Nancy Kelly Allen's Blog, page 19
August 2, 2015
Idea to Finished Manuscript, Part IV
A new pair of eyes is needed before sending your manuscript to an editor or agent. Latch onto a writing partner and trade critiques or join a critique group. Either way, you will receive honest, constructive feedback. The feedback will make you look at your work in a new way. It is the most efficient way to strengthen writing skills and brings a new perspective to your manuscript. Choose a partner or group that writes the same type manuscripts as you, if possible.
Having a writing buddy or buddies keep you working. On days when you procrastinate, deciding to wait until tomorrow or next week or when you feel inspired to write the next chapter, you keep fingers to the keyboard because your group expects you to submit a new chapter. Not only do these groups keep you writing, they keep you writing your best. The quality feedback offers ideas and avenues that you had not considered for your characters and plots.
Shared resources is another benefit. If one member hears of a publisher requesting a particular type of manuscript or running a contest, the information is passed along. My critique partner and I share lots of information from contests to new publishers to agents. I know her work so well and she knows mine so we pass along timely information that fits our writing.
Networking with other writers is inspirational. Writers will encourage you when rejection letters pile up, as rejection letters do with everyone who submits.
Writing is a solitary job but good writing comes from rewriting. With a little help from writing buddies, your manuscript can shape up so you can ship it out.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: OUTDOOR FAMILIES
Features are generally 800-1,000 words in length, and cover travel, specific outdoor destinations, issues affecting children and the outdoors, and how-to articles; they should reflect a wide diversity of outside opportunities in a variety of environments. Recipes, trip reports, and gear reviews should range between 600-800 words. “My Outdoor Family” is a popular segment of our magazine, and a great vehicle for writers new to online publications. Share your family’s outdoor passions, experiences, and goals in 600-700 words. Fifty percent kill fee.Submission guidelines at http://www.outdoorfamiliesonline.com/writers-guidelines/
Having a writing buddy or buddies keep you working. On days when you procrastinate, deciding to wait until tomorrow or next week or when you feel inspired to write the next chapter, you keep fingers to the keyboard because your group expects you to submit a new chapter. Not only do these groups keep you writing, they keep you writing your best. The quality feedback offers ideas and avenues that you had not considered for your characters and plots.
Shared resources is another benefit. If one member hears of a publisher requesting a particular type of manuscript or running a contest, the information is passed along. My critique partner and I share lots of information from contests to new publishers to agents. I know her work so well and she knows mine so we pass along timely information that fits our writing.
Networking with other writers is inspirational. Writers will encourage you when rejection letters pile up, as rejection letters do with everyone who submits.
Writing is a solitary job but good writing comes from rewriting. With a little help from writing buddies, your manuscript can shape up so you can ship it out.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: OUTDOOR FAMILIES
Features are generally 800-1,000 words in length, and cover travel, specific outdoor destinations, issues affecting children and the outdoors, and how-to articles; they should reflect a wide diversity of outside opportunities in a variety of environments. Recipes, trip reports, and gear reviews should range between 600-800 words. “My Outdoor Family” is a popular segment of our magazine, and a great vehicle for writers new to online publications. Share your family’s outdoor passions, experiences, and goals in 600-700 words. Fifty percent kill fee.Submission guidelines at http://www.outdoorfamiliesonline.com/writers-guidelines/
July 26, 2015
Idea to Finished Manuscript, Part IV
Outline. Are you a panster (writing a story by the seat of your pants) or a plotter (outliner)? Do you outline the story from beginning to end? I’m a plotter because it helps me think the story through before I begin writing and saves me a ton of time in revision. I figure out the plot and the setbacks and other twists and turns before hit the keyboard. Other writers plan as they go. Both ways work. Try each to see which is a better fit for you.
Add dialog to make the characters come alive. Dialog should sound real, not be real. When people talk, our words usually flow freely out of our mouths but the conversation can be boring reading. We often add uh and um and get sidetracked in our thoughts. Dialog should stay focused and either promote the plot or help develop the character.
