Janice Hanna's Blog, page 4

Host a Weddings by Bella Book-Themed Party

Italian Charm, Galveston Style, and Wedding Day Whimsy

Welcome to Club Wed!

If you’ve fallen head over heels for Bella Neeley and her wild Italian family from the Weddings by Bella series, why not bring their world to life with a themed book party? Whether you’re planning a book club gathering, a bridal shower, or a girls’ night in, this party idea blends the heart of Galveston Island, the warmth of East Texas, the comfort of Aunt Rosa’s cooking, and the sparkle of classic wedding-day magic.

Throw in a splash of Frank Sinatra, a pizzeria full of love, and a hilarious mix-up involving a guy named DJ (spoiler: he’s not that kind of DJ!), and you’ve got everything you need for a night to remember.

Set the Scene: Italian Wedding Meets Island Vibes

Transform your space into the perfect mash-up of Galveston beach charm and traditional Italian wedding flair:

Use crisp white tablecloths, lace runners, and red rose centerpieces in honor of Aunt Rosa.Add personal touches with vintage wedding photos (yours or Bella’s!), twinkle lights, and classic wedding décor like tulle bows and framed love quotes.A “Welcome to Club Wed” sign at the entrance sets the tone with a wink and a smile.Aunt Rosa’s Italian Reception Menu

No Weddings by Bella party would be complete without food worthy of Aunt Rosa herself:

Pasta Bar: Offer a trio of sauces—marinara, Alfredo, and pesto—with penne, spaghetti, and bowtie pasta.Mini Pizza Bites or Calzones: A nod to the family’s beloved pizzeria. (Check out this homemade sourdough pizza crust!) Caprese Skewers, Antipasto Platters, and  Garlic Knots  round out the savory options.Mocktail Station: Serve faux Bellinis, sparkling lemonade with basil, and Italian sodas in champagne flutes.Sweet Endings: Cannolis, Tiramisu, Italian Cream Cake, Italian Wedding Cookies, hand-painted wedding cookies, or even a DIY Wedding Cake would be perfect! The Wedding Soundtrack of Bella’s Dreams

Channel the spirit of Sinatra and Dean Martin with a crooner-filled playlist:

“That’s Amore” – Dean Martin“Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra“Bella Notte” – from Lady and the Tramp“The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra

Encourage guests to dance under the string lights or waltz through the kitchen like Aunt Rosa when she hears a good love song.

He’s Not That Kind of DJ

One of the most delightful misunderstandings in the series? Bella hiring Dwayne Neely Jr. (DJ) for a wedding, thinking he’s a disc jockey. He’s actually in construction!

Have some fun with this theme:

“He’s Not That Kind of DJ” Photo Booth: Set up props like headphones, vinyl records, a hard hat, and a tool belt.Wedding Song Trivia Game: Play short clips and have guests guess the title or artist.Fake Dedications: Let guests write silly or sweet “DJ dedications” and read them aloud, just like a radio love show.Wedding-Themed Activities

Keep the fun going with interactive, Bella-approved games:

DIY Veil or Boutonniere Station: Guests can make their own wedding flair for photos.Bella’s Wedding Bingo: Squares might include “cake disaster,” “bridezilla moment,” “unexpected kiss,” and “Aunt Rosa says something outrageous.”Mad Lib Vows: Create fill-in-the-blank wedding vows that are sure to have everyone in stitches.Love Story Timeline Game: Can your guests remember how Bella and DJ’s romance unfolded?Book Talk: Dive into the Series

After all the fun and food, gather for a cozy chat about the books. Use table tents or printable discussion cards with questions like:

Which of Bella’s weddings was your favorite?How would you have reacted if you thought your love interest was a DJ?Who’s your favorite secondary character (Aunt Rosa? Guido the dog? D.J.’s mama?) and why?What would your dream Galveston wedding look like?Parting Gifts

Send your guests home with a touch of Italian sweetness and southern charm:

Mini Cannoli Kits or  Italian Cookie Bags Bookmarks featuring quotes from Bella, DJ, or Aunt RosaRecipe Cards for Aunt Rosa’s signature sauceTiny Italian sodas with tags that say, “Grazie for coming!”Share the Love

Planning your own Weddings by Bella party? I’d love to see it! Share your photos on social media using the hashtags #ClubWedParty or #WeddingsByBellaNight and tag me so I can celebrate alongside you!

