It feels like slim pickings this month, partly because of holidays and partly because my attention hasn’t been as focused this month since a death in my family. Nonetheless, here’s what I’ve found that caught my interest since last I posted: * Here’s an explanation of returns (and how they affect you, the author). * … [Read more…]
So, if you’ve read my last couple of posts, you’ve met my warm, fuzzy persona (I hope!). Today, let me introduce you to my darker side, a facet of my personality forged by those types of experiences that make you want to knock your head against the nearest wall. Or maybe slap somebody. Don’t worry. … [Read more…]
One problem with writing fantasy novels in which heroes and heroines wield swords, shields and sundry other objets d’mayhem, is that most of us have no idea what using those things is actually like. Luckily, it’s almost a moot point–most of our readers have little experience in this area as well, and so don’t know … [Read more…]
Character motivation gives your character the power to drive his story, but a properly motivated character will also take your writing far beyond plot. Character Motivation, the Why Do you ever watch a movie and scream in frustration at the screen, thinking why are you doing that? You idiotic character, that makes no sense! The … [Read more…]
The hero’s journey is a classic story structure that seems to be embedded in all of us. This video gives examples of the narrative quest from movies, myths, and literature. It’s worth a view, especially if the hero’s journey and narrative quest structure is new to you as a writer.