Play with your idea and have fun with it. The first draft is supposed to be terrible so don’t be alarmed when you read your story and say Yuck! Garbage material. All writing has preliminary stages in which you discard some ideas and keep others. Create different plots to discover what works and what doesn’t. Give your ideas time to incubate and grow. If you’re not having fun with the story, the reader probably won’t either.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA – CHICKEN SOUP
http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
Send us your stories about what it means to be an American, whether you’re talking about apple pie and baseball, country music and our national anthem, barbecues, national holidays, our military heroes, first responders, American ingenuity, buying “made in America”, our huge and varied country, our diversity and our tolerance, our energy and spirit, and all the other things that make us proud Americans. Deadline November 30, 2015. Limit 1,200 words. Pays $200 and ten copies.Submission guidelines at http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
Add dialog to make the characters come alive. Dialog should sound real, not be real. When people talk, our words usually flow freely out of our mouths but the conversation can be boring reading. We often add uh and um and get sidetracked in our thoughts. Dialog should stay focused and either promote the plot or help develop the character.
Play with your idea and have fun with it. The first draft is supposed to be terrible so don’t be alarmed when you read your story and say Yuck! Garbage material. All writing has preliminary stages in which you discard some ideas and keep others. Create different plots to discover what works and what doesn’t. Give your ideas time to incubate and grow. If you’re not having fun with the story, the reader probably won’t either.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA – CHICKEN SOUP
http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
Send us your stories about what it means to be an American, whether you’re talking about apple pie and baseball, country music and our national anthem, barbecues, national holidays, our military heroes, first responders, American ingenuity, buying “made in America”, our huge and varied country, our diversity and our tolerance, our energy and spirit, and all the other things that make us proud Americans. Deadline November 30, 2015. Limit 1,200 words. Pays $200 and ten copies.Submission guidelines at http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
July 19, 2015
Idea to Finished Manuscript, Part III
Try these ideas to develop your story.
Remember moments from your childhood. Fiction writing often draws from real life and what is more real that memories of your youth? Mine these memories for stories and scenes to use in fiction writing. What made you scared, happy, angry, sad, joyful, laugh, jump up and down? Memories are wonderful triggers that inspire a story; however here’s a word of caution—don’t allow memories to tell the entire story. Use them as a starting point then allow the characters to tell their own special tale. Let your imagination take the story in a new direction. Adhering too closely to the actual details limits the scope and potential of a manuscript. Think about the universal appeal of a book. The story should resonate with a large segment of the audience.
Emotions: The character’s feelings make the protagonist seem real to the audience. In fact, the most powerful way to connect a character with readers is through strong emotions. The interaction becomes meaningful when a character displays a vulnerable side and transforms to become stronger by the end of the story. As in life, people often are in control of their emotions when the sailing is smooth, but when life gets rocky and rough, we see the real person emerge through their emotions and actions. Allow the character to travel a rough, rocky road to fully develop.
Get back to the basics. A story consists of two elements: character and conflict. The character needs to aim for a goal or experience a problem and must reach the goal or solve the problem on his/her own merit. Ask these questions. Who is the character? What does the character want? What is standing in the way of the character getting what she/he wants? When you answer these questions, you have a story idea. Other elements, such as setting, can be added later.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Dramatics is an educational theatre magazine published since 1929 by the International Thespian Society, and its parent organization, the Educational Theatre Association. Dramatics is published nine times a year, September through May, in both print and online digital replica versions. It has a circulation of about 45,000. Approximately 80 percent of its readers are high school theatre students; about 10 percent are high school theatre teachers. Other subscribers include libraries, college theatre students and teachers, and others interested in educational theatre. The primary editorial objectives of the magazine are: to provide serious, committed young theatre students and their teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to make better theatre; to be a resource that will help high school juniors and seniors make an informed decision about whether to pursue a career in theatre, and about how to do so; and to prepare high school students to be knowledgeable, appreciative audience members for the rest of their lives. Submission guidelines at http://scholtheatre.org
Remember moments from your childhood. Fiction writing often draws from real life and what is more real that memories of your youth? Mine these memories for stories and scenes to use in fiction writing. What made you scared, happy, angry, sad, joyful, laugh, jump up and down? Memories are wonderful triggers that inspire a story; however here’s a word of caution—don’t allow memories to tell the entire story. Use them as a starting point then allow the characters to tell their own special tale. Let your imagination take the story in a new direction. Adhering too closely to the actual details limits the scope and potential of a manuscript. Think about the universal appeal of a book. The story should resonate with a large segment of the audience.
Emotions: The character’s feelings make the protagonist seem real to the audience. In fact, the most powerful way to connect a character with readers is through strong emotions. The interaction becomes meaningful when a character displays a vulnerable side and transforms to become stronger by the end of the story. As in life, people often are in control of their emotions when the sailing is smooth, but when life gets rocky and rough, we see the real person emerge through their emotions and actions. Allow the character to travel a rough, rocky road to fully develop.
