Writing Category
Good News for “Meghan’s Choice”
Posted on February 16, 2017 5 Comments
I’m excited to announce that later this year, my novel, “Meghan’s Choice” will finally be published. Through the literary agency I signed with, I will be self-publishing Meghan’s Choice. Stay tuned here for more information. It’s been a l-o-n-g struggle. I got the idea for the novel five years ago. I wrote the first draft […]
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part VI
Posted on February 15, 2017 Leave a Comment
When creating a story, we’re encouraged to create a “backstory” for each of the main characters. This is what’s happened to the character before the story begins, and affects how that character behaves. But don’t confuse character “history” to “backstory.” Use only what backstory is necessary to the story now. Click to Tweet #amwriting #storyfixing
APD Part IV––Horrendous Miss J
Posted on February 14, 2017 Leave a Comment
What do you do when your teacher wants to be popular with her students to the degree that she persecutes you? Just because she saw them do it. In my case, my parents had to get involved. Teachers should never side with a group of students to bully or persecute another student. Click to Tweet […]
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part V
Posted on February 8, 2017 Leave a Comment
This week, we’ll talk about escalation and how to fix some issues having to do with get the snowball down the mountain. It’s picking up speed, gaining momentum, and it will eventually become an avalanche. This is what needs to happen with your story. Click to Tweet #amwriting #storyfixing
APD Part III––Rusty Tin Can
Posted on February 7, 2017 Leave a Comment
You’ve heard the saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” How I wish that were true. We say that to ourselves to try to protect our hearts from being hurt, but the truth is, negative and hurtful words wound. Click to Tweet #amwriting #rejection #APD
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part V
Posted on January 25, 2017 Leave a Comment
Villains. Scoundrels. Antiheroes. Adversaries. Mwmah ha ha! Every story needs an antagonist. Click to Tweet #amwriting #story-fixing
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part IV
Posted on January 18, 2017 Leave a Comment
This time we’re talking about setbacks. How can hindrances, hold-ups, delays, impediments, and obstructions to your protagonist can actually help move your story along? Click to Tweet #amwriting #story-fixing
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part III
Posted on January 4, 2017 1 Comment
Interlude. Scene and sequel. Taking a break. Hit the pause button. You know, that thing in-between scenes, right after a scene, the character processes, takes stock of what’s just happened, and decides what they’ll do next. Even an action novel or cozy mystery needs to have an interlude. Click to Tweet #amwriting #story-fixing
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part II
Posted on December 14, 2016 Leave a Comment
What makes a story? Is it the plot? Is it the characters? Is it both? Yes and no. You can have the best plot in all the world, but if no one cares about your characters living the plot, then the story doesn’t succeed. The U.S. Declaration of Independence talks about as our main goal…life, […]
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part I
Posted on December 7, 2016 Leave a Comment
You’ve written your novel and proofread it for grammar and usage. We’re starting a new series based on Troubleshooting Your Novel. In it, pantser extraordinaire Steven James will show us what questions to ask ourselves to analyze and fix some of the problems our novels have. Asking yourself the right questions when story-fixing your novel […]
Donna L.H. Smith 