Ginger Simpson's Blog, page 2

A Holiday Gift to My Readers By Connie Vines #Warm Wishes and Gingerbread Kisses #Robin Robin #Free Story #Round Robin Blog Hop

 Christmas and the Winter Holidays are filled with the joy of Fellowship, Love, Gifts, and (of course) Food.

I hope you enjoy my flash fiction story! 🎄🎅 

© Warm Wishes and Gingerbread Kisses 

A Flash Fiction Story

By Connie Vines

He always ordered a slice of gingerbread and black coffee. Hearing his voice through the headset made my morning, which is why I volunteered to work the drive-thru.

Was it his southern drawl, his friendly smile, or the way G.B., the Irish Setter, rested his chin on Mason's shoulder so adoringly that it won me over?   I'm not sure. I only know I developed an impossible-to-hide-crush.

Mason finally asked me out, and now we are engaged.

We're perfect together, like hot chocolate with whipped cream or gingerbread cookies and milk.

We are [planning a small winter wedding. Our family organized a potluck reception. My dad will walk me down the aisle of the church. And G.B. (AKA) Gingerbread Boy) is excited to be our ring bearer.

XOXO,

Connie 

Everyone has posted a Holiday Gift for our Readers/Followers 🎁

Please follow the links:

Connie Vines (you are here) http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Anne Graham/Stenhouse

Diane Bator https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/2024/12/21/round-robin-december-2024-christmas-story/ 

Marci Baun https://www.marcibaun.com/
Helena Fairfax
Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3nE

Skye Taylor




Remember, Smashwords is having a huge sale until December 26. All my are 50% off. So, Stuff those Stockings ebooks for $1.50!
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/vinesbwl

 

The Right Career for your Characters By Connie Vines #Round Robin #writing tips, #defining your characters

The Right Career for Your Characters.
November's topic from Skye:  Creating a believable career for your character(s).
#1 brew a cup of coffee. Tonight, it's Columbian Roast with a splash of milk, served in a "Peanuts Snoopy" mug with Snoopy seated next to a typewriter.
#2 In the weeks before plopping myself in front of the keyboard for a dedicated writing session, I heard bits of dialogue or conversations in my head. I also have a sense of time and place.
#3 Then...My dreams have music. It's one theme song, replaying on a loop. All. Night. Long. It's cranked up to "movie theater" loud. One night, the theme of "How The West Was Won" or "The Yellow Rose of Texas," or my least favorite song of all time, "Stand by Your Man."
#4 He's a Texan. A Bullrider. The "Wildcat" of the rodeo circuit. His name is Lynx Maddox.
#5 The Heroine? She must have a connection to the rodeo world. Rachel Scott's father was a bronc rider. She lived with her grandmother while her parents traveled the circuit. 
#6 She's attending a local college while supporting herself waitressing at the local diner. 
#7 The Opening Scene: 
Chapter One, Rodeo Romance, Book 1, "Lynx"
Charlene hadn't told Rachel that she'd fixed her up with a cowboy, much less Lynx Maddox, the "Wild Cat" of the rodeo circuit. Rachel sighed. She should have known. After all, Charlene only dated men who wore boots and Stetson.
Rachel Scott cringed at the thought even as her gaze took in the breadth of Lynx Maddox's chest, broad shoulders, and dark green eyes, which scanned her with blatant masculine approval.
Despite her stern efforts to control it, her heart pounded against her ribcage. She'd seen him sitting at the table with Charlene Davis and Dan Elder before he spotted her. She'd allowed herself to look when he walked her way--looking didn't hurt. And it was okay to dream--a little fantasy never harmed a woman. But that was where it ended. After watching her father die in the arena, Rachel had sworn she'd never have anything to do with another rodeo cowboy. She stopped her train of thought and gave the cowboy a smile.
"Nice to meet you," she said, accepting his extended hand. She felt the strength in his warm, calloused fingers. Rachel tried to ignore a fluttering sensation low in her stomach. There was one thing she was sure of as she looked up into his piercing eyes and uncompromising jaw--men like him had trouble written all over them. And she doubted Lynx Maddox would prove to be an exception.
"Rachel, I'm glad you came tonight." His voice was soft as velvet and laced with a Texas drawl.
He smelled of woodsy masculine cologne, and the sudden rise in her body temperature alerted Rachel to the unexpected twists in this encounter—she was much too aware of the sexy cowboy. She focused on the warmth of his hand against hers and knew that although his grip was light, he was very strong. His presence had a power; it vibrated everywhere, even from the sawdust-covered floor beneath her feet.His slow, lingering smile seemed to unravel what remained of her composure...
💖

