Conflict isn’t characters fighting with each other (although that could be part of it!). It is the thing that is preventing our characters from finding their happily ever after (HEA) together. Stories that have strong conflicts, that make you wonder “oh my goodness, how will they ever get together?” are the ones that linger in a reader’s mind long after closing the book. … [Read more...]
What is a story thread and why should I care?
Creating a story is like knitting or weaving—the difference? Writers use words to create the unforgettable patterns that make readers think of a story long after the last page. But you have to keep track of them. Ever read a story where there was a cool element (maybe a character, or a weakness) introduced but never shows up again? That is a dropped thread. Dropping a thread … [Read more...]
Accomplishment Sessions
Mark anything “Done” lately? Ever miss that sense of accomplishment? I sure do! Writing is never done. Think about it. You write a draft, revise it. Done, right? Nope. Your critique partners give feedback and you rip your manuscript apart and rewrite it. Done? Not by a long shot…. Off your work goes to an agent (or editor) for the “first pass” edit (big picture … [Read more...]
Jenna versus the Mountain
Ever been overwhelmed by the scope of the project in front of you? A few weeks after my hand surgery I turned my attention to revising my current work in progress (a hockey story). As I dug into my revision process I realized that my draft is, shall we say…..not polished. And the ending doesn’t work. And I have too many secondary characters running around who don’t … [Read more...]
Take a Break
Writers are constantly running at eleven (Thank you, This is Spinal Tap). No one wants to get burned out, so be sure to keep an eye on your stamina and mood. When it starts to slow and/or falter, it might be time to take a break. Nothing wrong with a break. The trick to any time off from writing is to get restarted before the break becomes permanent. (Although I could … [Read more...]
Find us on…