Kate Breslin's Blog, page 3

MOVE THE PLOT FORWARD

Because this is my first blog (ever) I grappled over what to write about. With so many blogs already in cyberspace, it felt daunting. What could I say to make it worth your time to stop and visit, and—hope against hope—get you to come back?

As a fiction writer, I’ve attended countless workshops for craft over the years. Among these was a memorable, hands-on workshop using examples from Christopher Vogler’s highly-acclaimed book,THE WRITER’S JOURNEY. My AHA! moment came when I learned that each of us is on our own journey, complete with character arc, conflict, perhaps a bit of romance and danger—and growth. By the last chapter of life, we, like our fictional hero, should be able to look back and see how far we’ve come, and how it’s changed us for the better.

Another lesson drilled into a writer’s brain: Move the plot forward. As an ardent walker, this notion appeals to me; and as a reader, I appreciate it. I’ve gotten stuck once or twice in a novel’s “sagging middle,” and been unable to pick it up again because nothing’s happening. Sound familiar? A story that doesn’t move is static, unproductive, and seems a waste of time. Luckily, that doesn’t happen too often, but still they serve as a good reminder when we examine our own “story.”

Like our reluctant hero, do we take up the gauntlet and pursue goals that challenge us…or do we sit back and defer the chance to better ourselves and our world? What about relationships? Do we cultivate friends who help us to grow in our faith and character…or do we get stuck in neutral, following the crowd?

And every good story has a Mentor, helping the hero on his journey. Do we feed our spirit, deepening our faith in God…or do we think of Him only when it’s convenient?

Living in a world dazzled by mind-numbing electronics, Hollywood gods, and a mindset that Tweets more about Miley Cyrus than about Jesus, it’s difficult to stay focused and “move our plot forward.” So, the next time you pick up a good book—or THE Good Book—think about where your own journey is headed.

What’s your story? Will it be a bestseller?

The post MOVE THE PLOT FORWARD appeared first on Kate Breslin.

MY WRITING PROCESS BLOG TOUR!

Hello friends! It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, and thanks to fellow WWII fiction author, Rachel Lowrey Muller, I’ve been asked to participate in a blog tour about my writing process and really, what do I do all day? So here goes:

WHAT AM I WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?

With the recent release of my debut novel, For Such A Time, I’m already writing the next adventure for Bethany House. I’m going back in time to WWI, and instead of Czechoslovakia, my story is set in Britain, both the busy city of London and the beautiful pastoral landscape of Kent. It’s 1917, and with British soldiers and sailors fighting overseas, my cast of lovely characters stays busy aiding in the war effort back home. While I can’t reveal too much of the story before I finish and turn it in, I will tell you it involves a beautiful Suffragette and a mysterious aristocrat, with romance, intrigue, and bit of adventure thrown in!

HOW DOES MY WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS OF ITS GENRE?

Unlike other WWI novels I’ve read, my story doesn’t involve actual battle scenes. The war works more as a backdrop for my characters’ journey and while they’re aware of its presence, they are distanced from the fighting in France. I got my story idea perusing the many fascinating events that occurred during the first two decades of the 20th century. It was the age of modernization, as the end of the Edwardian era ushered in Women’s Suffrage and the industrial boom. Cruise liner shipbuilding, ready-made clothing, department stores, restaurants and assembly-line automobile manufacturing were on the scene. Many British were cinemagoers, as the American film industry blossomed with stars like Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Rudolf Valentino headlining “silent movie” screens.

British women found more opportunities outside the home for work and socializing; in certain tea shops and coffee houses, respectable ladies could gather and enjoy tea time without having to be chaperoned. A shift in thinking about a “woman’s place” began with the onset of WWI. Men took off in droves to do their duty and fight, leaving the ladies to stay behind and take up the slack. Many worked in factories making munitions and shrapnel for the soldiers overseas, driving ambulances at the Front, working as nurses, policewomen, and providing manual labor in the fields. (By 1918, Britain suffered extreme food shortages as German U-boats attacked merchant ships carrying foodstuffs from America.)  With women taking over many previously exclusive “male” occupations during the war, it helped afterward to speed up their winning the right to vote. Hmm, maybe the men figured out that women were just as if not more competent in “taking care of business” while they were away?

WHY DO I WRITE WHAT I DO?

I write inspirational historical romance because I enjoy uplifting love stories–and I’m fascinated with exploring the past, especially European history. It’s my way of traveling to new places, seeing wondrous sights, and going back in time without leaving my desk! The research is fun, as I always learn something new. Though I do put myself on a timer, otherwise I get engrossed in one interesting tidbit after another and before you know it, I’ve gobbled up hours of writing time!

HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS WORK?

Once the bulk of my research is finished and my outline complete, I start writing the first draft of my story. Mornings are best for my creativity, so I get up early, before phones, email, and other distractions commence and write for several hours. More of a “map reader” than “seat of the pantster,” I like having a detailed synopsis at the onset of my project. I know my story will vary a bit, but it does keep me on track.  Every writer is different and the secret is to find what works and stick with it.

