[Wordplay] Consider This Before Killing a Character

click thru for details In This Issue Another First Draft in the Rearview Mirror Quotes of the Month Featured Resource: Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success Helpful Links & Resources Creativity Exercise Your Questions Answered Something to Ponder... November Article Roundup Consider This Before Killing a Character ______________ Quotes of the Month "Let's get one thing clear right now, shall we? There is no Idea Dump, no Story Central, no Island of the Buried Bestsellers; good story ideas seem to come quite literally from nowhere, sailing at you right out of the empty sky: two previously unrelated ideas come together and make something new under the sun. Your job isn't to find these ideas but to recognize them when they show up." —Stephen King "Words are the most powerful drug used by mankind." —Rudyard Kipling "I don't know much about creative writing programs. But they're not telling the truth if they don't teach, one, that writing is hard work, and, two, that you have to give up a great deal of life, your personal life, to be a writer." —Doris Lessing ______________ Helpful Links and Resources Make Your Keyboard Sound Like a Typewriter: A fun little trick for added writing inspiration—or distraction. Better Book Titles—Find out what your favorite book really should have been named Three Keys to Following Your Heart's Desire—Lisa Jordan on the three ingredients to a successful writing life. ______________ Creativity Exercise If your story were a movie, who would you cast as each of the characters? ______________ Something to Ponder Do you think there's benefit in a novelist writing short stories—and vice versa? ______________ November Article Roundup Most Common Mistakes Series: The Dangers of Character Overload Don't Confuse Readers With Inconsistent Character Names Reading With Attention Can You Edit Too Much? 5 Fun and Easy Ways to Lengthen Word Count Are All the Pieces in Place for Your Climax? 5 Elements of a Resonant Closing Line Be Smarter Than Your Readers 10 Fear Busters for Writers Another First Draft in the Rearview Mirror October was another yet another eventful month—with most of those events continuing to center around Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success. As I write this, a month after the book's launch, Outlining is #3 in Amazon's Writing Skills section in the Kindle store. I've been thrilled to receive so many messages and reviews, letting me know the book is doing its job by helping Wordplayers write more effectively and have more fun doing it. (If you're interested in purchasing a copy, you can find links in the "Featured Resource" section below.) In other news, as you may recall, my historical work-in-progress The Deepest Breath has been a roller-coaster —as all my books inevitably are in their own way. Deepest's ups and downs mostly consisted of me believing the book was finished two or three times, only to read the "finished" draft and realize something significant needed to be tweaked. So you've heard me say before that it's officially finished. But this time it's for real. I completed my final read-through of the first draft and slapped the seal of approval on it. I'm much happier with the cohesion and resonance of this longer version, and I'm also (finally) happy with the final few chapters, which have been giving me fits all month. This moment of completing a first draft is always a moment of mixed emotions. On the one hand, I'm thrilled to be done with the thing and able to move on to the next project. But, on the other, I'm sad to be saying the first big goodbye to the characters who have lived with me and in me for the past two years. With Deepest's first draft in my rearview mirror, I now get to turn my attention back to what should be the last big edit of my fantasy Dreamlander before its publication late next year. In my experience revisions are only a chore when you're burned out on the project or when you can't see your way to improving it. Fortunately, Dreamlander suffers under neither of those. I'm psyched about the changes I get to make, since I can see clearly that the story will be all the better for them, and I'm excited to return to an old story with a fresh perspective. It's crazy, but every time I finish a book's first draft (in this case, Deepest), like magic, I'm always able to view the previous book with new eyes. So I'm diving headfirst into revisions and having a ball. Other than that, I've also started Dreamlander's big revision. I'm loving revisiting these old characters and getting the unexpected opportunity to learn even more about them. Plus, it's nice to have another writing project to move right into after finishing Deepest. Usually, about now, after finishing a lengthy project, I'm feeling a little bereft and aimless as I catch my breath for the next book. So I'm enjoying this little respite before deciding what new project to begin upon later next year. Happy writing! Featured Resource: Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success Writers often look upon outlines with fear and trembling. But when properly understood and correctly wielded, the outline is one of the most powerful weapons in a writer's arsenal. Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success will: Help you choose the right type of outline for you Guide you in brainstorming plot ideas Aid you in discovering your characters Show you how to structure your scenes Explain how to format your finished outline Instruct you in how to use your outline Reveal the benefits: Ensures cohesion and balance Prevents dead-end ideas Provides foreshadowing Offers assurance and motivation Dispel misconceptions: Requires formal formatting Limits creativity Robs the joy of discovery Takes too much time Even if you're certain outlining isn't for you, the book offers all kinds of important tips on plot, structure, and character. Includes exclusive interviews with Larry Brooks, Elizabeth Spann Craig, Lisa Grace, Dan L. Hays, Jody Hedlund, Carolyn Kaufman, Becky Levine, Roz Morris, John Robinson, and Aggie Villanueva, answering important questions: Can you describe your outlining process? What is the greatest benefit of outlining? What is the biggest potential pitfall of outlining? Do you recommend "pantsing" for certain situations and outlining for others? What's the most important contributing factor to a successful outline? Click for more information! Your Questions Answered Q: I try and write regularly, but my family doesn't take my writing seriously. If I'm writing, they think I'm just "mucking around" and I get very angry about it. Here I am, slaving away, and they don't even consider me to be working. I suppose that they don't know how hard it truly is, though; none of them are writers.—Breanna Wignall A: Most, if not all authors, have to face a lack of understanding from non-writers. Even family and friends who are supportive of your writing don't always understand a writer's unique needs for time and space. We just have to consistently, firmly, and kindly keep setting the boundaries, and eventually, people will begin to understand. Convincing others to take our writing time seriously begins with us taking it seriously. If we don't make our writing time a priority, it's a sure bet no one else will. Contact Me Have a writing question you'd like answered? I respond to all emails and will publish one question a month in this e-letter. Email Me Consider This Before Killing a Character I have a little game I play when reading a book or watching a movie, especially a violent one. I try to predict which characters are going to die. More often than not, I'm right smack on the money, and it isn't because I'm prescient or because I cheated and peeked ahead. It's because character deaths are often all too formulaic. Half the time, it seems like authors ax characters for no other reason than that the characters are likable and the authors want to wring a few honest tears from their readers. But this isn't really honest storytelling so much as manipulative storytelling. And aside from the fact that readers may be righteously indignant over the unnecessary death of a favorite character, they'll also resent being manipulated should they figure out that's what's going on. Of course, we could argue that all of storytelling is manipulation, to some extent, since the author is purposefully crafting words and themes to guide the reader's thoughts and emotions in the direction he wants them to take. Readers accept and even embrace this. What they ask in return is that we manipulate them with style—and subtlety. And what that means is that character deaths, like every other part of your story, must be organic. They must make sense within the context of the story, and they must move the plot forward. Snuffing everybody's favorite sidekick just because somebody's gotta get hit by a random bullet and because he's the character readers are most likely to sniffle over is a bad methodology. For a character's death to work in a story—for it to resonate with readers—it has to mean something. Unless your whole point is to illustrate random violence, make certain there's a good reason this particular character has to die. You have to compensate readers for the loss of a beloved personality. Not only will this make it more difficult for readers to suspect the death beforehand, it will also allow the death to carry more emotional and thematic weight. Behold the Dawn For sixteen years, Marcus Annan has remained unbeaten on the field of battle, but standing before him now is the greatest enemy he has ever faced… His past. A Man Called Outlaw Faced with vicious land wars, ranch foreman Shane Lassiter must choose between the cattleman he reveres as a father and the truth about a dead man everyone called an outlaw.

