Ruth Ford Elward's Blog, page 7
January 28, 2015
A Word about Titles
For freely offered writing Resources go to RuthFordElward.com
The book that you wrote is a representation of you. All its contents, and each sentence is a demonstration of your insights and thought patterns. Choosing a title for your masterpiece is not always easy. It needs to be a catchy illustration of the work, something that can stir the interest of a would-be reader and at the same time give credence to your composition.
Likewise, this is where you may need to put on your ‘marketing and sales’ hat. If this is not a strong area for you, later posts will offer easy to duplicate strategies for moving your book further down the road, garnering ‘buzz’ about your book, and establishing a name for yourself. But, it all starts with a great title.
Titles for General Non-fiction Books
For documentaries and other non-fiction books, a good title usually means constructing a solid promise, a statement that clearly states the benefits that a reader will get from the publication, or otherwise offers an answer to a commonly asked question.
Likewise, documentaries and non-fiction books can utilize the angle of the inflammatory question or shocking statement. A good example of this is the documentary: Fat in America.
Titles for Narrative Non-fiction Books
You can create a title for a narrative non-fiction book using the same approach as for a regular non-fiction book. However, rather than stating the benefits your reader will receive, through the title, your reader will learn about the events that occurred on a specific day or the life and times of a person, most often a famous person.
A novel title should be able to limitedly reveal the contents of the book in a manner that stimulates emotional reaction and interest. Aside from being able to intrigue, charm, mystify, and even enrage your potential reader; your book’s title should urge the reader to want to know more.
Create a great book title by initially experimenting with various word combinations. The most effective titles are comprised of no more than 2, 3 or 4 words.
A good title for your book will guarantee that it will be easily remembered by potential readers. Book titles are marketing tools that can either encourage a reader to pick up your book for a closer look or leave it on the shelf and move on. The title should not be long and should be something that causes the reader to ask him or herself a question: What’s that all about?
Your book title should encapsulate the content you have written, but at the same time entice the reader to pick up the book. If you are planning to have subsequent novels following the first (as in a series), then you will especially need to pay attention to the ‘theme’ that will most likely run through all of your works to follow. The Cat Who…mystery book series is a perfect example of this, as well as the thrillers by Mary Higgins Clark (A is for Alibi, alphabet series).
The words you will use should elicit a compelling emotional response from your prospective readers. And, although book titles cannot be copyrighted, you would want a title that’s unique and strikingly noteworthy.
January 25, 2015
Want to be a Beta Reader?
For freely offered Writing Resources go to RuthFordElward.com
Want to be a Beta Reader?
I’m looking for 5 Beta Readers. This would entail receiving a book prior to final editing, (anywhere from 2 to 3 months prior to publishing) reading it and giving me feedback on the content.
Each manuscript will be sent in formats to accommodate any reading device or computer. With each book, I will include a few questions to be answered honestly.
For example:
1. What did you like the most about the story?
2. What did you like the least?
3. Your opinion on character development.
4. Suggestions on a title (no more than 3 words)
5. If you could choose a story line for the next book,
what would it include?
With the Beta Readers’ permission, any contribution that is used will be acknowledged in the book.
Contact me for additional information or questions if you would like to participate and feel free to pass this on to your friends that enjoy reading #diversemysteries
January 22, 2015
Strategies for Chapters Part 2 of 2
For freely offered writing Resources go to RuthFordElward.com
Remaining open to change means that if some chapters do not make sense or are totally irrelevant to the entire plot, you can simply edit them when you feel their not in sync with the rest of the story.
By placing the information that you want in each of the chapters in your outline, the speed with which you’ll be able to write your book increases substantially.
The truth is, each writer has his own unique writing style and techniques, especially when it comes to beginning and ending a story. Here are a few pointers to help in jump starting your book.
• You should think of an opening that will keep your reader glued to your story from start to the next exciting episode. It can be an event that leaves them yearning for more.
Your initial sentence should be something that is so powerful it reaches out to your readers and pulls them in. If you can come up with an engrossing intro, that will engage the reader right from the get go so they won’t want to put your book down. Make your readers feel they are part of the story.
• Some writers usually start their opening paragraph with a question. This is an effective way to attract readers and get them involved early in the game. However, the question should have substance and purpose.
To do that, the question should be philosophical or something that seems like it. It should be the type of question that the reader will ponder on during the whole time they are reading the book.
• Most professional writers create outlines before they set out developing their story. Outlines will help you remember key events in your story. Create an outline for every chapter of your novel.
Of course, your outline can be rearranged as you go. It just serves as your guide in the progression of your story. It leads you from your starting point to your destination.