#8 Many authors approach setting up a career for their characters systematically and logically. However, my mind doesn't work that way. 
I often have general knowledge. My father is from Texas, and I've lived in the panhandle and vacationed in Montana. I've mucked out stalls, ridden horses, and even taken a tumble. 
However, I knew almost nothing about the sport of Bull Riding, aside from the fact that "I can't even watch it on television." 
I had never worked in a fast-food restaurant, diner, or as a waitress in a restaurant. 
#9 So, how did I overcome my ignorance? I annoyed people, mostly. I interviewed friends and strangers familiar with ranching/western life. I also read rodeo books and magazines and convinced my children and husband they had always wanted to attend rodeo events. 😉
#10  One must remember to walk in each character's shoes, paying attention to detail in each person's point of view and temperament. Rachel's background will color her reactions. She is an introvert but will stand her ground. Lynx is self-assured and self-reliant, with a cowboy's code of honor. Charlene is an extrovert who has never met a stranger. Dan is Lynx's wingman and cousin.
# 11 The career must also advance the story's plot, and the character's actions, reactions, and life choices must ring true. (Be sure to read my rodeo arena and Honky Tonk Bar scenes, the latter a nod to my late cousin Clancy Carlile.) 

















 Thank you for stopping by :)
Please visit the talented authors participating in this month's Blog Hop. I'm visiting their websites now!!
XOXOConnie 

 Helena Fairfax

Anne Stenhouse

Victoria Chatham

Dr. Bob Rich

Diane Bator

Marci Baun

Skye Taylor

Authors--Traditional or Indie? Publishing Wins and Pitfalls By Connie Vines #Round Robin Blog Hop, #WritingTips

October Round Robin Topic: Indie or Traditional Publishing? Pros and Cons.Like many authors, my writing has evolved but has also changed to accommodate the publishing industry.
Once upon a time...I wrote nonfiction articles for children's magazines, short stories, flash fiction, and stand novellas.
Later, I branched into YA/Middle School Historical fiction. Western Romance, RomCom, and Romantic Suspense.
All of these markets were "Traditional".
I am currently contracted with a Traditional publisher. My books are marketed as ebooks and in trade paperback to accommodate the reader market. 
I am comfortable with the traditional market platform. 
Why? Because an editor does a final read of my manuscript and will adjust my formatting if needed. (Yes, I understand HTML. But it's a left-brain function. If I am left-braining, I have zero access to the creative side of my brain.) 😕😢
We share promotion responsibility and watch market trends. (I like to write what I want, but that is not a key to success.) 
Most importantly, I have input for my book cover, but I do not have to design one. 




Indie Publishing: 
Have I ventured into the world of Indie Publishing? Yes, though not solo.
I have been involved in numerous anthologies. A common location, characters who interact with each other (to a limited extent). A defined genre: romance, mystery, etc. 
The promo is extensive. The timeline is short, and the word count is predetermined.
Limited meetings via text, short phone time, or a designated FB room to keep up-to-date work well for me. 
I'm an introvert. Intense interaction with others, even via weekly or daily Zoom meetings, is physically draining. Especially when I'm required to change what was already agreed upon. 😕😖
Plus side?
The marketing/promo is divided among the members.Pre-release and early release are effective ways to garner readers and build momentum. 
The way to publish is a personal decision.It is defined by an author's personality, writing style, willingness to promote, and love of accounting and tracking sales results.
Happy Writing and Reading,XOXO
Connie Vines
Please hop to the next Blog...where another member has his/her story to share :)

 Connie Vines (you are here)

 Bob Rich

Diane Bator

Victoria Chatham

Skye Taylor

Writing in a Whole New Genre- (Pros/Cons) My Personal Experience By Connie Vines #Writing Tips, #Round Robin, #New Genre vs Established Readership

 Topic:  The Wisdom and or Experience of Trying a Whole New Genre    

Thank you, Skye, for this month's topic.

I began my career writing nonfiction, short stories, and preschool games in magazines (Humpty Dumpty, Jr. Medical Detective, etc.). So, it was only natural to branch out into Y.A. historical fiction.