Get back to the basics. A story consists of two elements: character and conflict. The character needs to aim for a goal or experience a problem and must reach the goal or solve the problem on his/her own merit. Ask these questions. Who is the character? What does the character want? What is standing in the way of the character getting what she/he wants? When you answer these questions, you have a story idea. Other elements, such as setting, can be added later.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Dramatics is an educational theatre magazine published since 1929 by the International Thespian Society, and its parent organization, the Educational Theatre Association. Dramatics is published nine times a year, September through May, in both print and online digital replica versions. It has a circulation of about 45,000. Approximately 80 percent of its readers are high school theatre students; about 10 percent are high school theatre teachers. Other subscribers include libraries, college theatre students and teachers, and others interested in educational theatre. The primary editorial objectives of the magazine are: to provide serious, committed young theatre students and their teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to make better theatre; to be a resource that will help high school juniors and seniors make an informed decision about whether to pursue a career in theatre, and about how to do so; and to prepare high school students to be knowledgeable, appreciative audience members for the rest of their lives. Submission guidelines at http://scholtheatre.org
July 12, 2015
Idea to Finished Manuscript, Part II
Try these ideas for turning an idea into a story:
Audience. The adage Know your audience is true in any genre of literature. Is this story a read-aloud for a three-year-old or is it geared for a six-year-old beginning reader? When we meet someone on the street and talk face-to-face, we adjust our speech and language to suit the audience. As writers, we have to recognize and understand the reading and interest level of our readers before we begin writing. A read-aloud story may have more complicated words and sentence structure than a beginning reader for an older child. What if . What if it rained marshmallows. What if everyone grew horns.Probe your character and plot with the What if question to develop your story idea. When your story comes to a screeching halt and you don’t know where to go with the plot ask what if. You may be surprised at the turn your story takes and the new ideas you will explore.
Perspective/Point of view. These are not the same. Perspective refers to the strategy a writer uses to tell the story. Is it first person (I) , second (you), or third (he/she)? Keep the same perspective throughout in books for younger children.
Point of view refers to who is telling the story? Is the big dog, the friendly dog, or the neighbor’s cat? Try different characters to determine which could tell the story in the most compelling way. The single-character perspective is the most common viewpoint used in children’s literature. If you change the viewpoint, do it with a new chapter to enhance understanding for the reader.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Young Rider. Short stories (approximately 800-1,000 words) for about $150. They have to be “realistic” stories and not too sugary sweet. We only use 4 to 5 of these a year. We get a great deal of “children overcoming the odds to win things or struggling to buy or get a horse of their own” so we don’t encourage these types of stories. We would prefer funny stories, with a bit of conflict, which will appeal to the 13-year-old age group. They should be written in the third person, and about kids. The story should have a definite plot, some sort of conflict (humorous, serious or not-so-serious) and a resolution. No “childhood memories” please.Submission guidelines at http://www.youngrider.com/writers-gui...
Audience. The adage Know your audience is true in any genre of literature. Is this story a read-aloud for a three-year-old or is it geared for a six-year-old beginning reader? When we meet someone on the street and talk face-to-face, we adjust our speech and language to suit the audience. As writers, we have to recognize and understand the reading and interest level of our readers before we begin writing. A read-aloud story may have more complicated words and sentence structure than a beginning reader for an older child. What if . What if it rained marshmallows. What if everyone grew horns.Probe your character and plot with the What if question to develop your story idea. When your story comes to a screeching halt and you don’t know where to go with the plot ask what if. You may be surprised at the turn your story takes and the new ideas you will explore.
Perspective/Point of view. These are not the same. Perspective refers to the strategy a writer uses to tell the story. Is it first person (I) , second (you), or third (he/she)? Keep the same perspective throughout in books for younger children.
Point of view refers to who is telling the story? Is the big dog, the friendly dog, or the neighbor’s cat? Try different characters to determine which could tell the story in the most compelling way. The single-character perspective is the most common viewpoint used in children’s literature. If you change the viewpoint, do it with a new chapter to enhance understanding for the reader.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Young Rider. Short stories (approximately 800-1,000 words) for about $150. They have to be “realistic” stories and not too sugary sweet. We only use 4 to 5 of these a year. We get a great deal of “children overcoming the odds to win things or struggling to buy or get a horse of their own” so we don’t encourage these types of stories. We would prefer funny stories, with a bit of conflict, which will appeal to the 13-year-old age group. They should be written in the third person, and about kids. The story should have a definite plot, some sort of conflict (humorous, serious or not-so-serious) and a resolution. No “childhood memories” please.Submission guidelines at http://www.youngrider.com/writers-gui...
