Characterization

Why Do Writers Get Stuck Even When Writing With An Outline?

A quick tips video for you today — two reasons why you might get stuck in the middle of your first draft, even if you’re writing with a detailed plot outline.

 

P.S. I’ve been working on a secret project for a couple of weeks now, and it’s almost time to pull back the curtain!  More news coming soon…

How to Create Powerful Internal Conflicts for Your Characters

I’m blogging at Savvy Authors today about how to construct internal conflicts so that they generate plot ideas and help you make the theme of your story stronger.

If you can complete the Internal Conflict Sentence, you’ll find out if your character’s internal conflict works (and it’ll be obvious how to fix it if it doesn’t work).  If you struggle to writing stories where the character’s inner struggles drive the external plot, this is where you start.

Read all about it at:

http://savvyauthors.com/blog/index.php/the-internal-conflict-formula-that-generates-plot-points-and-strengthens-theme-by-lynn-johnston/

Hope to see you there!

The 8 Steps of the Character Growth Arc

For easy reference, here are the eight steps of the character growth arc (from my workshop, Dynamic Characterization: A No-Inspiration Required System for Creating Unforgettable Characters).

character arc tip graphic-300 wide 100 dpi

Editing for Story, Part 3: Scenes

Welcome to the third video in the Editing for Story series!

Today we’re talking about questions to help you evaluate the content of your scenes and look for overall patterns as you create your revision list.

The Editing for Story videos are a companion to the Editing for Story ebook–don’t forget to download your free PDF after you watch the video.

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 30

Welcome to Day 30, the final day of NaNoWriMo!

Today we’re talking about your story’s resolution and how to tie up all those loose story ends, as well as the emotion that you’ll end your story on.

Thanks for stopping by! Come by tomorrow–we’ll talk about what to do next and how to get started on editing your novel.

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 29

Welcome to Day 29 of NaNoWriMo!

Today we’re talking about the defeat or victory of the protagonist during the climax of your novel and how to make it pay off in the biggest way possible, as well as handling endings in a book that’s part of a series.

Thanks for stopping by–come back tomorrow for Day 30 tips!

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 28

Welcome to the 28th day of NaNoWriMo!

Today we’re talking about the beginning of the final, epic showdown between your protagonist and antagonist, and what makes a good climax.

Thanks for stopping by–come back tomorrow for Day 29 plotting tips!

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 27

Welcome to NaNoWriMo Day 27!

Today we’re talking about how to isolate your protagonist from his/her allies and set up the final showdown with the antagonist.

Thanks for dropping by–come back tomorrow for more plotting tips!

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 26

Welcome to Day 26 of NaNoWriMo!

Today we’re talking about the initial skirmish between the protagonist’s and antagonist’s forces, and the role your secondary characters play as we build to the climax.

Thanks for coming by–stop in tomorrow for Day 27 plotting tips!

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 25

Welcome to Day 25 of NaNoWriMo!

Today we’re talking about how your protagonist and his/her allies are preparing for the climax and what kind of climax you’re promising the reader with what you show or don’t show.

Thanks for stopping by–come back tomorrow for Day 26 plotting tips!