I assumed it would require extensive research, travel, and interviews.  

The challenge was adding more. More descriptions, additional characters, multiple plot lines, plot twists, etc. In other words, a storyline that was not linear. 

Historical documents, interviews with tribal storytellers, and interviews with those who attended Native American boarding schools.

This also required adapting my story to the reading levels of the Y.A. readership and their understanding of what I was explaining: the sensory details, the harshness of life, and the meals prepared. Was the information relatable to a child who watched television and had a microwave oven? 

I was blessed with beautiful book reviews and student letters.

I was proud of the book and its recognition: awards for historical accuracy, "Teen Read Selection" in Public Libraries, the G.A.T.E. program, and speaking engagements in Southern California.

Will I attempt another Y.A. historical novel? Probably not. 

This project was a five-year journey. The most discouraging part was the shrinking of the hardbound/paperback publishers. I signed a contract for a hardbound novel, but the editor pulled it when he learned the company was being sold. (I discovered later that he did me a huge favor).  

   

Spanish Version


English Version
The next growing market was women's fiction. I selected Contemporary Romance.
Did I hesitate? No, I decided to dive in. 
Setting? 
I have all this Western research material. My father's people were Texans, and I enjoyed Bull Riding events. My hero was a cowboy. My heroine lived in Montana; her late father was a Bronc Rider.
My plot, characters, subplots, setting, etc. I'm at the keyboard after the kids are in bed, writing chapters one, two, and three.
I reread and reread the chapters.
Something needs to be fixed.
This was the kicker. I knew something was wrong but did not know precisely what it was.
Was the flow? Word choices? Pacing? Or was it the tone?
I was residing in "The-Land-of-in- Between." And I need an intervention! 
Fortunately, I joined a critique with members of my local R.W.A. Chapter. We wrote in multiple genres (though I was the only one who started out in children's). We read each other's chapters, made suggestions, and brought revisions the following week.
I garnered a few rejections, made changes, and sent the story out again.
Then I received that "Phone Call" in February, and the book was released in July!
This book received multiple awards and excellent reviews.


Will I change genres again? I've branched out into Romantic Suspense, RomCom/Paranormal. At the moment, I'm writing several novellas, and I've begun another romance series. I may write a Cozy Mystery novel or a Western Gothic (only if I don't cause myself to experience nightmares!)
The emerging genres seem to be Worldbuilding, Horror, "Bad Mothers," Science Fiction, Western Gothic, Foodie Romance, and Fratito. However, this could change next month.
If you want to write in a new genre, look into it. Examine the market and see what is trending. If you are selling novels and have a following, you're good. 
If you still want to change, consider a nome-de-plum. And see how it goes.
Good Luck & Happy Reading,Connie XOXO
Follow the links! These Talented Authors have much to share!!
Dr. Bob Rich: https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3jJ 
Anne Stenhouse: annehousenovelist.wordpress.com 
Connie Vines (you are here)
Skye Taylor: https://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea











   

How to Avoid Telling the Reader too Much Too Soon (AKA: Info Dump) By Connie Vines #Round Robin Blog Hop #Writing Tips

This month's Topic: How to Avoid Telling Your Reader Too Much, Too Soon.
Authors get so excited about a new project. We love to conduct research, pore over dusty documents, and discover exciting nuggets of information. 
And we love to share our latest discoveries with our readers.
This free-flowing enthusiasm can become too enthusiastic. 
Really? How?
Do you recall Monday mornings when you attended elementary school? The schools I attended allowed everyone a moment to "share about his/her weekend" at the front of the class.  
One child mumbled while staring at her shoes, another focused on the family dinner, another on a cry-baby sibling or, heaven forbid, dog poop/cat poop, etc. 
You get the general idea. Enthusiasm run-a-muck.
"Well, don't do that!" Stifle the urge to overshare and over-tell.
Why? 
Because that is an information dump. The author tells the reader too much or completely unnecessary information.
Keep your focus on the story. Drop information like petals of flowers on a long and uneven path of discovery...to an adventure...or to find true love.
It's the journey the reader loves.
The act of discovery, the twists and turns of the plot, the read-herrings, the delightful surprises. 
Remember, the magic that each storyteller weaves lives on and on.
Your written words are magical.
Magical. Powerful. Healing. Words of courage, kindness, comfort.
Your stories transport your readers to another place, another time, a moment to forget his/her troubles or to escape into a safe haven.
Select your words with care.
Remember, a reader is waiting to read your next story.
ConnieXOXOThis month's participating writers have stories to tell.Please visit them :)

Anne Stenhouse

Connie Vines

Helena Fairfax

Diane Bator

Skye Taylor

 Dr. Bob Rich.

