Peggy Bechko's Blog, page 3

From the Beginning – Five Writer’s Gripes About Novel Starts

I’m a writer, but I’m also a reader. Even if you aren’t both I’m sure there are things about the beginning of a book, the very first sentence that just bug the heck out of you.
Seriously. Me too.
So I’m going to talk here a bit about beginnings – specifically the very beginning – the first sentence of a novel which ideally is supposed to grip the reader by the eyeballs and not let them go.
Um, yeah. So here are five ‘do-nots’ from my perspective as both writer and reader.
First, it’s the begin...

Reader's and Writer's Paradise - the Library Quotes & Contemplation

“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.”― Jorge Luis Borges

Don’t you love quotes from people you respect – or quotes that are just fun?  Do you look at them and contemplate any deeper layers of meaning? Or does it just tickle something within you that responds and makes it your own?
Like the quote above. I’m not saying it has many deep layers of meaning, but isn’t it fun to contemplate? I’m a writer and a reader. I can’t help it, it speaks to me.
Have you thou...

Writers and Readers Do you do Pinterest & Live on Social Media?

Are you addicted – or not? 
If you visit Pinterest frequently, on a scale of 1 to OMG I’ve gotta stop, where do you fall?
I admit I enjoy Pinterest and I visit, but only on a ‘I have the time’ basis.  And when I do I enjoy sharing other people’s pins as well as adding some of my own such as these:
http://bitly.com/POECrackedOpen   http://bitly.com/BookSpells    http://bitly.com/MummifiedEgg  http://bitly.com/POEEruption
Along with a whole assortment of other pins...

Writer Peggy Bechko Discusses What's Coming Next

Seems like a Writer's work is never done!  But that's a good thing!  
Onward. 
This week I'm talking a bit about what's coming next for me -- 
There are a number of irons in the fire as usual. I have a romance novel that needs finishing - I'm about 3/4 of the way there. 
Work continues at a slow pace for the conversion of one of my movie scripts, Bloodlines, into a novel companion. It's a vampire western full of the paranormal. I hope to have that complete by late fall or...

Writers - Save Your Readers From Boring…

Throw your hero off a cliff.  Yep, that’s the ticket. Think about it. Are you boring your reading audience with wonderful Mr. Nice Guy who may be a bit shy, but so darn good looking he’s irresistible?Okay, he can be all that, but does he spend his days at the lake faithfully with his one true love and have nothing more exciting than crossing against a light to spice up his day?
Uh…. Boring. Readers don’t want to follow a perfect hero or heroine as he or she goes about her day and everyon...

Writing Tips Anyone- Why they Can Be Absolutely Useless Plus the Writer's Update

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Writers And Readers Websites Wednesday

I admit I haven't had time to keep up with this on a regular basis - but that doesn't mean I've given up on providing cool sites when I find them!  
Today's is KidLit TV (and radio and more). It's at www.KidLit.TV. Don't just sit there - go on over and check it out! Helping parents and educators explore the world of children’s literature.

What Are Writers Afraid of? Using Emotion To Create Compelling Characters

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Creating Comics - an abbreviated how to

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Writing The Wham Bam Action Scene

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