Almost An Author – Page 105 – Learn Craft + Launch Career

Be a Reader First

Post author By Alycia Morales - The Critical Reader
Post date June 25, 2015
No Comments on Be a Reader First

One of the key ingredients you should look for when hiring an editor is a love of reading.

I don’t think there’s an editor who said, “I think I’ll become an editor because I hate to read.” If they did, then I wouldn’t recommend hiring them to assist you with your writing project. That would be like hiring a book burner to run the local library. It’d be a lost cause.

Before I decided to write or edit, I was an avid reader. I have been – ever since my babysitter read The Saggy Baggy Elephant and The Little Engine That Could over and over, to my delight.

By the time I was in kindergarten, Ramona Quimby was my favorite character. When I got hold of Judy Blume and met Fudge and Peter, I couldn’t put her books down. In high school, I loved Holden Caulfield’s discontent, I hated how Lenny killed everything he touched, and I grimaced with amazement as Ralph, Piggy, Simon, and Jack experienced unsupervised life on the island in Lord of the Flies. By then, I’d also discovered books I shouldn’t be reading, like Jean M. Auel’s Earth’s Children series.

When I left college, Anne Rice and Lestat, I’d developed a relationship with Jesus. I then married and began having children, so my reading preferences switched to the world of non-fiction, mostly under the parenting and marriage topics.

Until Edward Cullen, Bella Swan, and Jacob Black showed up. I resisted the vampire, knowing that’s where I’d left my reading when I became a Christian. But when my Christian friends kept raving about the story, I decided to give it a shot. I’ve never read an entire series so quickly in my life. I’m a processer. A slow reader. I take in the details and go back to reread for clarity when I need to. I read all four books in the Twilight series in nine days. Bad writing. Good writing. Whatever. Stephenie Meyer immersed me in a vivid fictional dream.

Since then, Steven James has kept me dreaming through Patrick Bowers’ life. I’ve also enjoyed numerous books by DiAnn Mills and Lynette Eason, among others.

I read across genres. Suspense, Romance, Contemporary. Sci-fi, Fantasy, Dystopian. I love YA. And I still read non-fiction, but my topics have broadened.

Because if you’re going to be a writer, there’s so much to learn from reading others’ work. What works. What doesn’t. What you enjoy about each book. And what you hate about it. Which rules you can get away with breaking and when. As well as which rules should always be followed.

And as an editor, I’m a reader first. Always.

There have been countless times I’ve grabbed a self-published novel and known from page one I was going to be too distracted by the errors in spelling and punctuation to ever make it into the story itself. There have also been times I’ve wished I could edit the best-seller and offer suggestions for improvement. If you can’t pull me into a fictional dream within the first three chapters, it’s likely I won’t keep reading. And honestly, I should be engulfed by the end of the first page.

So, I’d like to invite you to join me in an adventure in editing through a reader’s eyes. Because I will always be a reader first.

In my column, The Critical Reader, we’ll take a look at a book each month, and I’ll share what I thought could be improved and what worked (in my humble opinion). My plan is to reveal tips for you and your writing through looking at the work of other authors. And I’ll try to mix it up a bit from genre-to-genre and between fiction and non-fiction.

Until then, here’s to reading!

[bctt tweet=”And as an editor, I’m a reader first. Always. #editor #editing” via=”no”]

Tags Almost an Author, Alycia W Morales, Be a Reader First, editing, Read, Reader, Reading, The Critical Reader, writer, writing

Blogging Basics

38 Ways to Write Meaningful Blog Posts

Post author By Donna L.H. Smith-Managing Editor
Post date June 25, 2015
No Comments on 38 Ways to Write Meaningful Blog Posts

We’ve all heard the cliche, “Content is King.” The power of blogging depends on meaningful content. With the increasing numbers of blogs on the Internet, quality content is a must. Good blogging includes quality writing, compelling content, interesting graphics, and an effective format.

