This lesson will be a challenge for me, because although I understand the concept, I’ve not used it as much in my writing. Subtext––is what’s really meant, not what’s said. Click to Tweet #amwriting #storyfixing
Tag: Steven James
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part IV
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
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
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, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Steven James, in his book Troubleshooting Your Novel, says “Stories are not about happily ever after. They’re about the pursuit of happiness.” Story-fixing your plot so that it is the by-product of the pursuit, not its precursor makes for better reading. Click to Tweet #amwriting #story-fixing
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part I
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 will make revisions go smoother. Click to Tweet #amwriting #story-fixing Continue reading “Story-fixing Your Novel––Part I”
Writing Unforgettable Fiction—Part II
Last week, I talked about making promises to readers from Chapter 11 of Story Trumps Structure: How to Write Unforgettable Fiction by Breaking the Rules, by Steven James. Today, I’m going to talk about plot twists.
Writing Unforgettable Fiction—Part I
A year ago, when I finished my Craftsman class with DiAnn Mills, she recommended I get a book entitled Story Trumps Structure, by Steven James. I finally ordered it last week. Its tagline is How to Write Unforgettable Fiction by Breaking the Rules. I haven’t read it all yet, but I’ve been skimming. This is a book for “pantsers,” those writers who hate the idea of plotting out every little scene and detail of their story. Because most of us “organic” writers know that even the best-laid plots of mice and men are sometimes changed while they’re being written. Click to tweet
This book is entirely different than any other book on writing I’ve ever seen. Today, I’ll focus on Chapter 11, “Promises: The Keys to Building Suspense and Satisfying Your Readers.”