The outline can be written in any style that you like. It can be in depth or just a simple summary of how you want your story to develop. Keep in mind that the more information you put in your outline, the more intense and vibrant your book becomes.
• One of the most important elements of a book is its characters. They create intrigue and this is what keeps your readers glued to your story. As long as your characters are interesting, you can rest assured that your readers are attached to your plot.
Here are some tips on how you can improve your writing skills.
• Begin your story with tension
You don’t always have to begin a story with lots of action. Instead, lay the groundwork for the action by beginning your story with tension, for instance your protagonist being unable to save the life of a loved one. From tension, a good progression would be to slowly build the suspense until the story reaches the climax.
• Build on what your characters desire most
Most popular stories are hinged on characters who want something. For example, Jason Bourne wants to know his true identity. Harry Potter wants to defeat the one responsible for the death of his parents. The characters of John Grisham want to win difficult legal cases.
In order to create a worthwhile story, you have to create characters that have compelling individualities, people who have strong wants and desires.
• End every chapter of your book on a hanging note
You can keep your readers on their toes, wanting to read more by leaving them with an unanswered question at the end of each chapter. This leaves the writer with the task of providing an answer for the previous question and creating a new one as the story builds towards the climax.
Fiction thrives and becomes successful on the inquisitiveness of readers. A writer needs to continually spark the interest of the reader and one of the most effective ways is to place a hook or cliff-hanger towards the end of each chapter.
If you do not create questions, there is no incentive for a reader to continue reading on to the next chapter.
• Create hurdles for your characters, difficult obstacles to overcome.
Make these obstacles as difficult as they can be to add suspense and tension to your fiction. The trick is that your protagonist should be able to conquer these impediments regardless of their level of difficulty.
Fiction becomes more interesting when the main characters are faced with difficult odds and they are still able to pull through in the end.
January 21, 2015
Strategies for Chapters Part 1 of 2
For freely offered writing Resources go to RuthFordElward.com
In many respects you must THINK like a reader. When a reader goes into a bookstore, either on line or brick and mortar, he’ll proceed to his favorite aisle, look for an interesting title and look at the cover. If it meets with his approval, not just the picture but what is written on the front and back cover, then he’ll start to flip through the pages. He’ll proceed to the first chapter and will read a few lines. For online buyers, they search for sample chapters on internet book seller sites such as Amazon.
One way or another, a serious buyer would want to see a glimpse of the written work. His next step would depend on the effect of what he read from the book. If the sampling grabs him and encourages him to take action, he will probably add the book to his shortlist or put it aside as a possible purchase. However, if what he read was unsatisfying or he is not able to identify with the subject matter or character, that reader will most likely move on to the next book.
Even professional writers, those who have been writing for years, sometimes find it difficult to begin a chapter in a new book. In fact, for many, getting starting is always the most challenging part in writing a book.
Before you begin a chapter, decide what will happen in your story. This can be achieved by creating a comprehensive outline of your intended plot.
With a plot, you can create a good beginning and a remarkable twist for the ending. Once you have your beginning and ending, the next step is to fill in other areas of your outline with the setting, characters and plot.
First, create your characters and their attributes. Obviously, this is important because your characters will be the main focus of your story. Your plot is useless if it does not have great and compelling characters.
Then, picture the settings for each chapter. You should carefully choose where you want your characters to go and what happens to them. Write down the descriptions on your outline and strategize on how you will be able to deliver them.
It should be noted that there are no new stories under the sun, just NEW ways to tell them. Think about the main plot line for Romeo and Juliet? With a slight adjustment to the plot line you have Twilight. Read Plato’s Cave, nip and tuck a little here and there, and you have the movie, The Matrix. See? No new stories…only new voices to tell them. This is often what is meant when agents and editors say, “Give me the same thing…only different.”
Once you’ve created your outline, it’s time to organize the chapters.
The beginning, ending, settings, characters and plot that you have already completed are essential because they will help you determine where to put what in each chapter.
You can then alter the story on a per chapter basis if you feel your current plot lacks density and depth. And in many situations, this is exactly what happens.
Writer’s Block most often occurs in new writers when they remain inflexible and a slave to their outlines. Think of your outline as a road map, it merely suggests a possible direction to your destination. However, once you get to some sort of milestone, you may decide to take a small detour, or a new route will suggest itself all together.
These intuitive leaps should be embraced and celebrated. Failure to allow this part of the creative process to have its way will most likely result in a creative bottleneck that could cause you to stall for a period of time.
January 20, 2015
Fan Fiction, Yay or Nay?
For freely offered writing Resources go to RuthFordElward.com
FAN FICTION, YAY OR NAY?
Personally, I think who ever came up with the idea of Fan Fiction, is absolutely brilliant.
