education, on-line, at conferences), and apply the lessons to your work. Write, write, write. Persevere. IOW, the hard way, which eventually every writer must do. A very few people are naturally great writers. The rest of us learn by practice, experience and sweating blood over our books.
Too many writers seem to think there's a magic tip to gain the secret of writing something that will attract an agent and an editor and catapult them to their goal, which is to becoming published. That's a fairy tale. Yes, it's discouraging to keep writing and writing with no success, but that could be what it takes.
Sunni Jeffers
http://www.sunnijeffers.com/
~~~~
By texture, I assume you mean depth and dimension, in character, in plot and in setting. In the interest of keeping it short, I will deal with how to give a character texture.
To do this, don't be satisfied with falling back on stereotypes for characters. Present character in both their external appearance and internal functioning who are complex and even contradictory and a surprise to the reader. In my Bargain Hunters series, I have a blond character who was cheerleader in high school. The cliche would be to make her dumber than a box of rocks. But Kindra is a physics major who still has cheerleader syndrome: she has to bounce three times before she does anything. While to strangers, she might seem to have one blond moment after another, her friends know she is sharper than a Ginsu knife.
Also, in describing characters physically, zoom in and look for details that go beyond a fashion show and giving hair and eye color. A character who is dressed to the nines but has dirt under her nails is intriguing. As you zoom in, look for the bump at the corner of charater's eye. A tiny scar on the upper lip could have a whole story behind it that says something about the character's background.
Mannerisms as well reveal externally what might be going on with the character internally. Maybe you have a character who tugs on her ear everytime she tells a lie. Or one who keep pushing her glasses up even when the don't need to be pushed up.
Get beyond cliches and what is expected, details, details, details. That will give you the texture you are looking for in a character.
Sharon Dunn
http://www.sharondunnbooks.com/
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Advice for Novelists (Part 9)
C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Andy McGuire's answer? Surprise me. Think of an opening line that sounds like nothing you've heard before. Then follow that up with another. Then the next one. And the next. Come up with unique ways to introduce characters and plot elements. Find fresh metaphors and new insights. Avoid everything that sounds like you've heard it before. If your manuscript continues to surprise me, I'll continue to read it. Guaranteed. Novels are a reader's way of vacationing in someone else's mind for awhile. If it feels familiar, what's the point? Read the rest here.
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Andy McGuire's answer? Surprise me. Think of an opening line that sounds like nothing you've heard before. Then follow that up with another. Then the next one. And the next. Come up with unique ways to introduce characters and plot elements. Find fresh metaphors and new insights. Avoid everything that sounds like you've heard it before. If your manuscript continues to surprise me, I'll continue to read it. Guaranteed. Novels are a reader's way of vacationing in someone else's mind for awhile. If it feels familiar, what's the point? Read the rest here. Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Monday, April 14, 2008
More on texture...
Last week I shared about texture...here are what some other great writers had to say on the subject...
When I think of texture, I think of adding richness and beauty to the writing. I try to do this by using the five sense more in my writing. One of the things I look for when I revise is checking each scene to be sure I have used at least three of the five. Texture also brings to mind layering the characters and the plot. That means my characters need to be multidimensional not flat. I need to understand their back story and deeper motivations not just what shows up on the surface. I can also layer the plot with subplots, unexpected twists, symbolism, a unique setting and descriptions.
Blessings,
Carrie Turansky
www.carrieturansky.com
~~~~
I'll take a stab at this one: The five senses are one of the best ways I know of to add texture to a novel. What did the point-of-view character see, taste, touch, smell, feel and perceive. I like to do one read-through of my manuscript that is specifically to layer in sensations I may have missed in the earlier drafts when I was concentrating more on plot and characterization. Of course, it's easy to go overboard and use too many sensory details. It's like a stew--you need just the right mix of spices, but too much might overpower the flavor of the meat.
The other thing that I think can add texture, is sub-text or undercurrents. What the character says may not be what he/she means. A strong visual metaphor left unexplained by the author (or the character) can be very powerful.
Deborah Raney
www.deborahraney.com
~~~~
As I understand the term, a novel with lots of texture has many events and plot threads that are “woven together” successfully like the threads of a complex Oriental rug. Simply put, the various elements all play a role in the story and characterization — none seem added on. One classic example of a novel with texture is Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. Consider how much happens — which is why it takes a “miniseries” rather than a two-hour movie to “show” the full story.
I’m not sure if texture is a good thing or bad thing in a contemporary novel. Lots of texture demands work by the reader; anyone who merely scans the pages will miss the big-picture pattern.
Ron Benrey
http://www.benrey.com/nonfiction.php
~~~~
I have no idea what texture means to editors or others but to me, it means layering. Creating deeper characterization, deeper emotion, and plot lines that build one conflict or point on another. In my mind, it even ties with pacing because we want texture to be felt, so we can feel the weave and enjoy the tapestry of the story because we can sense where the threads are knotted together and where they overlap, yet they aren't snagged but form a clear and beautiful picture.
Just one opinion.
Gail
www.gailmartin.com
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends! Last week's winner was Anonymous who said... "I think your story is so cute. I wish u the best!!!" on 4/9/08's Generation NeXt Parenting blog! Congrats! Send my assistant your mailing address and the book of your choice and we'll get that in the mail to you!
When I think of texture, I think of adding richness and beauty to the writing. I try to do this by using the five sense more in my writing. One of the things I look for when I revise is checking each scene to be sure I have used at least three of the five. Texture also brings to mind layering the characters and the plot. That means my characters need to be multidimensional not flat. I need to understand their back story and deeper motivations not just what shows up on the surface. I can also layer the plot with subplots, unexpected twists, symbolism, a unique setting and descriptions.
Blessings,
Carrie Turansky
www.carrieturansky.com
~~~~
I'll take a stab at this one: The five senses are one of the best ways I know of to add texture to a novel. What did the point-of-view character see, taste, touch, smell, feel and perceive. I like to do one read-through of my manuscript that is specifically to layer in sensations I may have missed in the earlier drafts when I was concentrating more on plot and characterization. Of course, it's easy to go overboard and use too many sensory details. It's like a stew--you need just the right mix of spices, but too much might overpower the flavor of the meat.
The other thing that I think can add texture, is sub-text or undercurrents. What the character says may not be what he/she means. A strong visual metaphor left unexplained by the author (or the character) can be very powerful.
Deborah Raney
www.deborahraney.com
~~~~
As I understand the term, a novel with lots of texture has many events and plot threads that are “woven together” successfully like the threads of a complex Oriental rug. Simply put, the various elements all play a role in the story and characterization — none seem added on. One classic example of a novel with texture is Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. Consider how much happens — which is why it takes a “miniseries” rather than a two-hour movie to “show” the full story.
I’m not sure if texture is a good thing or bad thing in a contemporary novel. Lots of texture demands work by the reader; anyone who merely scans the pages will miss the big-picture pattern.
Ron Benrey
http://www.benrey.com/nonfiction.php
~~~~
I have no idea what texture means to editors or others but to me, it means layering. Creating deeper characterization, deeper emotion, and plot lines that build one conflict or point on another. In my mind, it even ties with pacing because we want texture to be felt, so we can feel the weave and enjoy the tapestry of the story because we can sense where the threads are knotted together and where they overlap, yet they aren't snagged but form a clear and beautiful picture.
Just one opinion.
Gail
www.gailmartin.com
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends! Last week's winner was Anonymous who said... "I think your story is so cute. I wish u the best!!!" on 4/9/08's Generation NeXt Parenting blog! Congrats! Send my assistant your mailing address and the book of your choice and we'll get that in the mail to you!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Texture...
BJ Hoff shared this on one of the writing loops we belong to:
One new writer asked me this:
I'd like to know how to acquire more texture in my writing, any suggestions?
-----
"Texture" seems to mean different things to different people, but it's a word that's definitely still in play with fiction writers and editors. For me, it means layers--in characterization, in plotting, in setting--in just about every aspect of the fiction process. It brings more depth, more "color," more richness to a novel.
I asked my editor what it means to him, and he thought a good synonym *would* be "depth"--depth in character and in a style of writing that appeals to the senses. He mentioned that he uses the word quite often. And he also made the interesting observation that texture doesn't
necessarily have much to do with a novel's success, that some novels without much texture still sell very well, while others with a great deal of texture don't ... but that you can turn that around and it still applies.
It has more to do with "quality" and depth than with sales success.
BJ
http://www.bjhoffgr acenotes. typepad.com
Several of my author friends shared their thoughts...I'll be posting them over the next few weeks.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
One new writer asked me this:
I'd like to know how to acquire more texture in my writing, any suggestions?
-----
"Texture" seems to mean different things to different people, but it's a word that's definitely still in play with fiction writers and editors. For me, it means layers--in characterization, in plotting, in setting--in just about every aspect of the fiction process. It brings more depth, more "color," more richness to a novel.
I asked my editor what it means to him, and he thought a good synonym *would* be "depth"--depth in character and in a style of writing that appeals to the senses. He mentioned that he uses the word quite often. And he also made the interesting observation that texture doesn't
necessarily have much to do with a novel's success, that some novels without much texture still sell very well, while others with a great deal of texture don't ... but that you can turn that around and it still applies.
It has more to do with "quality" and depth than with sales success.
BJ
http://www.bjhoffgr acenotes. typepad.com
Several of my author friends shared their thoughts...I'll be posting them over the next few weeks.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Advice for Novelists (Part 8)
C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Mike Silva had this to say: Just one thing, really?
I'm an editor at WaterBrook, but in my free time, I'm an unpublished
novelist.
So I've developed these 3 steps to writing fiction that I call my "formula" and interestingly, all of them essentially come down to one thing. Masochistic devotion. I don't know how universal this is-and it's certainly not natural. But I'm a little weird, which doesn't hurt in this profession. And while it's taken me a while to hammer out the 3 steps, something like 8 years, maybe 9, I've never seen anything like this in all the top recommended writing and editing books, which are great. Until I translated all that advice into my own steps and practice, I never felt I was writing my best stuff. You know, not really. And I don't really know if I'm writing my best now, but it feels different, like I've passed the point of no return and it'd be harder to stop now than it would be to keep going.
Kind of like love.
Read the rest here.
Mick Silva, Editor, Waterbrook Press (Visit Mick's blog here for those three steps!)
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Mike Silva had this to say: Just one thing, really?
I'm an editor at WaterBrook, but in my free time, I'm an unpublishednovelist.
So I've developed these 3 steps to writing fiction that I call my "formula" and interestingly, all of them essentially come down to one thing. Masochistic devotion. I don't know how universal this is-and it's certainly not natural. But I'm a little weird, which doesn't hurt in this profession. And while it's taken me a while to hammer out the 3 steps, something like 8 years, maybe 9, I've never seen anything like this in all the top recommended writing and editing books, which are great. Until I translated all that advice into my own steps and practice, I never felt I was writing my best stuff. You know, not really. And I don't really know if I'm writing my best now, but it feels different, like I've passed the point of no return and it'd be harder to stop now than it would be to keep going.
Kind of like love.
Read the rest here.
Mick Silva, Editor, Waterbrook Press (Visit Mick's blog here for those three steps!)
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
I don't save anything
Years ago I read the below advice. Unfortunately I didn't remember who said it ... but thankfully the advice stuck with me.
Whatever paragraph I'm writing, I attempt to give it all. I don't save anything. I gobble up the best in the presenting, trusting God will provide more for the future.
“One of the few things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book, or for another book; give it all, give it now. The impulse to save something good for a better place later is the signal to spend it now. Something more will arise for later, something better. These things fill from behind, from beneath, like well water.
Similarly, the impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. You open your safe and find ashes.
After Michelangelo died someone found in his studio a piece of paper on which he had written a note to his apprentice, in the handwriting of his old age: ‘Draw, Antonio, draw, Antonio, draw and do not waste time.’ “
-- Anne Dillard, The Writing Life, HarperPerennial
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Whatever paragraph I'm writing, I attempt to give it all. I don't save anything. I gobble up the best in the presenting, trusting God will provide more for the future.
“One of the few things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book, or for another book; give it all, give it now. The impulse to save something good for a better place later is the signal to spend it now. Something more will arise for later, something better. These things fill from behind, from beneath, like well water.
Similarly, the impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. You open your safe and find ashes.
After Michelangelo died someone found in his studio a piece of paper on which he had written a note to his apprentice, in the handwriting of his old age: ‘Draw, Antonio, draw, Antonio, draw and do not waste time.’ “
-- Anne Dillard, The Writing Life, HarperPerennial
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Advice for Novelists (Part 7)
C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Rachelle Gardner had this to say... The biggest mistake I see novelists making is trying to get published too soon. My Native American friend Russell Means used to tell me, "It takes the time it takes." He was always trying to get me to stop rushing. Now that mantra sticks in my mind when I find myself trying to force something before its time. Read the rest here.
Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent, WordServe Literary (Be sure to check out her terrific blog here that's full of more insights like this!)
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Rachelle Gardner had this to say... The biggest mistake I see novelists making is trying to get published too soon. My Native American friend Russell Means used to tell me, "It takes the time it takes." He was always trying to get me to stop rushing. Now that mantra sticks in my mind when I find myself trying to force something before its time. Read the rest here.Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent, WordServe Literary (Be sure to check out her terrific blog here that's full of more insights like this!)
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Monday, April 7, 2008
not a bad epitaph...
Sometimes I think the coolest thing about writing will be the heaven-reunion where I get to meet all those who my words touched here on earth. What a party that will be! Lord, help me to be faithful!
Max Lucado (one of my favorite authors) reminds me (us!) what introducing someone to Jesus is all about. Take hope in this today ... and continue those introductions!
“The Bible has its share of family sedans. Consistent and predictable, these saints were spurred by a gut-level conviction that they had been called by no one less than God himself. As a result, their work wasn’t affected by moods, cloudy days, or rocky trails. Their performance graph didn’t rise and fall with roller-coaster irregularity. They weren’t addicted to accolades or applause nor deterred by grumpy bosses or empty wallets. Rather than strive to be spectacular, they aspired to be accountable and dependable. And since their loyalty was not determined by their comfort, they were just as faithful in dark prisons as they were in spotlighted pulpits . . .
Andrew wasn’t a keynoter at the Pentecost crusade. He probably wasn’t on the podium, on the schedule, or even on the planning committee. But if he hadn’t been on his toes some years earlier, Peter the powerful preacher might have been nothing more than Peter the impetuous fish-catcher. Andrew, considering he was an apostle, is mentioned a surprisingly small number of times. Yet every time he is mentioned he’s doing the same thing: introducing somebody to Jesus. No lights, no pulpits, no reviews, but not a bad epitaph.”
-Max Lucado, “God Came Near”
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Max Lucado (one of my favorite authors) reminds me (us!) what introducing someone to Jesus is all about. Take hope in this today ... and continue those introductions!
“The Bible has its share of family sedans. Consistent and predictable, these saints were spurred by a gut-level conviction that they had been called by no one less than God himself. As a result, their work wasn’t affected by moods, cloudy days, or rocky trails. Their performance graph didn’t rise and fall with roller-coaster irregularity. They weren’t addicted to accolades or applause nor deterred by grumpy bosses or empty wallets. Rather than strive to be spectacular, they aspired to be accountable and dependable. And since their loyalty was not determined by their comfort, they were just as faithful in dark prisons as they were in spotlighted pulpits . . .
Andrew wasn’t a keynoter at the Pentecost crusade. He probably wasn’t on the podium, on the schedule, or even on the planning committee. But if he hadn’t been on his toes some years earlier, Peter the powerful preacher might have been nothing more than Peter the impetuous fish-catcher. Andrew, considering he was an apostle, is mentioned a surprisingly small number of times. Yet every time he is mentioned he’s doing the same thing: introducing somebody to Jesus. No lights, no pulpits, no reviews, but not a bad epitaph.”
-Max Lucado, “God Came Near”
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Friday, April 4, 2008
WORSHIP music
Some people need quiet to write. I need worship music. For some reason in helps me to remember WHO is in control and WHO is there to help. Here is a great quote by Calvin Miller about worship. It puts it all in perspective.
“My gift to you is love, but
Worship is your gift to Me.
And Oh, most glorious it is!
Worship always calls Me ‘Father’ and
Makes us both rich with common joy.
Worship Me, for only this great gift
Can set you free from the killing love of self,
And prick your fear with valiant courage
To fly in hope through moments of despair.
Worship will remind you
That no man knows completeness in himself.
Worship will teach you to speak your name,
When you’ve forgotten who you are.
Worship is duty and privilege,
Debt and grand inheritance at once.
Worship, therefore at those midnights
When the stars hide.
Worship in the storms till love
Makes thunder whimper and grow quiet
And listen to your whispered hymns.
Worship and be free.”
-- Calvin Miller, A Requiem For Love pg. 18
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
“My gift to you is love, but
Worship is your gift to Me.
And Oh, most glorious it is!
Worship always calls Me ‘Father’ and
Makes us both rich with common joy.
Worship Me, for only this great gift
Can set you free from the killing love of self,
And prick your fear with valiant courage
To fly in hope through moments of despair.
Worship will remind you
That no man knows completeness in himself.
Worship will teach you to speak your name,
When you’ve forgotten who you are.
Worship is duty and privilege,
Debt and grand inheritance at once.
Worship, therefore at those midnights
When the stars hide.
Worship in the storms till love
Makes thunder whimper and grow quiet
And listen to your whispered hymns.
Worship and be free.”
-- Calvin Miller, A Requiem For Love pg. 18
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Advice for Novelists (Part 6)
C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Steve Laube had this to say: A great story is the key. A fresh story is even better! We are deluged by unsolicited proposals with stories that all sound the same. But every once in a while comes that great story with a fresh take and style. Next month look for My Name Is Russell Fink by Michael Snyder (Zondervan) as an example of something that fits that criteria. In addition see When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall (Waterbrook), Dinner With A Perfect Stranger by David Gregory (Waterbrook), The Secret Life of Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck (Bethany House), and Coldwater Revival by Nancy Jo Jenkins. All these titles are debut novelists that captured the attention and imagination of
our agency. Read the rest here
~~Steve Laube, The Steve Laube Agency (Click here for their guidelines)
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Steve Laube had this to say: A great story is the key. A fresh story is even better! We are deluged by unsolicited proposals with stories that all sound the same. But every once in a while comes that great story with a fresh take and style. Next month look for My Name Is Russell Fink by Michael Snyder (Zondervan) as an example of something that fits that criteria. In addition see When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall (Waterbrook), Dinner With A Perfect Stranger by David Gregory (Waterbrook), The Secret Life of Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck (Bethany House), and Coldwater Revival by Nancy Jo Jenkins. All these titles are debut novelists that captured the attention and imagination ofour agency. Read the rest here
~~Steve Laube, The Steve Laube Agency (Click here for their guidelines)
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Little by little...
I remember what is was like looking at published authors. They seemed to have everything together ... and I seemed so lost on God's plan for me.
I've been looking back at old journals and it helps to remember how far God has brought me. Maybe this will also encourage those of you who are still striving and dreaming of publication:
3.13.97
Well, I finally heard . . . No, the publisher didn’t accept LEGEND. I called * this morning and they made their decision last night (what timing, huh?). She said that LEGEND made it to the finals of the finalists. She said that it was a very hard decision and LEGEND wasn’t rejected because of the writing quality, but because they had too many Contemporary, western novels and they needed some variety. She also said she wrote me a personal note and I should be getting that soon and not to put LEGEND in a drawer, but to get it out there. Well, that’s what I’m planning on doing. So I guess now I know what to take to the conference . . . for the third year in a row!
(I wrote this a few days ago before learning about *'s decision. I know it was written to minister to me this very moment.)
Thought for Today:
“The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you.’ Deuteronomy 7:22
As I read Deuteronomy, and the exhortations to the Israelites as they prepare to enter their promised land, I think about my future in writing. I feel as if I am standing in the wilderness, gazing upon the promised land on the other side. The obstacles of acceptance appear overwhelming, yet the land of publication looks so good, so bountiful! My desire is to take it all now, to step over the threshold and subdue the land! Yet, God knows better than I. “Little by little,” is His plan.
God knows the territory. He knows my ability. He knows how overwhelming it would be to get too much too soon. So step by step, I’ll keep His pace. An article, a filler, a devotional or two.
At times when I feel ready to overtake the land, Lord, help me to remember it is only possible little by little, one step at a time.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
I've been looking back at old journals and it helps to remember how far God has brought me. Maybe this will also encourage those of you who are still striving and dreaming of publication:
3.13.97
Well, I finally heard . . . No, the publisher didn’t accept LEGEND. I called * this morning and they made their decision last night (what timing, huh?). She said that LEGEND made it to the finals of the finalists. She said that it was a very hard decision and LEGEND wasn’t rejected because of the writing quality, but because they had too many Contemporary, western novels and they needed some variety. She also said she wrote me a personal note and I should be getting that soon and not to put LEGEND in a drawer, but to get it out there. Well, that’s what I’m planning on doing. So I guess now I know what to take to the conference . . . for the third year in a row!
(I wrote this a few days ago before learning about *'s decision. I know it was written to minister to me this very moment.)
Thought for Today:
“The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you.’ Deuteronomy 7:22
As I read Deuteronomy, and the exhortations to the Israelites as they prepare to enter their promised land, I think about my future in writing. I feel as if I am standing in the wilderness, gazing upon the promised land on the other side. The obstacles of acceptance appear overwhelming, yet the land of publication looks so good, so bountiful! My desire is to take it all now, to step over the threshold and subdue the land! Yet, God knows better than I. “Little by little,” is His plan.
God knows the territory. He knows my ability. He knows how overwhelming it would be to get too much too soon. So step by step, I’ll keep His pace. An article, a filler, a devotional or two.
At times when I feel ready to overtake the land, Lord, help me to remember it is only possible little by little, one step at a time.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Advice for Novelists (Part 5)
C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Rod Morris had this to say:
Don't preach to your readers and don't give in to the temptation to explain (tell) what's going on in your story. Know your characters intimately and let us see and hear them in action, then trust the power of their story to convey the theme or message of your novel.
--Rod Morris, Senior Editor, Harvest House Publishers
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"
Rod Morris had this to say:
Don't preach to your readers and don't give in to the temptation to explain (tell) what's going on in your story. Know your characters intimately and let us see and hear them in action, then trust the power of their story to convey the theme or message of your novel.
--Rod Morris, Senior Editor, Harvest House Publishers
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
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