Get the Club Wed Party Checklist here!

Fools Rush In Discussion Questions: Click here

Swinging on a Star Discussion Questions: Click here

It Had to be You Discussion Questions: Click here

That’s Amore Discussion Questions: Click here

The post Host a Weddings by Bella Book-Themed Party appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

The Ultimate Summer Beach Reads Roundup: Romance, Faith & Fun by the Shore

Looking for the perfect reads to tuck into your beach bag this summer? Whether you’re lounging seaside, curled up in a hammock, or simply dreaming of a salty breeze and sweet tea, these feel-good, faith-filled romances will take you straight to the Texas coast—and into the hearts of unforgettable characters.

Set in Galveston and other coastal towns, these series deliver sunshine, swoony heroes, laugh-out-loud moments, and just the right touch of chaos. From quirky wedding planners to candy shop owners, each story is brimming with charm, hope, and happily-ever-afters.

Weddings by Bella Series

Read the full post here →

Set in Galveston, Texas, this fan-favorite series follows Italian-Texan wedding planner Bella Rossi as she takes on wild themed weddings, outrageous relatives, and her own journey toward love.

Includes:

Fools Rush In Swinging on a Star It Had to Be You That’s Amore

Perfect for: Fans of romantic comedies, chaotic families, and Southern sass.

Purchase the series on Amazon!

Weddings by Design Series

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Step behind the scenes of the bridal world in sunny Galveston! Each book follows a different wedding vendor—photographer, baker, dress designer, and florist—as they navigate love, faith, and business in the bustling wedding industry.

Includes:

Picture Perfect The Icing on the Cake The Dream Dress A Bouquet of Love

Perfect for: Lovers of light-hearted romance, creative careers, and coastal charm.

Purchase the series on Amazon!

Bella Novellas

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Short on time? These bite-sized stories are perfect for one-sitting reads. Bella Neeley returns with more wedding-day hijinks, surprise ceremonies, and laugh-out-loud adventures—this time in novella format.

Includes:

Once Upon a Moonlight Night Tea for Two Pennies from Heaven That Lucky Old Sun The Tender Trap That’s Life

Perfect for: Quick beach reads, novella lovers, and longtime Bella fans.

Purchase the series on Amazon!

Boardwalk Brides Series

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Stroll the boardwalk and fall in love with this sweet, nostalgic series featuring the Carini sisters. Set along the New Jersey coast, these stories combine faith, romance, and small-town charm with a splash of seaside fun.

Includes:

Salt Water Taffie Cotton Candy Clouds Sweet Harmony

Perfect for: Readers who enjoy candy shops, family stories, and heartwarming romance near the shore.

Purchase the series on Amazon!

Why You’ll Love These Summer ReadsSet in coastal towns like Galveston and Atlantic CityFull of faith-based, clean romance with heartfelt themesIdeal for fans of weddings, small businesses, and second chancesPacked with family fun, quirky characters, and uplifting endingsGreat for binge-reading or enjoying one sweet book at a timeReady to Start Reading?

Whether you’ve got a week at the beach or just a few quiet evenings at home, these sweet and satisfying stories will transport you to sandy boardwalks, breezy porches, and unforgettable love stories. Pick a series (or four!) and dive in today.

Don’t forget to grab your free Beach Reads Checklist printable here →

The post The Ultimate Summer Beach Reads Roundup: Romance, Faith & Fun by the Shore appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

Murder, Matrimony, and Mayhem? Say “I Do!”

Today’s featured series brings a delightful twist to the typical walk down the aisle. In my Bridal Mayhem Mystery Series, the mother of the bride isn’t just planning weddings—she’s solving mysteries that pop up right in the middle of them!