Additionally I think, ‘Every reader would like to be a writer’ so, Fan Fiction will give a person the opportunity to dip their toes into the writing pool.
I would be thrilled if a reader wanted to continue one of my stories with their crossover take on events and characters.
As a matter of fact, all anyone will have to do is contact me and I’ll set up a tab for Fan Fiction on my website. An exclusive place where a reader can post their Fan Fiction, receive comments and be encouraged to continue with their writing.
Anyone interested enough to write Fan Fiction should also consider publishing the writing they create on Amazon, something I highly recommend. My answer is YAY!
January 16, 2015
Ruth’s Book Review of Partner in Crime
For freely offered Writing Resources go to RuthFordElward.com
Partner in Crime by JA Jance
Imagine two of JA Jance’s popular main characters joining forces to solve not one but two murder crimes. When aspiring artist Rochelle Baxter turned up dead one day before her gallery showing, Special Homicide detective JP “Beau” Beaumont was sent to oversee the situation. Sheriff Joanna Brady, was insulted and hurt by the procedure mandated by Washington State, until it was discovered that the murder victim was actually Latisha Walls, a whistle-blower who was in the Witness Protection Program. Joanna had solved crimes way before Beau came to Arizona. She really didn’t like it when someone questioned her detective skills.
A few days later, Dee, owner of the gallery where Wall’s artworks were supposed to have been shown, was found dead. This second murder case finally united the two main characters. Although Beaumont is a seasoned detective, he let Joanna Brady take the limelight for a while and helped her get out of serious trouble. Soon enough, the two started respecting each other, hence partnering on the case with ease and trust.
I liked how the main characters held their viewpoints on this collaboration-story. Joanna’s viewpoint is narrated by third person while JP Beaumont maintains his first person voice. The writing was flawless, as expected from JA Jance. She introduced a chemical used in air bags and made this a weapon for murder. I think that was a brilliant idea. I also liked how the story lines were expertly intertwined. I wouldn’t be surprised if there will be more collaborations between these two characters in the future.
January 15, 2015
Ruth’s Book Review on One Rough Man
For freely offered writing Resources go to RuthFordElward.com
One Rough Man (Pike Logan 1) by Brad Taylor
Pike Logan was armed and loaded and ready for any terrorist attack. But nothing could ever prepare him for the pain he had to endure when he came back from a mission and found his wife and daughter murdered.
His whole world was shattered, his life was a mess and all hopes for humanity was abandoned. Until he met gymnast Jennifer Cahill and saved her from smugglers. Together they discovered that Cahill’s uncle was killed by El Machete, a ruthless smuggler who would do anything to get his hands on a super weapon of mass destruction located halfway around the world.
Unbeknownst to them, there was someone else hot on their trail, people and mercenaries from both sides of the coin.
Through their thrilling quest, they learned that they could never trust anyone, even themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut political thriller from Brad Taylor. His writing was quite reminiscent of Tom Clancy and Vince Flynn, but rougher with an edge. The tactical fights and combat missions discussed and described in the book were realistic; it is clear that the author had done extensive research on military activities.
Overall, the plot was entertaining and the characters were appealing.
January 14, 2015
Building Your Plot
For freely offered writing Resources go to RuthFordElward.com
Characters MUST have a stage to play upon, otherwise they fall off the page. All dramatics aside, if you have terrific characters and a shoddy plot line, the book will never be read and you can be sure that no agent or editor will be giving you a call. All great novels have first-rate story plots, filled with suspense and seemingly never-ending ups and downs. Every best-selling novel writer concentrates on the structure of the plot. Although there isn’t a guaranteed formula to follow, there are some tried and true tested guidelines that can be used to create polished story plots.
1. Create a plot outline
As mentioned before, an outline will help in creating difficult obstacles to overcome for the protagonist and the ways to resolve it. In fact, that is the plot. The main character needs to have a goal, once a goal is set, the obstacles can be designed to hinder him from reaching the goal.
Keep in mind that making a plot outline does not put boundaries on creativity; it only guarantees that you’re on the right track.
2. Animate your plot
You can add dimension to the plot by creating interesting characters and having a great setting. Well thought out characters and detailed settings will engage the reader and hold their attention for longer periods of time.
Stories should always be based on progression and change. Without them, a reader will get bored. There should always be a turning point for each scene that you create. Every scene should be a step forward to the unfolding of the problem and the resolution.
3. Think of an overpowering resolution
Don’t let the reader down, especially if the story has been escalated to great heights. Most people don’t want to read a novel with a flat ending, an ending that was anticipated all along. Aside from tying up the loose ends, a surprise climax is always enjoyed.
