SECRET TO SUCCESS_BE CRUEL

"Men, like musical instruments, were created to be played upon."
 - High Fae Queen Oyggia



"I do so enjoy Man ... or rather I enjoy what destroys him."  
- DayStar






Certain things will open you up like a knife.

When that happens, the world ... and you yourself ... get to see what you are made of.

You learn most about yourself during the absolute worst moments of your life.  

Crises that fill you with loneliness, heartbreak, or despair 

force you to look at yourself as you really are underneath the act you show the world ... 

and even yourself.

You either wither on your feet or grow deeper roots to stand taller.  

Your choices will determine which.

The same is true of your novel.
Give your characters easy struggles, 

and you will bore your readers who may well toss your book, never to read another.

Give your readers "no escape" crises, and you will have them eagerly turning the pages.

Caution: 
your characters must have some victories along the way despite the looming doom, 

some humor to light the darkness, and the promise of love --

else your readers will put your book down as too depressing.

A main character that is always on the ropes is as deadly as a Mary Sue who sweeps through all her hurdles with ease.

You know what banner hangs on the wall of the writers' room for THE FLASH?

Three words only: HEART, HUMOR, and SPECTACLE.

I would add a fourth word: SUSPENSE.

WHAT TURNS YOU OFF IN A NOVEL?