Each book in the series features a new wedding, a new mystery, and plenty of charming small-town characters you’ll grow to love. If you enjoy cozy whodunits with a strong female sleuth, heartwarming family moments, and a touch of romance, this series is your perfect match.

Bonus Sweetness

Weddings may bring mystery in the books—but in the kitchen, they bring cake! Try this fluffy, flavorful white cake mix recipe that’s ideal for weddings, showers, or just because:

The Most Delicious White Cake (from a Box!)

Stay tuned—more series are coming your way this month, each with a treat to match. Happy reading (and happy baking)!

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Boardwalk Brides Series: Summer Love at the Shore

Sink your toes into the sand and sip a salty breeze of romance with the Boardwalk Brides series by author Janice Thompson.

Set along a charming beachside boardwalk and infused with nostalgic fun, small-town faith, and sweet family drama, these books are ideal for your summer reading—whether you’re beach bound or daydreaming at home.

Book One: Salt Water Taffie

Read it on Amazon

Taffie Carini loves running her family’s candy shop—until her parents retire and leave her to take over. When a repairman named Ryan steps in to fix the broken taffy machine, he also breaks into her heart. But when a casino developer threatens her beloved shop, can love and creativity save the day?

A nostalgic, faith-filled romance with boardwalk fun, sweet business dreams, and a charming small-town hero.

Book Two: Cotton Candy Clouds

Read it on Amazon

Candy Carini’s life soars when she becomes a pilot for Eastway Airlines—but her dreams get grounded by union conflicts. Enter Darren Furst, another pilot whose steady kindness sparks a love that could weather any storm.

A light, uplifting romance full of small-town charm, aviation, and sweet possibilities.

Book Three: Sweet Harmony

Read it on Amazon

Once destined for Broadway, Tangie Carini finds herself directing church dramas in Harmony, New Jersey. When Gregg Burke, the by-the-book music director, clashes with her big-city flair, sparks fly—and so does the music.

An inspiring, opposites-attract romance with theatrical charm, small-town grace, and plenty of heart.

Why You’ll Love These Boardwalk ReadsSummer-perfect settings: nostalgic boardwalks, sweet shops, and sunny skiesFaith-infused romance: clean Christian love stories with uplifting messagesHeartwarming characters: sisters, pilots, pastors, and small-town charmFeel-good escapism: just the right mix of sweetness, laughter, and hopeReady to Take a Stroll on the Boardwalk?

If you love nostalgic, faith-filled romance with a seaside twist, these books were made for summer. They make the perfect companion for your beach chair—or any day you crave a warm escape by the water.

Start with Salt Water Taffie and let the boardwalk magic begin!

The post Boardwalk Brides Series: Summer Love at the Shore appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

Bite-Sized Beach Reads: The Bella Novellas Collection

Got an afternoon to spare and a sweet tea in hand? These quick, delightful novellas are the perfect fit for beach bags, porch swings, or cozy reading corners. Each story in the Bella Novellas collection is short enough to read in one sitting but packed with all the warmth, humor, and wedding-day whimsy fans of Weddings by Bella have come to love.

Set in sunny Galveston and small-town Splendora, these novellas feature creative wedding themes, quirky characters, and Bella Neeley doing what she does best—bringing chaos under control with flair and faith.

Once Upon a Moonlight Night

Read it on Amazon

Bella’s coordinating a celestial-themed Christmas wedding for a local meteorologist and her quirky astronomer fiancé. With outdoor festivities in December, it’s anyone’s guess if the weather—and the guests—will cooperate.

Stars, science, and holiday sparkle in this unforgettable night under the Texas sky.

Tea for Two

Read it on Amazon

It’s Valentine’s Day, and Bella is pulling out all the stops for a Victorian tea party-themed wedding. But when the groom—a senator running for president—starts missing planning meetings, things get dicey. Especially when Uncle Laz decides to throw his hat in the ring too!

Politics, pastries, and laugh-out-loud surprises in this romantic tea-time tale.

Pennies from Heaven

Read it on Amazon

Back in Splendora, Bella tackles a Parisian-themed wedding during an election season that’s splitting the town in half. Can she keep the peace, calm the bride, and manage a pack of unruly kids?

