Writing Resources Category
Writing Your Story from the Middle––Part II
Posted on October 25, 2017 Leave a Comment
Why should you start your story from the middle? Last week, we talked about the middle being Act II of the three-act structure. What goes on in Act II? Act II is the escalating, rise and fall, of conflict in a story. Click to Tweet #amwriting #writefromthemiddle
Writing Your Story from the Middle––Part I
Posted on October 18, 2017 Leave a Comment
It’s a radical concept. Generally, the middle is the hardest place to write through. I’ve already talked about keeping the middle from “sagging” in your story. But did I once ever discuss this radical concept I’m about to introduce? I don’t think so. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a plotter, a panster, or something in-between. […]
Writer’s Conference Prep 101 –– Part VII
Posted on September 27, 2017 Leave a Comment
You’ve prepped and you did it. You attended your first major writers’ conference. What now? Processing the conference internally will help you remember and learn. You’ll be that much more experienced next time. Click to Tweet #amwriting #conferenceprep101
Writing Romance 101––Part III
Posted on September 27, 2017 1 Comment
Crafting the Heroine. The heroine is the key to any romance. Yes, we women also want a great guy for her to end up with, and we’ll talk about crafting him, too, at a later date. The romantic heroine is the reader’s alter ego. She controls everything the reader feels. Click to Tweet #amwriting #writingromance101 […]
Writer’s Conference Prep 101 –– Part VI
Posted on September 20, 2017 Leave a Comment
We’ve talked about a lot of things here. Today, is the pitch. It’s the last piece you’ll need to have ready. The pitch sells your story in the shortest time, yet most compelling way. Click to Tweet #amwriting #conferenceprep101
Writer’s Conference Prep 101 –– Part V
Posted on September 13, 2017 Leave a Comment
We’re winding down this series, which started when a writer friend of mine attended her first major writers’ conference to meet with editors and agents, and didn’t know she needed a completed manuscript in fiction. Today, we’ll talk about networking. Making even one really good connection at a conference can further your career in ways […]
Writers’ Conference Prep 101––Part IV
Posted on September 6, 2017 Leave a Comment
We’ve talked about finishing your manuscript, and having a business card –– all in preparation to attend a writers’ conference. Maybe you’ve heard you need what is called a “One-Sheet.” What is it and why would you need one? It’s like a snapshot of you and your story to give prospective agents and editors a […]
Writers’ Conference Prep 101––Part III
Posted on August 30, 2017 Leave a Comment
Attending a writers’ conference is almost mandatory in order to advance yourself personally, and professionally. But you need to know what to expect. That’s why I’m writing these posts. I’ve attended numerous conferences, from a local one-day, to a multi-day conference far away. I’ve learned a lot, and hope to pass some of that along […]
Keeping the Middle Moving––Part VII
Posted on August 2, 2017 Leave a Comment
That sagging middle––you know the place. It’s where your story bogs down, and you don’t know how to fix it. Today, we’ll look at The comedic scene, the setup scene, plus explain what kind of scene you should never write in the middle of your story. Keep them laughing with comedic tension and set-up the […]
Keeping the Middle Moving––Part VI
Posted on July 26, 2017 Leave a Comment
Choose your scenes wisely. But which to choose? There are certain types of scenes that, if utilized, can ramp up your action, create tension, and keep your middle from bogging down. There is one scene type you won’t want to use. We’ll cover that next week. Use the chase, the fight, and the romance, to […]
Donna L.H. Smith 