July 5, 2015
Idea to Finished Manuscript, Part 1
Ideas are a dime a dozen (or even cheaper), so what do you do with a story idea? When an idea pops into my head, crawls, or leaps there, it may be in the form of a phrase, an interesting character, or maybe a situation. I tend to let the idea linger. Some loiter so long, the story practically develops in this stage as it forms a mental movie. As days turn into weeks, the story evolves and grows. Characters become clearer and names attach. Has this happened to you?
Of course, there are other techniques to develop story ideas. While I tend to let stories percolate until the characters are strong enough to come to life on paper, sometimes I take an idea and immediately construct a character and plot. Different methods work for different writers at different times.
As you mull the idea, bend it, twist it to see what could happen. Make it different in some respect from any book you’ve read. Begin by giving your character an overpowering urge to do something, something the character needs to accomplish. This driving urge is the power behind your character that will propel the story forward.
Next week, I’ll post techniques for turning an idea into a finished manuscript.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Advocate is interested in feature stories, ‘think’ pieces, humor, profiles, original recipes, puzzles, short stories, poetry, cartoons, line drawings, wood-cut prints, lithograph prints, metal-plate engraving prints, and photos.
Poetry may be sent individually or in batches and may be of any length.
Prose pieces should not exceed 1500 words.Submission guidelines at http://advocatepka.weebly.com/submiss...
Of course, there are other techniques to develop story ideas. While I tend to let stories percolate until the characters are strong enough to come to life on paper, sometimes I take an idea and immediately construct a character and plot. Different methods work for different writers at different times.
As you mull the idea, bend it, twist it to see what could happen. Make it different in some respect from any book you’ve read. Begin by giving your character an overpowering urge to do something, something the character needs to accomplish. This driving urge is the power behind your character that will propel the story forward.
Next week, I’ll post techniques for turning an idea into a finished manuscript.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Advocate is interested in feature stories, ‘think’ pieces, humor, profiles, original recipes, puzzles, short stories, poetry, cartoons, line drawings, wood-cut prints, lithograph prints, metal-plate engraving prints, and photos.
Poetry may be sent individually or in batches and may be of any length.
Prose pieces should not exceed 1500 words.Submission guidelines at http://advocatepka.weebly.com/submiss...
June 28, 2015
Character’s Silent Language, Part III
Let’s look at some ways to show characters’ nonverbal expressions:
Happiness: smile, crinkled nose, bright eyes, raised eyebrows, swinging arms, relaxed shoulders, open-mouth smile.Sadness: pouting lips, tears, red eyes, drippy nose, stooped shoulders, head hanging low, lack of eye contact, frowning, trembling body.Fear: wide eyes, closed eyes, trembling hands, hunched shoulders, open mouth, tears, arms wrapped around body, body in fetal position, white-knuckle grip, shaking head in denial.Anger: flared nostrils, fists, swinging arms, flushed checks, wide-eyed stare, pounding fists, breathing deeply.Curiosity: moving toward something, parted lips, squinting eyes, reaching out to touch, delighted smile.Stubbornness: shake head, stomp foot, cross arms, turn head away from speaker, walk away.Try using a variety of silent language expressions to offer more information to the reader.Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Chicken Soup for the Soul. My Very Good, Very Bad Dog
Our dog books are so popular that we do a new one every other year. We are now collecting
stories for our 2016 edition. We want your funny stories, your heartwarming stories, and your
mindboggling stories about all the very good, very bad, simply amazing things that your dog
does. What have you learned from your dog? How does your dog improve your life? What crazy
things does your dog do? Has your dog ever done anything heroic? How does your dog warm
your heart and make you smile? We want to hear all about the absurd antics, funny habits and
insightful behavior of your dog. Stories can be serious or humorous. The deadline date for story
and poem submissions is August 31, 2015.