A sweet springtime story full of flair, French elegance, and small-town Texas charm.

That Lucky Old Sun

Read it on Amazon

A summer beach wedding brings Bella to the sand—and right into a cultural mash-up! A Greek groom and a Vietnamese bride want a simple sunset ceremony, but their families? Not so simple.

Beach vibes, big emotions, and Bella at her best in this multicultural celebration of love.

The Tender Trap

Read it on Amazon
A bookish bride is marrying a pop-psych radio host, and Bella’s tasked with planning their literature-themed autumn wedding. But with last-minute book tours and over-the-top ideas, Bella wonders if she’s in over her head.

A bibliophile’s dream wedding—with plenty of plot twists!

That’s Life

Read it on Amazon
A very pregnant Bella plans a reunion wedding for a formerly married couple getting a second chance. But not everyone is on board with the idea…or with Bella’s due date!

A heartwarming, hilarious finale to the Bella journey. Expect joy, redemption, and maybe a few contractions!

Why These Make the Perfect Beach ReadsShort enough to finish in one sittingSet in sunny Galveston and sweet SplendoraFilled with love, laughter, and family chaosGreat for longtime fans or first-time Bella readersPack the Bella Novellas in Your Beach Bag

Whether you’ve got 45 minutes or a whole afternoon, these stories are just the right length for a little getaway—no passport required. From political hijinks to beachside vows, there’s a novella here for every mood and moment.

The post Bite-Sized Beach Reads: The Bella Novellas Collection appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

Sweet Romance by the Shore: The Weddings by Design Series

Sunshine, sea breeze, and sweet love stories—what more could you ask for in a summer read? Whether you’re lounging poolside or soaking in the view from your beach chair, these feel-good novels are the perfect escape. Set in charming Galveston, Texas, the Weddings by Design series brings you behind the scenes of the bridal world, where the pressure is high, the families are quirky, and love always finds a way.

Each book in this fun series focuses on a different wedding vendor—a photographer, a baker, a dress designer, and a florist—and ties beautifully into the beloved Weddings by Bella world. So grab a large glass of Texas sweet tea and settle in for a delightful ride through Galveston’s bustling bridal business.

Book One: Picture Perfect

Read it on Amazon

Hannah McDermott is a feisty wedding photographer determined to prove herself in Galveston’s competitive wedding scene. Her goal? To land the top spot on Bella Neeley’s recommended vendor list. Her biggest rival? The charming (and frustratingly handsome) Drew Kincaid.

Let the wedding wars begin—with plenty of laughs and unexpected romance along the way!

Book Two: The Icing on the Cake

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Scarlet Lindsey didn’t plan to become a cake decorator, but when her eccentric Aunt Wilhelmina calls, Scarlet steps in—and ends up in a televised cake competition. Between frosting flubs and romantic surprises, she learns that life is best served sweet.

Cake, comedy, and a whole lot of heart—this one’s a treat!

Book Three: The Dream Dress

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Gabi Delgado dreams of seeing her wedding dress designs come to life, not just altering gowns at a high-end boutique. But when she loses her job and meets Jordan Spencer, the editor of Texas Bride magazine, her future begins to take a surprising turn.

A story of dreams, dresses, and a love that fits just right.

Book Four: A Bouquet of Love

Read it on Amazon

Cassia Pappas just wants to focus on arranging flowers, but her loud, lovable Greek family has relocated to Galveston to open a restaurant—right across from the Rossi family’s pizza place. As tensions rise between the families, Cassia must balance family loyalty and her own path to love.

Florals, family feuds, and flirty delivery guys? Yes, please!

Why You’ll Love This Series

If you’re drawn to:

Coastal settings full of character and charmWomen navigating faith, family, and big dreamsRomantic comedies with heart and hilarityThe behind-the-scenes chaos of weddings…

…then Weddings by Design is your new favorite summer series.

Escape to Galveston This Summer

Each book in the Weddings by Design series brings something fresh and delightful to the wedding scene—and the beach! With sun, sweetness, and the occasional frosting fiasco, these clean and inspirational love stories are exactly what you need in your summer reading stack.

