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Zoe M. McCarthy's Blog, page 19
February 9, 2017
An Easy Way to Use Archetypes to Enrich Your Characters
Archetype is defined here as a type of person whose typical behaviors are the same as those of others of the same type. For example, cowards exhibit some typical behaviors. They fear danger, lack courage, and avoid or quit dangerous situations. Before I list 79 archetypes and a way to use them, here are some […]
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February 2, 2017
12 Story Plot Twist Ideas – Part 2
This is the second installment of 12 plot twist ideas, examples, and the expected questions readers will have. See Part 1 for more ideas and examples. Twist Ideas, Examples & Readers’ Questions Betrayed by an oh-so-helpful friend. Hero’s friend helps him cruise his new sloop from Maine to Florida, then sails off with it. […]
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January 26, 2017
12 Story Plot Twist Ideas – Part 1
Possibly you have the big, must-have twists, such as the inciting incident at the story’s beginning, the mid-story crisis in which the protagonist realizes his underlying problem, and the black moment event near the end. But plot twists are also needed during the in-betweens. The list below gives the first 12 plot twist ideas, examples, and the […]
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January 19, 2017
Story Setting Part 2: Real vs. Fictional
First off, remember from Part 1 that setting encompasses such elements as place, time, culture, technology, geography, and weather. Thus, you must decide whether any real setting can work for your story. Of course, fantasy and sci-fi novels need extensive fictional world building. Advantages of Real and Fictional Story Settings Real Settings It’s all […]
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January 12, 2017
Story Setting Part 1: It’s More Than a Place
What’s Included in Setting? A story setting is more than the place(s) where the author sets characters. It provides the environment in which your drama unfolds, so establish it early in your story. It’s interactive—creating the mood, giving meaning to the plot, and strengthening the story theme. Elements Under the Setting Umbrella Locale (state, […]
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January 5, 2017
50 Ideas for Author Newsletter Content
Enlist Outside Help 1. Interview an author in your genre. 2. Post readers’ contributions (reviews, a book-related how-to, or their takeaway from yours or other authors’ books). Employ By-Products 3. Share handouts from your speaking engagements. 4. Include book research and photos. Provide Your Perspective 5. Discuss hobbies, places, or events you enjoy. 6. Share […]
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December 29, 2016
Zoe M. McCarthy’s blog is closed for the holiday.
Happy New Year!
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December 22, 2016
What’s the Meaning of Those Special Christmas Tree Ornaments?
The ornaments are called Chrismons. The word comes from two words: Christ and monogram. In 1957, Kim Spencer from a Lutheran church in Danville, VA introduced the first Chrismons. In early times, people drew symbols to show what they believed about God. The first Christians designed many of these symbols. They placed them on their […]
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December 15, 2016
7 Tips to Generate Blog Post Ideas
When we start a blog, we’re told we need to write about something we can sustain over time. Have you written so many blog posts it seems like you’ve covered everything in your field of interest? I’m on my 206th how-to blog post, but I’m still able to find ideas for posts. Coming up with […]
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December 8, 2016
8 Tips in Writing Deep Point of View
Whether you write in first, second, or third person, you can increase intimacy between reader and character by writing in deep point of view* (DPOV). Tip 1: In DPOV, we see, smell, hear, feel, and taste only what the POV character (POVC) senses. We’re privy to only her thoughts. Tip 2: DPOV is used in […]
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