4. Do not allow your story to drag
Once the climax has been reached, wrap up the story. Don’t give in to dragging the ending out, keep in mind that the story’s end will be the last thing in the readers’ mind.
January 7, 2015
Your Novel and Your Character
For freely offered writing Resources go to RuthFordElward.com
Characters are the most essential element of any story. In fact, without characters, there can be no story. A narrative revolves around a character or a group of characters. That is the reason why character development is a skill that a budding writer has to master.
Obviously, in any creative writing endeavor creating characters is as important as making intriguing plots. Uninteresting characters that don’t perform things out of the ordinary are easily forgotten therefore, character development is essential – making the reader care about what happens to them. If you don’t properly develop the individuality of your protagonist, even if you place him on a ledge, your reader won’t care if he leaps to his death or not. The moment you learn how to create characters that your readers will care about, most of your readers will not be able to put your book down until they finish it.
One of the key components to creating a good character is to make sure that ALL characters that garner more than a page or two of ink time should have fully fleshed out ‘bios’ or ‘character sketches’.
Where did they go to school when they were younger?
What are their pet peeves?
What is the motivation behind the choices they are making?
What will it take for them to make changes in their lives or take some sort of action?
And, ABOVE ALL, no character, even the protagonist, is perfect, so give them flaws. The bigger the flaw the more they have to overcome and the more you will have built in tension and drama in the story.
Conversely, your antagonist MUST have some redeeming qualities as well. Whether it’s the tough gunslinger, who has just killed a dozen people, and has his heart melted when he sees a small puppy by the side of the trail, or someone like Darth Vader who finally remembers who he is and can experience the power of redemption through caring for his son.
The Connection between a Good Plot and Excellent Characters…
As was mentioned already, effective characterization is all about making the reader care. The challenge is to get your readers to become passionately involved with your story’s character.
Here are a couple of pointers toward making that happen.
• Create a clear definition of your characters. Understandably, characters in a fiction story should not be equal. There is the protagonist, a few extras, and the antihero.
• Once you have defined all your characters and gotten to know them, for if you you do not know them well enough, you will not be able to bring them to life in a credible and convincing manner.
Believe it or not, there are writers who create profiles and biographies for their characters. This helps them ‘personify’ their characters, making it easier for them to create plots that people can relate to. Once you become familiar with your characters’ personalities, you can easily bring them to life by giving them jobs, allowing them to have fun and do activities that regular humans do. What comes next is introducing them to your reader.
The plot line and the characters are so interwoven that one needs the other in order to survive. While the plot line is the vehicle, the characters are the gas in the vehicle. Often you will hear various books referred to as ‘character driven’ or ‘plot driven’, but in the end, I suggest to you that one cannot exist without the other and you would be doing yourself a grave disservice to think they can.
December 30, 2014
A Closer Look – First and Third Person
For freely offered writing Resources go to RuthFordElward.com
The First Person Perspective
When you relate a story in the first person, it means you are talking about yourself. The sentence, “I saw her going into the police station” is an example of this form of narrative. It denotes a thing or an event expressed from your point of view. If the speaker is part of a group, then the sentence would be transformed to, “We saw her going into the police station”.
The advantage of using this type of ‘voice’ is that an immediate connection is made from the reader to the character. The reader is ‘in their head’ and experience the adventure and chain of events as they unfold to the main character. The drawback is that you cannot bring in any other perspectives from other characters (called ‘head hopping’). An exception to this is in the popular Young Adult novel, Divergent. Each chapter alternates from the First Person viewpoint of one of two main characters. However, as you are starting out, keep in mind that using First Person may limit the amount of details that you will be able to work into your narrative. 
The Third Person Perspective
When you opt for a third person narrative, the pronouns he, she, and it are used together with the gender-specific objective pronouns him and her. There are two main types of third person writing: omniscient and limited. In omniscient writing, the writer can jump from one character to another and disclose more information, giving the reader more data that is beyond the coverage of the protagonist’s actions. In limited writing, the writer offers only what the protagonist is aware of.
The advantage of writing in third person is that the insertion of details and back story are easier to integrate than in a first person voice. Additionally, there is more opportunity to create tension between multiple characters. Likewise, when writing in third person, the burden of creating a believable character that the reader will like and identify with becomes more necessary as the reader may or may not be privy to the interior landscape of the protagonist.
In most schools, instructors usually promote the use of the third person narrative instead of the first person perspective. The first person perspective is deemed as informal and unsuitable for academic audiences. It can only be considered acceptable in academic writing if the teacher requires a personal informal approach on a specific article.
In fact, even though the first person perspective in writing is common when writing a person’s autobiography, some works use this perspective when telling a story using the point of view of a character that is part of the story.
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