The post Sweet Romance by the Shore: The Weddings by Design Series appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

Best Beach Reads: The Weddings by Bella Series

Nothing says summer like Galveston Island, a comfy beach chair, a big floppy hat, and a sweet tea in hand…especially if you’re diving into a feel-good romantic comedy. If you’re searching for the perfect beach reads to take along on your coastal getaway (or just want to feel like you’re at the beach), the Weddings by Bella series has you covered.

Set in sunny South Texas, these books are full of heart, humor, and wedding-day hijinks that will make you laugh out loud—and maybe even wipe away a happy tear. Meet Bella Rossi, a quirky Italian-Texan wedding planner whose life is anything but boring. From cowboy-themed weddings to castle dreams and 1940s throwbacks, Bella’s big Italian family brings charm, chaos, and a whole lot of love to the page.

Book One: Fools Rush In

Read it on Amazon

When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding-planning business, Bella Rossi books a “Boot Scootin’” country wedding…only she doesn’t know the first thing about country music. Enter DJ Neeley, a real-life cowboy with a playlist full of George Strait and charm to spare.

A hilarious culture clash with a whole lot of heart—and Tex-Mex flair!

Book Two: Swinging on a Star

Read it on Amazon

Bella is planning a fairy tale wedding, Renaissance style—complete with a castle, costumes, and horse-drawn carriages. But the best man? Hollywood’s hottest heartthrob. And he’s staying in her house.

Lights, camera, chaos. This wedding might just be Bella’s biggest challenge yet.

Book Three: It Had to be You

Read it on Amazon

Love is finally in the air for two feuding relatives, and Bella is thrilled to plan their glamorous 1940s-style wedding. But when family drama—and a mysterious old friend—gets involved, Bella’s own happily-ever-after may get a bit complicated.

Old-world charm meets new family chaos in this sweet and funny love story.

Book Four: That’s Amore

Read it on Amazon

Now married with kids and a new Club Wed location opening in Splendora, Bella’s got her hands full. When DJ suggests they renew their vows, Bella agrees…until the town’s mayor tries to shut everything down.

A heartwarming story of family, faith, and finding joy in the chaos.

Why You’ll Love These Books

If you love:

Family-centric fictionLight-hearted faith-based romanceCrazy culture clashesLaugh-out-loud moments mixed with tender truthsSummer stories with sweet tea, sun, and second chances…

…then The Weddings by Bella series belongs in your beach bag.

Grab Your Sweet Tea and Start Reading!

Whether you’re heading to Galveston or just wish you were, these Texas-set stories are the perfect escape. So fluff your towel, open your favorite book app (or paperback!), and let Bella and her unforgettable family take you on a summer adventure you’ll never forget.

☀️ Start with Book One: Fools Rush In

The post Best Beach Reads: The Weddings by Bella Series appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

How to Host a Book-Themed Party (with 5 Genre-Inspired Ideas)

If you’re anything like me, you love reading and hosting a good party. So why not combine the two? Whether you’re planning a book club night, birthday celebration, bridal shower, or just a girls’ night in, these genre-themed party ideas will bring your favorite stories to life.

Below are 5 trending book genres—plus creative ideas to throw a party inspired by each one, complete with fun recipe suggestions from Out of the Box Baking!

Bridgerton-Inspired Historical Romance Party

Vibe: Regal. Elegant. Tea-sipping perfection.

Ideas:Host an afternoon tea with scones, finger sandwiches, and petit fours.Invite guests to wear pastel florals, pearls, or Regency-style attire.Play instrumental covers of pop songs, just like on the show.Print “Lady Whistledown” cards for guests to leave anonymous compliments.Recipes to Try:Lemon High Tea Cookies:Mini Strawberry Shortcakes: French Butter CookiesTea Cup Sugar CookiesSimple Chocolate Chip SconesMore High Tea RecipesHelpful Posts:Hosting a High TeaBoho Baking: Embrace the Art of Cozy, Chic ConfectionsCozy Mystery Garden Gathering

Vibe: Whimsical, quirky, and clue-filled.