Where Do Your Ideas Come From? By Connie Vines #Writing Tips, #Round Robin Blog Hop, #Ideas,

 Where do my ideas come from?

I must confess that it is not an easily defined topic, but it is worth pondering.

There are three general perspectives when it comes to the origin of ideas:

Psychology, Philosophy, and Anthropology (none of which I will delve into).

Instead, I will muddle through my process. 

1. Dialogue will pop into my head. I find myself 'obsessed' with a style of music, a period of history, or even a type of food. 

2. I have stenopads where I compile research. (Pen-to-paper assists in the creative process.)

3. False starts. Numerous.

4. Staring at the blank computer monitor.

5. Then something clicks, and I create an opening scene. 

6. My ideas are a mixture of my life experiences and how I process them. 

7. My stories contain humor with a HEA while still dealing with real-life challenges (childhood abandonment and an alcoholic parent) "Lynx."

Raising a child after the death of a spouse. "Brede."

My stories can also be funny, quirky, mysterious...

...Or even supernatural 

 8. While a nomadic childhood has given me insight into the regional quirks and cultures of the USA.

Texas rodeos, farm and ranch life, tales of the 'dust bowl' years. And, of course, hundreds of ways to prepare chili. 

Swamps, hurricanes, learning to bake, when to wear gloves, and, most importantly, alligators can sprint uphill.

I will forever dislike snow, and I'm still petrified of snowmen.

This lifestyle also made me an observer. I evaluated what worked and did not work for me. 

 9. It's the start of summer, and a mini heatwave is underway (temperatures are in the low 100s). I'm sipping my morning coffee outdoors, overlooking the rose garden.  

10. Right now, I'm in the development phase of two novellas and plotting a new series.

Please visit the authors participating in this month's Round Robin Blog Hop.

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com

Diane Bator https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/

Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/

Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3ef

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

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Using the Senses in Writing By Connie Vines #Round Robin Blog Hop, #Writing Tips, #Sensory Details

 

This Month's Topic: Using the Senses in Writing.

Thank you, Skye, for this month's topic

Sensory Details are what bring a story to life.
A gentle breeze blew my hair across my cheek (TOUCH) as I walked along the uneven trail (TOUCH). Leaves rustled (SOUND) above me, and a lone crow gave several loud caws (SOUND) overhead. I took a deep breath. The smell of decay and leaves (SMELL) made me wary, and the coppery taste of fear coated my throat. I scanned my surroundings to ensure I wasn't being followed (SIGHT).






The Five Senses also sets the story's mood/tone/genre.
My first example lets the reader know this isn't going to be a straight-forward romance. 
The reader will expect a murder mystery/suspense/or even a Gothic novel.
Never cheat your reader. Sensory details draw your reader into the story, trigger emotional responses, and, most importantly, make them feel a part of your story world. 
Since I'm an introvert and tactile, adding these details/emotional reactions is natural for me. In contrast, a more analytical person's writing might focus on the visual and take a more detective approach/reaction to the sensory clues. 
It is how your character processes his/her sensory details.
This is for fans of Star Trek (original series: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Forest Kelly) and the movies that followed (Chris Pine, Zachery Quinto, Karl Uban). 
Mr. Spock was my favorite character. Though I observe, analyze, retain facts, and relate deals decades later, I am not, and will never be, "Mr. Spock."
Captain Kirk was a physical, in-your-face kind of guy. He yelled, punched, and bled. First and the scene or to make a scene, the man didn't seem to ever sleep. 
Then there is "Bones," Doctor Leonard McCoy. He grumbles and points out injustice, holds his ground for what is right. and saves his patient's life. He has empathy, compassion, and wit. 
So, the first key to successful sensory details in a story is to know your character. How does your character look at the world? What lens does your character use?
Excerpts from Gumbo Ya Ya (an anthology)