I enjoy listening to music while I work, especially if the melody resonates with the mood or theme of my story. I have a lovely office facing the bay and perfect for my inspiration! Books cram every inch of space in my library, and I’m surrounded by all things historical: Ancient Scottish weaponry, old maps, even a framed Celtic Cross. My cat, Coco, (see my About page) oftentimes lends a hand. When she thinks I need a break, she stands in front of my computer screen until I gradually surface from my fictional fog. J

So there you have it–this is my writing life! And I hope you’ll stay on the tour as fellow historical author, Christina Rich, posts her process from her site, ThreefoldStrand.com next Monday, May 12th!

Happy reading and writing,

Kate

SC Library winner in my recent book giveaway!

 

I’m happy to report a wonderful response to my recent newsletter book giveaway in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Thanks so much for participating!

The winner has been notified and will receive a copy of For Such A Time. In addition, an extra copy will be donated in their name to the school/public library of their choice.

And that winner is… (drum roll)

Taylors Public Library in Taylors, SC.
Congratulations!

Grace in Flight

 

Today I tell my story of how God’s grace–and soaring at 20,000 feet–helped me to renew my faith after years of doubt and disbelief.

http://karenwingate.com/kate-breslin/

A Writer’s Season

 With winter upon us, early mornings are my quiet time; when the house still sleeps, the neighborhood is silent, and the only sounds come from the quacking ducks that dip and bob on the chilly bay outside my window as they forage for breakfast. It’s these moments, just after dawn, that I enjoy sitting in my favorite chair, taking a few minutes to pray and count my blessings, and read a passage from the Bible to help shore me before starting a busy schedule that will likely last for the next twelve hours.

Today, I read chapter three from the Book of Ecclesiastes, the “Seasons under Heaven.” I love this passage and oftentimes find myself singing to the written words; I know I’m not alone, as many of you might recall that Pete Seeger wrote music lyrics from these very verses, and in 1965, Turn! Turn! Turn!, performed by the American rock band, The Byrds, became the #1 hit song!

I’m also reminded how important it is to find balance in our lives. Like “A time to embrace…” for me, as a new author, means having met the new and exciting challenges of the past year—a book contract, revisions, reviews, a flight to Minnesota to meet with my publisher, and of course, writing like crazy to meet the next story deadline…

Yet because I’ve embraced all of these amazing “firsts,” it’s also “A time to refrain…” —from the long hours I used to spend in the garden and bartering my culinary pursuits for whatever’s quickest to fix; from my once fastidious housekeeping to turning a blind eye to those dust bunnies (though my hubby, John, is very helpful) and the community projects I once had time for. I realize that right now, it’s not my “season” for those things, but I trust that God will return me to them when the time is right.  “A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them…”

With the holidays coming to a close and another year newly born, winter is the “season upon us.” And I think, it’s a particularly good one for writers. “A time to plant…” those words on the page, and hopefully reap our readers’ enjoyment later on.

What is your season?

 

 Happy New Year!

 

 

Scripture excerpts taken from the Holy Bible, NIV, Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.

MOVE THE PLOT FORWARD

Because this is my first blog (ever) I grappled over what to write about. With so many blogs already in cyberspace, it felt daunting. What could I say to make it worth your time to stop and visit, and—hope against hope—get you to come back?

As a fiction writer, I’ve attended countless workshops for craft over the years. Among these was a memorable, hands-on workshop using examples from Christopher Vogler’s highly-acclaimed book, THE WRITER’S JOURNEY. My AHA! moment came when I learned that each of us is on our own journey, complete with character arc, conflict, perhaps a bit of romance and danger—and growth. By the last chapter of life, we, like our fictional hero, should be able to look back and see how far we’ve come, and how it’s changed us for the better.

Another lesson drilled into a writer’s brain: Move the plot forward. As an ardent walker, this notion appeals to me; and as a reader, I appreciate it. I’ve gotten stuck once or twice in a novel’s “sagging middle,” and been unable to pick it up again because nothing’s happening. Sound familiar? A story that doesn’t move is static, unproductive, and seems a waste of time. Luckily, that doesn’t happen too often, but still they serve as a good reminder when we examine our own “story.”

Like our reluctant hero, do we take up the gauntlet and pursue goals that challenge us…or do we sit back and defer the chance to better ourselves and our world? What about relationships? Do we cultivate friends who help us to grow in our faith and character…or do we get stuck in neutral, following the crowd?

And every good story has a Mentor, helping the hero on his journey. Do we feed our spirit, deepening our faith in God…or do we think of Him only when it’s convenient?

Living in a world dazzled by mind-numbing electronics, Hollywood gods, and a mindset that Tweets more about Miley Cyrus than about Jesus, it’s difficult to stay focused and “move our plot forward.” So, the next time you pick up a good book—or THE Good Book—think about where your own journey is headed.

What’s your story? Will it be a bestseller?