Ideas:Serve “Poisoned” Tea (blackberry iced tea with a cheeky label).Play a short “Whodunit” game with clues hidden around the party.Decorate with vintage teacups and magnifying glass cookies.Encourage guests to dress as sleuths.Recipes to try:Dark Chocolate Raspberry TrufflesElegant Ombre CakeBeautifully Decorated CupcakesSparkling Cranberry White Chocolate CupcakesHelpful Posts:Impress Your GuestsEasy High Tea RecipesFantasy World Book Bash

Vibe: Enchanted forests, dragons, and magical mayhem.

Ideas:Set up a DIY crown or wand-making station.Decorate with fairy lights, moss, and mystical décor.Serve “Elven Bread” (shortbread), “Phoenix Feathers” (cheese straws), and potion drinks.Create a book exchange in a treasure chest!Recipes to Try:Old Fashioned DivinityPink Velvet CupcakesFairy Tale Cinnamon RollsStrawberry Lemon Creme SconesHelpful Posts:Crumbl Copycat Pink Sugar CookiesCupcake Tips and TricksEasy Three-Ingredient FudgeRom-Com Pajama Party

Vibe: Cozy, colorful, and full of heart eyes.

Ideas:Invite guests to wear pajamas and bring their favorite swoony read.Watch a clean rom-com or book-to-movie adaptation.Play “Kiss or Miss”—read fake book blurbs and vote if they’d read it.Serve popcorn, heart-shaped cookies, and cotton candy mocktails.Recipes to try:Cookie Decorating with Royal IcingStrawberry FluffiesUltimate Chocolate Chip CookiesEasy Sausage RollsInspirational Fiction & Devotional Brunch

Vibe: Encouraging, joy-filled, and meaningful.

Ideas:Host a morning brunch with muffins, fruit, and coffee.Use uplifting Scripture cards as table décor or party favors.Invite everyone to share a book that’s impacted them spiritually.Give away a devotional or inspirational novel as a door prize.Recipes to try:Easy Sourdough Cinnamon RollsSame Day Sourdough English MuffinsHam and Cheese Grits CasseroleLemon Blueberry Bread PuddingFinal Thoughts

Book-themed parties are more than just fun—they’re a way to celebrate community and imagination. With a little creativity (and maybe a tray of themed cupcakes), you can throw a gathering that feels straight out of a storybook.

Looking for more inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest for more book-themed party ideas, printables, and baking recipes!

Before you go, why not pin some photos?

Thanks for visiting!

The post How to Host a Book-Themed Party (with 5 Genre-Inspired Ideas) appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.

Fiction Basics

Ah, fiction!  The world of make-believe.  The chance for the author to “create” people, places and things. What power!  

And how we love it. But creating an imaginary world and filling it with people is only a part of the process.  Fiction writing is hard work. Welcome, everyone! This is Janice Thompson, full-time freelance author and speaker – and avid fiction fan. I’ve written over fifty books in my lifetime and most of them have been novels, so I have a soft spot in my heart for well-developed stories. If you’ve signed on to these lessons, you clearly have a spot in your heart for novel-writing, too. 

Components: Let’s Start at the Beginning…

Let’s start by talking about the various components of a great novel. Think of your story as a puzzle in many pieces.  If any of these pieces are missing when you’ve finished writing, then you don’t have a “whole” story. Understanding the components of a great novel is critical to the book’s success.

So, what are those components? First is a thorough understanding of genre. Maybe you’ve heard this word, but don’t really know what it means.  “Genre” is just a fancy way of saying “category.”  All novels fit into one category or another and you need to know where your book “fits” so that you can effectively pitch it to an editor (and so that it reaches the appropriate audience).

Here are some of the most common fiction categories: historical, contemporary, romance, women’s lit, inspirational, chick-lit, mystery, suspense, thriller, YA (young adult), biblical, sci-fi, paranormal, crime, western, literary and allegory. 

Questions to Answer:What genre does your novel fall into?Do you want to be “branded” as a genre writer?Can you see both positives and negatives to this scenario?