A Slice of Scandal
She ignored his question and continued with her narrative. "Instead, the scenes are shot according to where they are set. The cooking, naturally, will be here on the sound stage. But Harvey wants some location work, too."
Sebastian felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. "Location work?" How would he investigate a murder and a smuggling ring if he wandered all over some tourist site? He flipped through the script. "My contract doesn't say anything about location work."
Julia glanced over her script, making eye contact. "You're joking, right?"
Think fast, Beaux, just stall her. "I'm not ready."
"You're not ready?" she asked, her voice heavy with disbelief. You've lived in a swamp, caught and eaten alligators, frogs, snakes, and fish....and you don't want to appear at a local shopping mall?"
"I'm not ready; you told me that. I still get nervous...in large crowds."
The look she shot in his direction clearly labeled him a liar, but she kept silent since Harvey was stationed nearby.

Love Potion No. 9
"Don't shake your finger at me, Simone Basso. I know what I'm doing." Persia Richmond said, holding a pipette to fill a crystal half-ounce atomizer with perfume. The top notes of peach blossoms, bergamot, and mid-notes of gardenia, honey, and tuberose tanalized. The tuberose, being the most carnal of the floral notes and high-ticket natural essence for her fragrance compound, merged with peony and orange blossom to temper the intoxication properties. The base notes lingered while a hint of something unnamed and mysterious beguiled and skimmed across the narrow processing room, saturating her senses.
The fragrance was New Orleans, culture at its most upscale moments, and Mardi Gras at its naughtiest.
The imported essence oils of the tuberose had nearly emptied her bank account, leaving Persia only one egret. Her Grandpapa hadn't lived to experience her mastery of perfumery.
Holding up the bottle, she allowed the light to shine through the tempered vial for a moment before she ensured the stopper was tight. 
Simone leaned over Persia's shoulder, "I done warned and warned you about messing with love potions."
The statement sent Persia's heart thundering in her chest. Snagging a steadying breath, she regained her composure. "You worry too much, Simone. This is a perfume. Nothing more, nothing less."
I hope you've enjoyed this month's post :)
Please visit the other talented authors' blog sites to learn more about the 5 Senses and story snippets!

Happy Reading!
XOXO
Connie
Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.comConnie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blogBob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3ccSkye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

What is My Favorite Point-of-View to Read and / or Write By Connie Vines #Round Robin Blog, Writing Tips, #Tips for Authors

 My Favorite and My Not-So-Favorite Point-of-View.

Thank you, Skye, for this month's Round Robin Topic.

Omniscient, 3rd person, or 1st Person, What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Reading:

The omniscient POV allows you to enter the heads of multiple characters, but you will act more as an observer than a reporter.

As a child (and even today), I enjoyed reading the Greek myths and Homer (author of the Iliad and the Odyssey)

The Odyssey is uniquely arranged in that the narration is split between a third-person omniscient being and a first-person narrative by Odysseus himself. The omniscient point-of-view is present in excerpts at each chapter's beginning generally.

 In terms of gods, the Greek pantheon consists of 12 deities who were said to reside at Mount Olympus: Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, Apollo, Ares, Artemis, Athena, Demeter, Dionysus, Hephaestus, Hermes, and Poseidon.

Writing:

While I might consider this POV in a Nior-type crime story (short story or novella), I do not believe it would be widely accepted in a contemporary story.

Reading:

First Person POV

In first-person narration, the narrator is a person in the story, telling it from their own point of view. The narration usually utilizes the pronoun I (or we if the narrator speaks as part of a group).

Writing:

I write in the first person when writing Young Adult contemporary and Young Adult historical novels.

I remain in the main character's point of view. At the beginning of each chapter, I may insert information using a quote, historical fact, etc. I also include an Epilogue.

Reading:

3rd Person POV

In the third-person point of view, the author narrates a story about the characters, referring to them by name or using the third-person pronouns "he," "she," and "they." The other points of view in writing are first person and second person.

Writing:

3rd Person POV

My contemporary novels (excluding YA) are written in the third person. While I may change POV (heroine/hero), I strive not to head-hop. 

First and foremost, this mode of storytelling comes most naturally to me when writing a romance. The third-person narrative is as old as time.

Third-person subjective:

From this point of view, you can get into the characters' thoughts and perspectives. It goes beyond narrating the character's thoughts by telling the reader "she thought" or "he wondered." It lets you really be in their head the way first-person POV does.