Submission guidelines at http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
Happiness: smile, crinkled nose, bright eyes, raised eyebrows, swinging arms, relaxed shoulders, open-mouth smile.Sadness: pouting lips, tears, red eyes, drippy nose, stooped shoulders, head hanging low, lack of eye contact, frowning, trembling body.Fear: wide eyes, closed eyes, trembling hands, hunched shoulders, open mouth, tears, arms wrapped around body, body in fetal position, white-knuckle grip, shaking head in denial.Anger: flared nostrils, fists, swinging arms, flushed checks, wide-eyed stare, pounding fists, breathing deeply.Curiosity: moving toward something, parted lips, squinting eyes, reaching out to touch, delighted smile.Stubbornness: shake head, stomp foot, cross arms, turn head away from speaker, walk away.Try using a variety of silent language expressions to offer more information to the reader.Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Chicken Soup for the Soul. My Very Good, Very Bad Dog
Our dog books are so popular that we do a new one every other year. We are now collecting
stories for our 2016 edition. We want your funny stories, your heartwarming stories, and your
mindboggling stories about all the very good, very bad, simply amazing things that your dog
does. What have you learned from your dog? How does your dog improve your life? What crazy
things does your dog do? Has your dog ever done anything heroic? How does your dog warm
your heart and make you smile? We want to hear all about the absurd antics, funny habits and
insightful behavior of your dog. Stories can be serious or humorous. The deadline date for story
and poem submissions is August 31, 2015.
Submission guidelines at http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
June 21, 2015
Character's Silent Language, Part III
Social scientists state that 93% of all communication is nonverbal. So how do we transfer this information into our writing and allow the reader to gauge a character’s emotions?
Touch is a common practice. People who engage in conversation often touch each other. Is the touch friendly, playful, comforting, encouraging, assaulting, or indicating some other feeling? Also consider the person who is being touched. The intent may be interpreted differently by the person being touched. How long did the touch last? Was it flirtatious? Repetitive movement. Does the character repeatedly run his finger through is hair when nervous? Bite fingernails? Stick out his jaw when angry. People exhibit different mannerisms and characters should reflect these specific and different gestures, as well. Since so much of our communication is conveyed through silent language, such as gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and proximity, let’s incorporate these expressions and mannerisms into our writing for a more realistic approach to developing characters.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
Chicken Soup for the Soul. My Very Good, Very Bad Cat
Our cat books are so popular that we do a new one every other year. We are now collecting
stories for our 2016 edition. We want your funny stories, your heartwarming stories, and your
mindboggling stories about all the very good, very bad, simply amazing things that your cat
does. What have you learned from your cat? How does your cat improve your life? What crazy
things does your cat do? Has your cat ever done anything heroic? How does your cat warm your
heart and make you smile? We want to hear all about the absurd antics, funny habits and
insightful behavior of your cat. Stories can be serious or humorous. The deadline date for story
and poem submissions is August 31, 2015.
Submission guidelines at http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
Touch is a common practice. People who engage in conversation often touch each other. Is the touch friendly, playful, comforting, encouraging, assaulting, or indicating some other feeling? Also consider the person who is being touched. The intent may be interpreted differently by the person being touched. How long did the touch last? Was it flirtatious? Repetitive movement. Does the character repeatedly run his finger through is hair when nervous? Bite fingernails? Stick out his jaw when angry. People exhibit different mannerisms and characters should reflect these specific and different gestures, as well. Since so much of our communication is conveyed through silent language, such as gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and proximity, let’s incorporate these expressions and mannerisms into our writing for a more realistic approach to developing characters.
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
Chicken Soup for the Soul. My Very Good, Very Bad Cat
Our cat books are so popular that we do a new one every other year. We are now collecting
stories for our 2016 edition. We want your funny stories, your heartwarming stories, and your
mindboggling stories about all the very good, very bad, simply amazing things that your cat
does. What have you learned from your cat? How does your cat improve your life? What crazy
things does your cat do? Has your cat ever done anything heroic? How does your cat warm your
heart and make you smile? We want to hear all about the absurd antics, funny habits and
insightful behavior of your cat. Stories can be serious or humorous. The deadline date for story
and poem submissions is August 31, 2015.
Submission guidelines at http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics
June 14, 2015
Character’s Silent Language, Part II
The silent language of characters revs up a reader’s imagination and perceptions. Alert readers interpret nonverbal communication between characters as foreshadowing future events and actions.