The next component to a great novel is the title. 

Do you realize the importance of your title choice?  A great title is a great hook.  Sometimes a poor title can cause book sales to suffer. Answer the following questions about your title:

What have you titled your novel?Does the title clearly reflect the book’s content?Is it a sellable title? Does it have a great hook?Have you “tried out” the title on friends and family?
Are there other titles that might work?  Think of at least three or four, just in case the publishing house opts not to use your working title.

The next component of fiction writing is the story’s plot

Your story must have an awesome beginning, middle and end. Careful plotting will lead the reader on a satisfactory, realistic journey through each of those stages, creatively weaving in and out, up and down.  But how do we begin to plot our stories?  Is there a magic formula?  

Yes, there is! All great plots will have the following: 

Goals and motivationConflict (internal and external)Pacing (to keep the action going)Highs and lows, ups and downs (so that the story never grows cold or gets boring)Great chapter endings (so important)Continual building towards great climaxBelievable (and satisfactory) resolution

Now let’s switch gears and talking about the next component of the novel, which is the setting. Whether you’ve chosen lush, tropical Hawaii, or an African desert, your setting can greatly affect your overall story.

But there’s more to it than that…

Choosing your setting includes:

Setting a “time” for your story: (as in) a time in history, a time of day, a time of year, a time (season) in a person’s life. Setting a “place” for your story: “Where” in the world, “where” in the country, “where” in the city or country, “where” in the neighborhood, “where” in the house, etc.Setting a “mood” for your story:  This can be accomplished in many ways, but good descriptions help.  

That leads me to one of the more important things you’ll need to know about setting:  Sensory Elements. Your story should tap into all five senses.  Let your reader see it, smell it, hear it, taste it and touch it.  Finally, let them “feel” it – on every level.

The next component to a great novel is well-developed characters

Readers need characters they can connect with. Even if you have great action and place the story in an exciting location, the reader will toss the book if you don’t give her a character she can either fall in love with or in some way relate to.  And that character has to have a believable/workable name.  

Once you’ve named your character, you’ll need a full description (internal and external).  You need to know what makes him/her tick. One way to find out how your character reacts under stress is to put him/her on “the witness stand” and ask a host of questions. You might be surprised at some of the answers!

Just a quick word about good guys and bad guys.  Good guys aren’t all good and bad guys aren’t all bad.  Your “good” characters must have some flaws and your “bad” guys must have some redeeming qualities/traits.  Otherwise, your story comes across as slanted.  Besides, that’s how life is!  Even good people make mistakes.  And bad ones are rarely all bad. 

Once you know who your characters are, you then have to figure out ways to introduce them to your readers. There are four main ways to show character in fiction: 

Show Off Those Characters!

1 .  Tell the reader: This is the easiest way of showing character, but your reader won’t necessarily believe you (who believes everything they are told?). And even if they do believe you, this kind of character description is easy to forget. 

2.  Have the character tell the reader:  This is usually a substitute for #1 in stories told in first person, but can also be done in a third person story through the character’s thoughts. 

3.  Have other characters tell the reader:  This is usually done by having other characters speaking to each other about the character in question. If you are using a shifting viewpoint, you can also have various characters express their opinions (through thoughts or dialogue) while they are the viewpoint character. 

4.  Use the character’s actions:  This is probably the strongest and most believable means of depicting character available to a writer. The reader won’t believe everything they are told, but they will believe it if they “see” it.

POV

The next component of a great novel is POV (Point of View)

I could spend pages discussing POV (point of view) and its importance in fiction writing.  This is the one area where I see the most need for improvement in young writers.  Who is telling your story?  Through whose eyes will the reader see the action? Think of the POV in much the same way you’d think of a camera angle. Your point of view character is the one behind the camera. When you’re writing from his POV, you are someone limited, in that the only real perceptions you can show. . .are his. His thoughts, his feelings, his responses. He can suppose what others are thinking and feeling, but you have to stay inside his head, not head-hop to other characters in the scene. 