Make Your Words Matter

What do you have to say? There is only one you, and you have something to unique to share. That said, there are plenty of “slice of my life,” “ramble through my day,” and “vent on my pet peeves” types of blogs on the web. You’re welcome to add one more to the pile of “blah-blah-blah” posts that ramble without focus. No one’s going to stop you, but without meaningful content, few people will read your posts.

However, if you’re blogging to communicate with a specific purpose, take the time to use a variety of successful formats to enhance your message.

Building a list of effective content is key for every blogger.

Create a list of types of blog posts that fit with your subject matter and blog niche. A content list enables you to write with variety and still stay focused in your brand. Use your list to break through writer’s block on those frustrating days when you don’t know what to write about. Challenge yourself to practice a variety of types of formats, noting how your audience responds.

[bctt tweet=”A clear purpose gives clarity and focus to your writing.”]

Utilize the following list to write meaningful blog posts.

38 Ways to Write Meaningful Blog Posts

Blogging is an effective way to share ideas that matter. Use this list of benefits and purposes to inspire your writing.

Meaningful content…

Guides us to handle challenges or new situations.
Grabs our attention.
Instructs how to do something.
Comforts our sorrows.
Empathizes with our problems.
Shares a meaningful message.
Challenges our perspective.
Teaches us something new.
Inspires faith.
Tells a story.
Reminds us of the important things.
Surprises us with an unexpected angle, twist, or outcome.
Encourages us in our struggles and disappointments.
Provokes a response.
Gives a fresh perspective.
Makes us think.
Gives practical tips
Entertains us.
Explains why something is important.
Strengthens a weakness.
Shares a unique point of view.
Cheers us on when we want to quit.
Makes us smile.
Affirms that we matter.
Eases our pain.
Compels us to action.
Teaches a lesson.
Helps us make decisions.
Appeals to our emotions.
Upholds truth.
Creates community.
Captivates our imagination.
Exposes a problem.
Instills wonder.
Convinces us to change.
Provides a benefit.
Lists resources.
Reflects on a meaningful message.

Format and purpose are two important ways to engage your reader with a powerful message. Enjoy blogging and experiment with form and purpose to increase the impact of your posts.

What can you add to the list?

[bctt tweet=”Blogging is an effective way to share ideas that matter. #blogging #writer” via=”no”]

Tags Ginger Harrington, ideas, inspiration, meaningful content, writing ideas

WARFARE!

Our Calling as Writers

Post author By Mary G. Scro - Write for His Glory
Post date June 25, 2015
2 Comments on Our Calling as Writers

I’ve often pondered why I write, and what does it mean to be a writer. Sometimes I labor over my writing when I have an assignment due or a deadline; editing and re-writes are plentiful. Sometimes I have moments of inspiration when the words pour effortlessly onto the page.

You know what I’ve discovered? The best messages are those I write as me, not as what I think others expect of me or what I think might be the “perfect” message. I have my own style, my own way of phrasing things, and my own personality. If I don’t share as me, God’s message loses something in my forced translation.

I also discovered that when I put my hands on the keyboard and give my God time, He provides the words.

Writing is about growing our relationship with Jesus (spending time with Him), and obedience to write what He tells us to write. There’s no formula. There’s no perfect time to write. There’s no perfect message.

There’s only one perfect Jesus who uses imperfect vessels to make Himself known.

No matter what or how we write, our calling as writers is to use our God-given gifts and talents to:

advance the Kingdom of God on this earth. Some of us share truth through stories, some of us share through Bible studies and real-life experiences, and some of us are gifted to do both.
write truth as the Lord reveals it, and be ready for anything that comes our way as a result. We live in a culture where Biblical truth is increasingly hated and mocked. We need to pray over our writing and share courageously. We need to pray strength and protection for each other.
use today’s technology to the best of our ability. Twenty years ago, who could have predicted that “going viral” would be a good thing! Our collective goal is to reach everywhere to make Him known.

