I mentioned layering moments in a scene on one of my writing listservs so I thought I would go into more detail in this post. To help me learn structure in novels, I’ve been analyzing some of my favorite books. Right now, I’m analyzing The Hunger Games because it’s a great mix of a plot and character. This novel also incorporates the 3-act structure, which I love. The main thing I’ve learned is how author Suzanne Collins layers her moments. It’s fascinating when you break it down. … [Read more...]
Scene Spark #3
June 17, 2009 Leave a Comment
Your protagonist knows a secret that will help another character. Questions to ask about this scene spark: *Does the protagonist tell the character? *Does the protagonist give away that he/she knows something? *How does the protagonist feel about the secret? … [Read more...]
First Pages!
June 16, 2009 Leave a Comment
Oooh, I love when editors read first pages of a manuscript. I first had this experience at a Southern Breeze SCBWI conference. At this year's SpringMingle conference, for the first time EVER, my first page was read after submitting several times in past years. Learned a lot! So extra summer blog post is brought to you by Editorial Anonymous who has just posted that First Pages are active again. So go over to the The Anonymati and experience some first page goodness! Or enter a first page … [Read more...]
Summer Challenge Milestone #2
June 15, 2009 Read Comments
I’m very happy this week with my progress. I think I’m getting really involved in my novel’s world. As my writer friend Paula Chase says, I’m becoming “detached.” I can now spend quality time immersed in this world I’ve created. Not easy at times---I’ve still found it hard to get to 500 words some days, but at least I’m excited. The thing about writing every day (or trying to do that) is that I’m thinking about this novel project constantly and instead of hitting a block … [Read more...]