There are three primary POVs used by writers today. Basically, they include: 

Omniscient:  Most of the classics are written this way.  “Omniscient” POV is also known as the “all-seeing God-eye.” In other words, a novel written in this POV will give the reader opportunity to see inside the head and heart of every character.  That’s the polar opposite of what I described earlier, isn’t it. The problem with this point of view is that it is too vague.  There’s no one to connect with.  How can you distinguish your primary character from the others if you’re revealing motives/actions of all?  Publishers today aren’t keen on Omniscient POV. Why? Because the author who writes this way is really telling his reader the story when he could be showing it. The reader is simply an observer, and that’s never a good thing. You want your reader to have a vested interest in your characters. 

The next point of view is Third-Person:  Many (if not most) modern novels are written in third-person POV.  There are two different types of Third-Person POV.  They include: Limited (meaning you only see through the eyes of a handful of characters in the story) or multiple, meaning the scenes skip from one POV character to the next. Both are popular.  Some novels have as many as six or seven third-person POV’s.  However, a new author shouldn’t tackle something this complex.  It can rarely be done well.  Start with two, maybe three at the most.

The final POV is First-Person:  It has become quite trendy to write in first-person.  A first person novel gives the reader a chance to really connect (and connect well) with a particular character.  Using the “I” voice, this character reveals issues of the heart, matters of conscience and motivations.  In fact, readers who enjoy this POV often come away from the book saying, “It was almost like the author WAS the character.”  

Dialogue & Narrative

The next two components of a great novel are Dialogue and Narrative

Basically, the “telling” of the story falls into a couple of categories:  narrative/prose and dialogue.  Dialogue is fairly self-explanatory.  It includes the back and forth conversations of your characters (with or without the he said, she said tags).  Dialogue should always advance the plot or offer insight into a characters motivations/situation.

Narrative is the glue between conversations.  With your narrative, you have an opportunity to share a lot of information.  But, beware! As we’ve already mentioned, you don’t want to resort to “telling” your story when you should be showing. Show your character doing something. Don’t just tell the reader he did it. 

One of the things you can do to make your narrative (and dialogue) more effective is to choose active verbs, as opposed to passive ones.  Look over your WIP (work in progress) and answer the following questions:

Are your verbs active?How can you “punch up” your verbs?Is your story adverb-heavy?Can you re-word sentences, killing off adverbs and strengthening verbs?  Give it a shot!

That’s it for this lesson, writers. We’ve covered a lot, haven’t we! Thanks for joining us for this glimpse into the world of fiction writing. 

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Quotes for Readers

Ah, books! They bring such joy into our lives, don’t they? In this post I’m going to share some of my favorite quotes for readers, to encourage you to read, read, read!

Every Book is a New Adventure

When you open a book, you step into a new world—one filled with characters, conflicts, and possibilities beyond your imagination. Whether it’s a cozy mystery, a sweeping romance, or a thrilling adventure, every story takes you somewhere new. You don’t need a passport, a plane ticket, or even a packed bag. Just a book, your imagination, and the willingness to turn the page.

Readers Bring Stories to Life

Authors may write the words, but readers breathe life into them. A story truly exists when it’s read—when someone laughs at a witty remark, gasps at a twist, or sheds a tear at a heartfelt moment. You, the reader, are the heart of every book. Without you, stories would sit in silence, waiting to be discovered. Keep reading, keep feeling, keep bringing stories to life.

Books Connect Us Across Time and Space

A book is more than just paper and ink—it’s a bridge between people, places, and generations. When you read, you walk in someone else’s shoes, experiencing their world, their struggles, and their joys. You can connect with an author who lived centuries ago or bond with someone across the world over a shared favorite novel. Stories unite us, remind us that we’re not alone, and show us that human emotions are universal.

Your Love of Books Makes You a Dreamer

Readers are dreamers, visionaries, and explorers of the unknown. You don’t settle for just one life—you live a thousand. You step into castles and cabins, deserts and deep-sea voyages, past and future. A book in your hands is an invitation to imagine, to hope, to believe in the impossible. Never stop dreaming. Never stop reading.

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