We are all part of God’s army and He is our Commander in Chief. God has strategically placed us right where we are for His purposes. We all have messages to share. Some share testimony, some teach, some exhort, some inspire. We all have times of flowing words and times of laborious re-writes. We all have points of view, life experiences, and passions.

We all have a responsibility to share our words whether we reach one person or a million people; whether our message is hated or loved by one person or a thousand; whether we get no comments or hundreds.

We write as He leads.

That’s our calling as writers.

[bctt tweet=”The best messages are those I write as me… #calling #writer” via=”no”]

The image is from bing, “permission to share and use”, illuminatedlvg.com.

Tags Author, calling, ministry, novel, writer, writers

A Word in Season

Words for the Weary

Post author By Rhett Wilson - A Word in Season
Post date June 24, 2015
1 Comment on Words for the Weary

We can share life-changing words to weary people.

I love it when God packs a whole sermon into one Bible verse.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “The LORD God has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens me morning by morning. He awakens my ear to hear as the learned” (Is. 50:4).

What a word for writers.

God wants us to be learners. We keep growing, reading, and learning. If our well runs dry for long, we won’t have anointed words to share with others.

God gives us words to share with weary people. It’s amazing how one word from the right source can change our lives. My shelves are filled with books and magazines that God used at specific points in my life to speak life into me. The Lord knows how to connect the right word with the right person at the needed time.

As we write, we ask God to use our words to encourage weary people – people who need a word from God through our pen.

God wakens us in the morning. Here is a tremendous verse of why DSCN4765 God wants us to start the day with Him. Beginning the day in praise, in Scripture meditation, and in prayer, we position ourselves to fix our eyes on God. Sometimes we are the weary ones who need a word from the Lord to encourage us. We start our day with Him, knowing that having words to share with others begins by allowing His Word to soak into our hearts and minds.

God wants us to be listeners before we are writers. We are to “hear as the learned” or “listen like one being taught.” God wants us to develop listening ears. The Holy Spirit walks through life with us. Pay attention to that voice inside. He may give you ideas for future projects, promptings on where to submit your work, or ways to encourage other readers and writers. As we allow God to teach and train us through the winding pathways of life, we grow in our understanding and ability to have words to share with others.

He gives us words in season to share with fellow pilgrims. Let’s stay on the journey together.

[bctt tweet=”God gives us words to share with weary people. #words #writer” via=”no”]

Tags encouragement, hope, journey, life, weariness, words for the weary

Things Every Writer Should Know

How to Make Sure Your Writing is Unique

Post author By Linnette R. Mullin - Things Every Writer Should Know
Post date June 23, 2015
No Comments on How to Make Sure Your Writing is Unique

You’re a lover of books and in you burns a desire which you cannot ignore. You want to write! At the same time you think, “There’s a gazillion authors out there. What makes me think my writing would be good enough? How will my writing stand out among so many? How do I write in a unique enough way to set me apart from other writers and successfully grab reader attention?” Before I answer with a do, here’s a vital don’t.

Don’t try to be unique.

It doesn’t work! You’ll end up with a bland and boring – generic, story. So don’t try to be unique. I assure you that every writer has their own special voice and style of writing. That includes you! Yes, we must submit to editorial changes (a topic for another day), but your voice should never be taken out of your story. Think about this for a moment: If each of us were to write a story with the same starting line, would we all write the same story? No. Everyone would write very different stories. Why?

Every writer’s story is unique.

Our personalities, our life experiences, our family and local cultures, and even our belief systems vary in so many ways. These factor in to our writing, giving each voice it’s own distinct flavor. So as you sit down to write, let the words flow and I guarantee your story will be unique.

Just for fun:

Start with the line below and write a short in the comment section. Let’s see just how unique everyone is.

Vance Scaggs stumbled in the dark. …

Have fun with that!