My excerpts from "Gumbo Ya Ya," An anthology for women who like their romance Cajun Style!

(Opening Teasers from my anthology)

Marrying Off Murphy

Settling into his office chair, Professor Murphy Flynn glanced at the faxed copy of the OP News. "I Want to Get Married!" the headline shouted. He upended his coffee mug when he realized the grainy photograph was of him, sending the liquid perilously close to a six-inch stack of upgraded papers.

He snagged the papers with one hand, using the other to dab at the puddle with his tie. His gaze locked on the name of the submission's editor: Sylvie Dupree. The memories hit him hard and fast, leaving Murphy to feel like he'd taken a direct blow to his solar plexus.

Love Potion No. 9

"Don't shake your finger at me, Simone Basso. I know what I'm doing," Persia Richmond said, holding a pipette to fill a crystal half-ounce atomizer with perfume. The top notes of peach blossoms, bergamot, and mid-notes of gardenia, honey, and tuberose tanalized. Meanwhile, the tuberose, the most carnal of the floral notes and the high-ticket natural essence for her fragrance compound, merged with peony and orange blossom to temper the intoxication properties. The base notes linger, while a hint of something unnamed and mysterious beguiled and skimmed across the narrow processing room, saturating her senses.

A Slice of Scandal

"Hey, now, 'dis key lime pie's like de one I serve at my restaurant. Simple to make and good to eat! Key limes perk up de mouth and makes you happy."

Producer/Director Julia Kincade focused on her monitor and adjusted her headset's mic. "Camera One, tighten that headshot." She watched as the camera feathered over the chef to capture the best angle. The camera should have loved Franklin. His height was average, his black hair was short and curly, and his skin took on a polished bronze color under the harsh camera lights, but the camera didn't like Franklin.

1-800-FORTUNE

The moon was full and huge in the sky, a brilliant iridescent orb that stared down at the earth. Enza allowed the energy to feather over her as she removed the silk cloth protecting her Tarot cards.

The tarot deck has seventy-eight cards, four suits of fourteen cards each, Swords, Cups, Wands, and Pentacles, and twenty-two cards called the major arcane—the big mysteries.

Enza's mother told her mother told her she would learn to associate cards with people. She knew this was true. Because through her travels she had met them all...

I hope you've enjoyed this month's post 😀. 

Please click on the links to each member's blog. 

(I'll be doing the same in a few minutes!)

Amazon and Barnes and Noble. also available at your favorite online vendor. 

Happy Reading, 

XOXO

Connie

Bob Rich - https://wp.me/p3Xihq-3aE

Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Diane Bator https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/

Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea

Goal, Motivation, and Conflict--How it Keeps the Reader Glued to your Story By Connie Vines #RR, WritingTips

Thank you, Skye, for this month's Round Robin Topic."

Goal, Motivation, and Conflict - The difference between inner and outer conflict and how it keeps the reader glued to your story.

As a member of Romance Writers of America and the Orange County Chapter, I found Debra Dixon's workshop on this topic incredibly helpful. Her book, Goal, Motivation & Conflict, is my go-to reference when plotting my novels.

Debra recommends using 3 x 5 cards and sticky notes to keep track of these elements and placing them on a paper sheet to move them around if needed. Personally, I tend to scribble on scraps of paper or dictate into my iPhone and send it to my email. 

I'll add it to one of my six Steno Pads if I'm at my desk. It may not be as tidy as Debra's way, but it keeps me from losing my ideas.

Remember, the goal is what your characters are all about. 

Recommended movies to watch: Wizard of Oz, The Fugitive (Harrison Ford), 

📌Active Goals/Sense of Urgency.

📌Motivation is the Why.

📌Conflict is often the character's emotional roadblock. The strength of your book is the conflict.

LadyHawk defines romance conflict/active goals for me.

While I could go into more detail on why I find this book a must-have for every writer, my best suggestion is to order a copy for your library.

Debra Dixon's book is also available as an ebook and listed at Barnes and Noble. 

Thank you for stopping by today.

Please visit the marvelous writers participating in this month's Blog Hop :)

Connie

Dr. Bob Rich  https://wp.me/p3Xihq-37G 

Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com

Victoria Chatham  http://www.victoriachatham.com

Connie Vines  http://mizging.blogspot.com/

Helena Fairfax  http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog

Diane Bator  https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/

Skye Taylor  http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea