This was from a short session that James Scott Bell discussed at the Lone Star RWA Conference that I thought you might like: Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch: Every writer needs to be prepared to promote their book at any moment to whomever they meet. You never know when the person you run into will be [...]
A great story is life with the dull parts taken out --Alfred Hitchcock I had the opportunity to attend a day long seminar by James Scott Bell on writing and he started out with this quote. I loved it and thought it great to share. I'd also like to add just a few key points [...]
I met Rebecca York at the RWA Conference and I doubt she even remembers meeting me...but she made an impression and after reading her blog, I was so impressed I had to share the knowledge. http://www.onromancewriting.com/2012/10/more-on-details.html For instance, here's one she wrote on conflict: http://www.onromancewriting.com/2012/09/conflictthe-essence-of-good-fiction.html And integrating plot and character: http://www.onromancewriting.com/2012_08_01_archive.html Read some of her [...]
I have read numerous articles on writing that start out with ten steps, three steps, eight things, etc….in other words, a nice neat list of items that will help you plot your next novel. I am not bashing those lists. Yet, for me, the most disorganized of writers –trying to remember those ten things plus those eight things [...]
I got a wild hair last week and decided to attend the Writer's Police Academy in Greensboro, N.C. - I am there now, getting ready to start first session this evening. While waiting for it to start, I drove to Old Salem for a tour of the historical museum there. Sorry. No Witch-burnings or [...]
With entertainment....I love a good thrill, whether a movie or a book. Scare me. Excite me. Keep me guessing what you're going to do...and even if it's you or someone else. Thrillers are fantastic. It doesn't even have to revolve around a crime, although the scare factor gets a bit more intense when it's a [...]
Early this summer, I submitted a partial manuscript to the Denver Molly Awards contest. Notification came several weeks ago that it made it to the second round and I was elated but cautious. One very obvious fact is --the judging on contests is as subjective as food preferences. What one judge absolutely loves and gives [...]
I've been in front of the laptop for a couple days tweaking and editing my current manuscript. I've done all the scenes I planned to do and really fleshed out my bad guy, hero, and heroine. These are the big three in my writing. I really love books that get into the head of the bad guy or [...]
Let's have some fun with our writing. Go to the last page of one of your books. Count up three lines and send me a sentence. If the last page is too revealing, pick the end of a chapter. Here's mine (taken from Numbers Never Lie): ―I think I‘ll take my chances. And this one [...]
RWA Take Away – Cherry Adair’s discussion on the Choreography of Action First of all, if you haven’t seen Ms. Adair speak, you’ve really missed a treat. She’s one witty lady and she’ll definitely keep you on your toes. Oh, and never, never yawn or close your eyes in one of her talks. I won't [...]
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