[bctt tweet=”Every writer’s story is unique. #writer #story” via=”no”]

Tags Author, encouragement, novel, novelist, unique, writing, writing ideas

The Efficiency Addict

Simple and Easy Password Tracking

Post author By Cynthia Owens - The Efficiency Addict
Post date June 22, 2015
5 Comments on Simple and Easy Password Tracking

Finding Your Passwords — Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

In our techno-happy world, we frequently seek the latest gadgets or apps to make our lives easier. However, sometimes the best tools are items we already possess. We simply have to put them to work in a new way. Today we’re going look at an easy way to track your passwords with an old school device—The Address Book.

An address book is a wonderful tool for managing your passwords. It’s simple, inexpensive, and you can find one rather easily. However, before we move to the “how to” portion of this post, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions regarding this method:

Why wouldn’t I buy one of those password books they sell in the office supply stores?

They’re not alphabetical. If you have a lot of passwords, you may have to flip through the entire book before you find the one you need. That’s time wasted when you could be writing. Listing sites alphabetically is a huge benefit of using an address book as it helps you find entries quickly and easily.

Why wouldn’t I put my passwords in an electronic file or save it in an app?

Have you seen all the news articles about hackers lately? Everything from state tax returns to department store credit purchases have been attacked. Your safest place for a password is the one place a hacker can’t reach—the physical world.

Now, here’s how to put that address book to work:

List your passwords by website name. Your Facebook password would be listed under F. Twitter would be T, and you can complete the rest.
For each entry write:
1. the website name
2. your username or email (This is especially important if you maintain more than one email address.)
3. your password
4. any security question answers.
ALWAYS write in pencil. At some point, you’ll have to change your password. If you write in pencil, you can just erase the old code and write a new one. This will keep your entries easy to read and make your password keeper last a long time.

Added Security Tip: If you’re concerned about someone reading your password book, put your passwords and security answers in code. A simple way to do this is to list part of the word and have the rest as dashes or Xs.

Example 1: If my answer to the security question of “Who is your favorite teacher?” is “Parker”, I could write P_ _ _ _ _. (P followed by 5 spaces.) As soon as I see the P, I’ll know which teacher I listed.

Example 2: If my password for Facebook is “zuLf12thirty”, I could write z _ L _ 12_ _ _ _ _ _. This is particularly helpful if you use a similar password for many sites but change a few letters in a specific pattern. If I see I’m using my zuL password, I know to change the letter after the capital L depending on the name of the website. For Facebook the letter becomes an f = zuLf12thirty. For Twitter the letter becomes a t – zuLt12thirty.

Final Tip: My favorite type of address book is one that’s meant for a 3-ring binder. If you don’t already have one, you can find them in the day planner section of most office supply stores. These come with A-Z tabs and blank address pages you can put in a notebook. This allows you to add pages when you need more room or remove a page if it’s gotten too messy and you want to start fresh.

Got this password thing covered? Good. Now get back to writing!

[bctt tweet=”Have you seen all the news articles about hackers lately? #writer #hacker” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=”Put your passwords and security answers in code #writer @password” via=”no”]

Tags managing your passwords, password tracking, The Efficiency Addict, Writing tips

A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

Hurry! I Need Patience!

Post author By Carlton Hughes - Lighter Look at Writer's Life
Post date June 21, 2015
3 Comments on Hurry! I Need Patience!

Don’t you love lessons in patience?

Me, neither.

Patience doesn’t come easy for me, so, when I became a Christian over 17 years ago, God began teaching me . . . I just wish He’d hurry!

Today seemed like Finals Week in His lesson plan.

First, I went to a fast food restaurant to get my wife some breakfast. They gave me a number, 141, and I watched as numbers passed me by . . . 142 . . . 143 . . . 148. As we got closer to 150, I got worried.

Next, I stopped at a popular retail store to get a key made for my son’s new car. I walked to the key counter at the back of the store, got the key made relatively easily, and walked back outside to try it. Of course, it didn’t work, so I made my way back inside and to the back of the store to the counter, where a man was purchasing a fishing license and supplies. He made Tim Conway’s “old man” character from the Carol Burnett Show look like the Flash.