Facial expressions can show fear, glee, anger, sadness, joy, and disappointment. A smile rounds a person’s eyes and raises their cheeks. A frown can wrinkle a nose and forehead. Fear sometimes opens a child’s mouth. So does surprise. People consciously and unconsciously express feelings through body language so our characters should do likewise.The way the character walks, stands, and sits can also relay information to the reader. Angry people walk with a heavy gait and may stomp a foot…or two. Sadness may be depicted with a shuffle of feet or stooped shoulders. A character that skips along is probably happy and one that walks with a straight back and head held high shows confidence.The character’s eye contact tells a lot. Direct eye contact implies truthfulness and self-assurance. A character that looks away may be lying or perceived to lack confidence.When you add nonverbal communication in your story, you add depth to a character. Next week, I’ll continue this article.Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Front Porch, the online literary journal of Texas State University’s MFA, invites all writers to submit works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Front Porch is dedicated to publishing the most celebrated talents in contemporary writing published alongside exceptional new voices. Our editors seek out both innovative and traditional literature. In short, we’re looking for insightful and relevant writing that excels, regardless of form, theme, or style.
Our submissions are rolling with no deadline and submitted online through Front Porch’s online submission manager.
Submission guidelines at http://www.frontporchjournal.com/submit.asp
Facial expressions can show fear, glee, anger, sadness, joy, and disappointment. A smile rounds a person’s eyes and raises their cheeks. A frown can wrinkle a nose and forehead. Fear sometimes opens a child’s mouth. So does surprise. People consciously and unconsciously express feelings through body language so our characters should do likewise.The way the character walks, stands, and sits can also relay information to the reader. Angry people walk with a heavy gait and may stomp a foot…or two. Sadness may be depicted with a shuffle of feet or stooped shoulders. A character that skips along is probably happy and one that walks with a straight back and head held high shows confidence.The character’s eye contact tells a lot. Direct eye contact implies truthfulness and self-assurance. A character that looks away may be lying or perceived to lack confidence.When you add nonverbal communication in your story, you add depth to a character. Next week, I’ll continue this article.Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Front Porch, the online literary journal of Texas State University’s MFA, invites all writers to submit works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Front Porch is dedicated to publishing the most celebrated talents in contemporary writing published alongside exceptional new voices. Our editors seek out both innovative and traditional literature. In short, we’re looking for insightful and relevant writing that excels, regardless of form, theme, or style.
Our submissions are rolling with no deadline and submitted online through Front Porch’s online submission manager.
Submission guidelines at http://www.frontporchjournal.com/submit.asp
June 7, 2015
Character’s Silent Language, Part 1 In real life we ofte...
Character’s Silent Language, Part 1
In real life we often give away more information than we intend to through our expressions, mannerisms, and body language. The same works for characters. Those important nuances allow the reader to “see” the character in action without the writer relying totally upon dialog to tell the tale.Communication between characters is critical to move the story forward and to tell the story. Dialog is a typical form of communication, but the nonverbal type can be effectively incorporated into a story with a few tricks of the trade.Spend some time becoming acquainted with your character. Write his/her bio. Where is the character likely to hang out? What is important to him/her? Does the character walk with a swagger or shuffle along? Is technology always in hand? Tattoos? If so, what and where? And why, of course. Are they prominently displayed or just peeking out or completely covered?Eye contact? Does the character lean toward or stand back from the other characters? Interaction with friends? And strangers?Extrovert or introvert?Know your main character before you begin writing and the writing will go smoother and faster.Next week, I’ll focus more on nonverbal communication.Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: THE NOTEBOOK is seeking submissions for its next issue. Published biannually by the Grassroots Women Project, The Notebook, seeks work by female or male writers, photographers & digital visual artists with rural or small town roots. We are interested in progressive thinking—past, present or visionary—that explores a spectrum of authentic experiences for women and girls in rural areas and small towns in any of the world’s cultures.
Submission guidelines at www.GrassrootsWomenProject.org.
In real life we often give away more information than we intend to through our expressions, mannerisms, and body language. The same works for characters. Those important nuances allow the reader to “see” the character in action without the writer relying totally upon dialog to tell the tale.Communication between characters is critical to move the story forward and to tell the story. Dialog is a typical form of communication, but the nonverbal type can be effectively incorporated into a story with a few tricks of the trade.Spend some time becoming acquainted with your character. Write his/her bio. Where is the character likely to hang out? What is important to him/her? Does the character walk with a swagger or shuffle along? Is technology always in hand? Tattoos? If so, what and where? And why, of course. Are they prominently displayed or just peeking out or completely covered?Eye contact? Does the character lean toward or stand back from the other characters? Interaction with friends? And strangers?Extrovert or introvert?Know your main character before you begin writing and the writing will go smoother and faster.Next week, I’ll focus more on nonverbal communication.Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: THE NOTEBOOK is seeking submissions for its next issue. Published biannually by the Grassroots Women Project, The Notebook, seeks work by female or male writers, photographers & digital visual artists with rural or small town roots. We are interested in progressive thinking—past, present or visionary—that explores a spectrum of authentic experiences for women and girls in rural areas and small towns in any of the world’s cultures.