When it was finally my turn, the lady examined the key, realized the wrong mold had been used and they were out of the one I needed.

I had to go back up front to the returns counter for a refund, and a long, slow-moving line awaited me there.

I returned home to do my son’s laundry from tennis camp. I had kept his bag closed all night because . . . well, you can imagine.

I worked up my courage, opened the bag, loaded the clothes and turned on the washer. Nothing happened. Turns out, my neighborhood was experiencing a water outage.

Due to this outage, I had to go to another local restaurant to get supper. After waiting for an interminable time, I got my food, but the order was wrong. More waiting.

Days like these make me want to drop out of “Patience 101,” but, unfortunately, it’s a required course.

Writing and publishing are a major part of this learning experience. I write, I submit, I wait. I get a rejection, I try again. And on and on.

Sometimes I have to step back and remember why I do what I do. It was God Who planted this dream of writing and publishing in my heart, and it is God Who will see it come to fruition, in His time and in His way.

But, man, I wish He’d hurry!

[bctt tweet=”Don’t you love lessons in patience? #writer @amwriting” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=” I write, I submit, I wait. I get a rejection, I try again. #writerslife #author” via=”no”]

Tags Author, author's life, lifestyle, patience, rejection, writer, writer's day, writer's life

A Pinch of Poetry

The Art of Poetry

Post author By Heather Hook - A Pinch of Poetry
Post date June 20, 2015
4 Comments on The Art of Poetry

In my opinion, poetry is the high art form of all writing.

Crafting a meaningful poem can’t be done by anyone, but I believe anyone can learn to craft an extraordinary poem.

Hence the purpose of this blog A Pinch of Poetry where we will take our poetic talent to the next level.

Let’s consider visual art for a moment. We could agree that most anyone can draw, color, or paint even if on the level of creating stick-figure abstract art. But not everyone will become the next Van Gogh or Picasso.

So what makes renowned artists’ work more valuable than say a third-grade rendition of family life? What defines them as “artists” rather than someone playing around in paint?

Techniques and intention distinguish art and poetry because they create aesthetic beauty.

Professional artists employ certain techniques to create an effect on the viewer or reader. Every brush stroke and medium or color chosen is with a purpose. Nothing is accidental. If you study a work carefully enough, you will discover secrets hidden deep within it that the artist is trying to share with you.

So it is with the art of writing poetry.

[bctt tweet=”Authentic Poetry is truly a high art form. #art #poetry”]

Crafting a poem goes beyond penning words on a page. Many people can write a poem if given instructions just as so many could create a drawing. But only a few will take poetry to another level and create written art.

How so?

When creating a poem, the poet has to consider the subject and the meaning they want to get across in as few words as possible. Then he or she chooses the techniques which will best create images to convey those messages. Some of those techniques are metaphor, personification, meter, alliteration, etc.

While we all have had the definitions of these techniques mercilessly beaten into us by our English teachers, implementing them is not as easy as it might seem. And not all techniques are appropriate for every poem. A poet decides what will work just like a visual artist decides what colors to use in a painting.

Every word and technique chosen has a purpose and meaning. Nothing is accidental.

So if you’re already a poet then you can consider yourself an artist because authentic poetry is truly a high art form. If you’re not poetically inclined yet, I look forward to helping you get acquainted with the craft.

Consider it an artistic adventure.

Have you ever considered poetry an art? Tell me your thoughts below.

“VanGogh-View of Arles with Irises” by Vincent van Gogh – Web Museum (file). Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:VanGogh-View_of_Arles_with_Irises.jpg#/media/File:VanGogh-View_of_Arles_with_Irises.jpg

Tags art, art of poetry, painting, picasso, pinch, poem, poet, poetry, technique, van gogh

Dear Young Scribes

How Can Teen Writers Become Published?

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date June 18, 2015
2 Comments on How Can Teen Writers Become Published?

“I’m a teen writer. How can I become published?”

This is a question I’ve been asked countless times. I, too, was once a teenager who dreamt of publication.

However, I quickly discovered that many adults advise against pursuing publication as a teen.

In some ways, I agree. Publication should not become the sole reason we write, nor should anyone rush to pursue it.

But if I only treated writing as a hobby, then it would’ve never turned into my career. If I hadn’t set high goals, then I wouldn’t have had the determination to push forward.

And I wouldn’t have received a publishing contract at sixteen-years-old.

No, I don’t believe that every teen writer should seek publication. There are several disadvantages of being a teen author.

But if you are a teen who loves to write, then it only makes sense that you would want to see your story in print. Just be careful that you don’t rush the process and neglect to learn the craft.

Before I held my debut novel in my hands, I invested hours into studying the craft, learning the industry, and strengthening my writing.

And now I am passionate about encouraging other teen writers. I want to share with you secrets and tips about the craft; I want to break down the publishing process so it can become achievable.

There is no better time than your teen years to prepare for your future—and this includes your career.

[bctt tweet=”There is no better time than your teen years to prepare for your future. #teenwriters #writingtips #teenauthor”]

So can teen writers become published? Yes. It may require sacrifices, but yes, teens can become published—or at least begin walking in that direction.

That’s what this column is for. I want to guide you, Young Scribe, through the world of writing.

So if you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comments below!

[bctt tweet=”How can teens become published? #teenwriters #amwriting #yalitchat”]

Tags Author, can teens become published, how can teens become published, teen authors, teen writers, writer, writing, writing advice for teens

The Ministry of Writing

Writing is Residual Ministry: It Lives On

Post author By Jake McCandless - The Ministry of Writing
Post date June 17, 2015
7 Comments on Writing is Residual Ministry: It Lives On

photo by John Scalzi and made available for reuse.

I went to a meeting just to be nice to my friend, but I heard a phrase I have not forgotten.

In college, a friend started in Amway and thought that his fellow ministry students might actually have the money to join him. So as a broke, newly married college student, I listened to his spiel until he said, “RESIDUAL INCOME.” I have not experienced it, but the idea sounds amazing — to continue earning income long after the work has been done.

He told us we could pay the fee, set-up the website, and have a few conversations then — BOOM sit back and rake in the dough. Yeah, I know it’s not that simple, but you get the picture. You could expend effort once and continue getting paid, even when you’re off the clock or sleeping.

I don’t remember what he said after “residual income”, but I loved the idea.

I believe it’s not only a great business idea, but also a great concept for ministry. What if we could work hard once and then for days, months, years, decades, and even centuries there would be residual ministry? Even while we are sleeping our work could continue ministering to someone, and [bctt tweet=”even when our body is in the grave we could keep sharing the Gospel.”]

If there is such a ministry shouldn’t we invest our lives into it?

There is a residual ministry.

And you are doing it — it is writing.

You might struggle as I do. I know I am called to write, but I have a hard time hiding myself away in my Starbucks writing cave because there is “real” ministry that needs to take place. How can I hide away from the world when there are folks in this very coffee house that need to hear the Gospel?

How can I type away when there are hurting individuals that I could visit?

Ministry is about people therefore I need to be with people, but out of all I might do no ministry will keep ministering longer than my writing.

Moses had a successful ministry. He lead a couple million people out of slavery, established a nation, judged over daily affairs, taught the Law, and even organized the religious practices of Israel. But out of all he did, it’s his writings that have ministered the most.

The same could be said of Paul. He lead many people to the Lord, planted many churches, established doctrine, taught, but it is his writing that has continued to minister.

For Moses and for Paul their writing was residual ministry. The same is true for us.

Your writing ministry will live on. It will keep ministering even after you’re gone.

[bctt tweet=”If there is such a ministry shouldn’t we invest our lives into it? #writing #write” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=”Your writing ministry will live on. #author #amwriting”]

Tags character motivation, Christian writing, encouragement, Gospel writing, Ministering through writing, The Ministry of Writing, writing ideas, Writing that lasts, writing that outlives, Writing tips

Talking Character

Pros and Cons of Character Questionnaires

Post author By Lisa E. Betz
Post date June 16, 2015
2 Comments on Pros and Cons of Character Questionnaires

Good writers know that developing well-rounded characters is critical, and one technique for creating such interesting characters is to create in-depth bios using character questionnaires. The point of these tools is to stretch you to think about your character in ways that might not have occurred to you.

[bctt tweet=”How well do you know your character? #amwriting #characters”]

Some examples:

As a kid, what did he want to be when he grew up?
What is her happiest memory?
What does she think makes a person successful?
What three words would be on his tombstone?
What superpowers does he wish he had?
Does she hate her middle name?

The internet offers sites with links to dozens of questionnaires, from basic to comprehensive. I even discovered a random question generator. (Is this akin to Paul’s discovery of an altar to an unknown god? And perhaps just as useful?)

Strategic character building

Running through a few of these questionnaires can help you build a more rounded character, but they might also lead you down rabbit trails that will later complicate or sidetrack your writing.

Wired for Story by Lisa Cron warns that character questionnaires can be “so all-encompassing that, ironically, they obscure the very info you’re looking for. Here’s the secret: you are looking only for information that pertains to the story you’re telling.”

If the fact that your hero is afraid of snakes doesn’t pertain to the plot, then including it does not add depth so much as reader frustration. They will wonder when the hero will be forced to face a snake, and disappointed when it never happens.

[bctt tweet=”Use character questionnaires with caution. #writetip #writer”]

Perhaps a question will spark insights into your character that will make your story richer, but beware of clogging the story with details that lead nowhere.

Tags character development, character questionnaires, character-building, strategic writing

A Little Red Ink

Character Motivation

Post author By Bethany Kaczmarek - A Little Red Ink
Post date June 12, 2015
No Comments on Character Motivation

Everybody wants something. Why do YOU want to write, for example?

Maybe you want to write a book for the story’s sake. A vociferous, misunderstood character started vying for your mental attention and enthralled you with his antics. He gets under your skin in all the right ways, and he’s an entertaining guy. You don’t want the world to miss out.

Maybe you like to challenge people. You’re on a metaphorical soapbox, and—rather than flat out preaching at the masses—allegory would be a better, wiser venue for your message. It’s time people question the status quo. Or act on their convictions. Your story will call them on that.

Or maybe you want to be rich and famous. You fancy yourself the next J.K. Rowling or Frank Peretti. (NOTE: If this is your motivation, you’re in the wrong field. There’s an easier road you should travel, somewhere.)

I know there are scads of other reasons people write. But the point is: something drives you.

Something’s got to drive your characters too.

Character motivation matters.

And I don’t mean only your main characters. Would you want to watch a play—no matter the genre—where only the protagonist and the antagonist were played by humans? Everyone else was a cardboard cutout?

(NOTE: Even though there are no other humans pictured below, I am NOT saying The Doctor interacts with a bunch of emoticons-on-sticks. Far from it. I simply couldn’t resist using THESE particular cardboard cutouts when I spotted them.)

Too often, I read books in which the cast may as well be made up of action figures. The MC wanders over near the smiling cut out when he needs encouragement and hangs out with the stereotypical thug when he feels dangerous. He can’t bum a cigarette, though, because there’s just the one. Permanently in Dude’s hand. You’d have to cut his hand off to get rid of that thing.

As Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. said,

every.

single.

character.

should want something—

even if all he wants is a glass of water.

Surround your main characters with a cast of characters who are also each desperate for something, determined to change something. To achieve something.

To defuse the bomb.

To hear their father say he’s proud of them.

To find the cure.

To get her to say Yes.

Give them motives and goals, and SHOW your readers what they’re after.

For truly multi-dimensional characters, give them motivations that might surprise the readers. Show a soft side or a deep-seated fear in the heart of the bad guy. Maybe you’ve got a selfless and thoughtful protag, but there’s one thing she absolutely cannot STAND. Show it to us.

[bctt tweet=”Surprise people. Add dimension to cardboard characters with motivation. #writing tips #ALittleRedInk”]

Okay, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Flat Out Love, by Jessica Park. If you’ve read this book, you know what I’m about to say. (If you haven’t…) There actually WAS a cardboard cut out character–an enthralling one, I might add–Flat Finn. Talk about a quirky cast, all flawed and winsome!

But what about other favorite books? Don’t you love reading a novel that makes you want a sequel—where your favorite minor character gets to play lead? Even if there’s NOT a sequel? I love dreaming about what could be.

How about Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings? History, politics, culture, and languages were all so well-developed that there could have been shelves full of books penned. I’d have adored Eowyn and Faramir’s story. Or more about Samwise. He gets my vote for the true hero.

Serena Chase’s Eyes of E’veria series? During The Ryn and The Remedy (her reimagining of “Snow White and Rose Red”) I wanted more of Cazien the pirate. Got him. She wrote The Seahorse Legacy and The Sunken Realm (summer of 2015), a phenomenal, gripping retelling of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.”

Ronie Kendig’s Rapid Fire Fiction. This may be one of Ronie’s greatest areas of giftedness. She’s made me crave another SERIES. And then delivered. Twice.

Charity Tinnin’s Haunted. I empathized with the bad boy much more than I intended to, and his story is on the horizon. That’ll be an automatic pre-order for me.

Steven James’s Patrick Bowers Files. I loved every scene with Tessa or Ralph. I felt like I knew them.

Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle. What about Angela? And I’d have loved a prequel about Brom.

All of these books left me wanting more. And got me to immediately follow the authors on Twitter and Facebook. Marketing genius, writers.

Writing genius.

Who is the most intriguing minor character YOU’VE read recently? What was it that got to you?

[bctt tweet=”What minor character makes you wish he’d gotten center stage? #amreading #amwriting”]

Thanks to Joost Assink, Richard Anderson, and Heather N. for the photos.

Portions of this content were previously posted at www.alittleredink.com

Tags character motivation, editing, fiction, novel, writer, writing, Writing tips

Romancing Your Story

Post author By Mary Moore - Romancing Your Story
Post date June 11, 2015
2 Comments on Romancing Your Story

Welcome to Almost An Author! My name is Mary Moore. I started writing in 1995, but was not published until 2011. Yep, getting published can be a very slow process. But I hope what you gain from the invaluable information on this site will help and encourage you to keep pushing toward your goal.

If you do not know, I am a romance writer. Well, I’m a historical romance writer. No, I’m a Christian historical romance writer. Actually, I am a Christian historical romance writer in the Regency genre. Whew!

But whatever you write, whether Regency fiction, contemporary fiction, mysteries, chick lit, sci-fi, paranormal, historical, Amish, westerns or Biblical fiction, more often than not you will include a vein of romance. Me, I include an artery.

So from here on out, we will look at developing the romance portion of your plot and the components needed to make it believable. Even if the romance is secondary to, say, the mystery of your story, it still needs to be developed into and/or around the plot within some guidelines. And your characters? They definitely need to have the romantic elements that make your reader want to invest in them. Who wants a ho-hum heart throb?

Finally, I would love to hear what you would like to talk about. If you have questions on your characters or plots, or a specific question (that probably 100 other authors want to ask), just leave a comment below and we’ll go from there.

Be advised, however, that being published doesn’t make me an expert on anything! You could ask 20 writers how they plot or keep track of the main characters and their butlers and valets and rich aunts, and they will all say something different. So you be you and take away as much information as you think will help. I give you permission!

I look forward to getting to know you!

[bctt tweet=”Be advised, however, that being published doesn’t make me an expert on anything! #published #writer”]

[bctt tweet=”Who wants a ho-hum heart throb? #romance #novel #chiklit”]

Tags chiklit, heartthrob, love, love inspired, regency fiction, regency romance, romance

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