Submission guidelines at www.GrassrootsWomenProject.org.
May 31, 2015
Delicious Story Development/Call for Submissions
The first paragraph should introduce the main character and show the character in action. Soon, very soon, introduce the problem. The main character needs to face difficulty early in the first chapter. In picture books, introduce the problem within the first three pages.
The second course is the middle. This is where the story can sag and become boring. Enhance the flavor with surprising, unexpected problems for the main character. When we increase the tension, we reel in the reader. Throw more obstacles/challenges at the character so s/he will struggle even more. Their lives should become more complicated. As one problem is resolved, replace it with an even greater one. Emotions should reach their peak as the character faces what seem insurmountable odds, a true crisis. Always keep in mind what would happen if the protagonist fails.The third course is dessert, the story ending that is sweet and delicious. If the protagonist hasn’t resolved all issues to a satisfactory conclusion, at least, there should be hope. Two ideas to keep in mind when writing endings: what does the reader expect and what works best for your story. The key to a successful conclusion is the hero getting what s/he wants most, not necessarily getting everything.Ideas are aromas. They tease us with a whiff of what could develop in a story. They are merely seeds that need to be planted, cultivated, and harvested to produce a delicious story.Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Dream Quest One Poetry and Writing Contest! This poetry contest and writing contest is open to everyone and international. We are excited about showcasing the creative writing and poetic talent, skill and ability of all poets and writers. We hope that you have inspiration to display the beauty and art of writing short stories and poems for the entire world to see your "gift of a dream."
Writing Contest entries may be written on a maximum of (5) pages, either neatly handwritten or typed, single or double line spacing, on any subject or theme. Poetry Contest entries may be written on any subject or theme. All poems must be 30 lines or fewer and either neatly handwritten or typed, single or double line spacing.The Mission of Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest is to inspire, motivate and encourage anyone having the desire or love of poetry and writing, to continue doing so without fear of failure or success! Remember, in whatever you do, "it's okay to dream," for dreams do come true... Deadline: July 31, 2015Submission Guidelines at http://www.dreamquestone.com/
The second course is the middle. This is where the story can sag and become boring. Enhance the flavor with surprising, unexpected problems for the main character. When we increase the tension, we reel in the reader. Throw more obstacles/challenges at the character so s/he will struggle even more. Their lives should become more complicated. As one problem is resolved, replace it with an even greater one. Emotions should reach their peak as the character faces what seem insurmountable odds, a true crisis. Always keep in mind what would happen if the protagonist fails.The third course is dessert, the story ending that is sweet and delicious. If the protagonist hasn’t resolved all issues to a satisfactory conclusion, at least, there should be hope. Two ideas to keep in mind when writing endings: what does the reader expect and what works best for your story. The key to a successful conclusion is the hero getting what s/he wants most, not necessarily getting everything.Ideas are aromas. They tease us with a whiff of what could develop in a story. They are merely seeds that need to be planted, cultivated, and harvested to produce a delicious story.Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Dream Quest One Poetry and Writing Contest! This poetry contest and writing contest is open to everyone and international. We are excited about showcasing the creative writing and poetic talent, skill and ability of all poets and writers. We hope that you have inspiration to display the beauty and art of writing short stories and poems for the entire world to see your "gift of a dream."
Writing Contest entries may be written on a maximum of (5) pages, either neatly handwritten or typed, single or double line spacing, on any subject or theme. Poetry Contest entries may be written on any subject or theme. All poems must be 30 lines or fewer and either neatly handwritten or typed, single or double line spacing.The Mission of Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest is to inspire, motivate and encourage anyone having the desire or love of poetry and writing, to continue doing so without fear of failure or success! Remember, in whatever you do, "it's okay to dream," for dreams do come true... Deadline: July 31, 2015Submission Guidelines at http://www.dreamquestone.com/