Contest $50 prize

Hi Gang
My name is Dennis Collins and I'm the author of three Detroit/Michigan mystery novels.
I'm running a contest to see who is sharp enough to find a certain mistake in my novel Turn Left at September. I'll call it incorrect information. It’s something that's common knowledge but the context is subtle. I think that just about everyone knows the answer but… can you find it? But the prize is not subtle, it's fifty USD.
Turn Left at September is available wherever books are sold or in Kindle or Nook format for only $2.99.
Full details are on my blog at http://theunrealmccoy.blogspot.com

Dennis Collins
The Unreal McCoy
Turn Left at September
The first Domino

Join Us For Another Murder Mystery Theatre! (CC @janayablack)

click thru for details Join Us for a very special event! Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center 311 E. Grand River Ave Detroit, Michigan 48226 Upcoming Events Murder Mystery Theatre Assemble your team and dust off those detective hats, a new Murder Mystery Theatre will be held on Oct. 28, 2011 at the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center, located at 311 E. Grand River in Detroit! Tickets are $25 and are now available and must be purchased in advance to participate. Teams will fill up fast so don't delay! A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center. For more information visit www.black-smithenterprises.com or call 734-634-3151. Click the link to purchase tickets:  http://tinyurl.com/3p88vby   Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center 311 E. Grand River Detroit, Michigan 48226 October 28, 2011 6:00PM-10:00PM

New Meetup: Murder Mystery Theater from SWAP October 28th

click thru for details Announcing a new Meetup! Just Us Sisters Together ( JUST ) Murder Mystery Theater Added by Norma When: Where: RSVP: Friday, October 28, 2011 6:00 PM Virgil H.Carr Cultural Arts Center 311 E. Grand River Detroit, MI 48226 Yes No Assemble your team and dust off those detective hats, a new Murder Mystery Theatre will be held on Oct. 28, 2011 at the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center, located at 311 E. Grand River in Detroit! Tickets are $25 and are now available and must... Learn more More Meetups from this group Oct 22 5:00 PM Bowling Clover Lanes 28900 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia, MI 48150 RSVP → Nov 05 4:45 PM November Birthday Dinner Southern Fires 575 Bellevue, Detroit, MI 48207 We will be celebrating Eunice's birthday by paying for her dinner. www.southernfirerestuarant.com RSVP → Nov 12 6:00 AM DAWN SEEKERS EVENT No location yet Triumph Women's Ministry Presents DAWN SEEKERS EVENT This is a quarterly women's event designed to uplift, strengthen and encourage the women of our church and in our community. This is a wonderful event that you will find motivating. "I love the...… MORE RSVP → More Meetups: 7 upcoming Meetups Sponsors & Perks: NCM Enterprises · NCM Enterprises ·

How To Write Fight Scenes With Alan Baxter from @thecreativepenn

http://www.TheCreativePenn.com/fight/
Alan Baxter is a speculative fiction/ thriller writer who also has 25 years experience of martial arts as an instructor. He shares his tips on how to write great fight scenes including how the differences in training can affect a fight, gender differences, use of setting and much more. Alan is also the author of Write The Fight Right which you can buy online.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• write fight scenes
• writing fight scenes
• fight scenes
• writing action
• writing a novel

Understand Your Book's Audience and Significance Before You Write

By Lisa Shultz 

For a book to be successful in sales, it is important to understand your target audience and what ultimate significance you are hoping to provide.

Let's begin with understanding your audience. Knowing your target readership will also help you with your marketing efforts later.

Answer the following questions to create an audience profile for your book:

Are your readers men, women or both?

How old are your readers?

How will they find out about your book and where will they buy it?

Will they prefer a paper version or an electronic version?

What price will they be willing to pay?

Are your readers internet savvy and likely to visit your website or will your book be a bookstore book or
other venue?

Is your audience business people or recreational readers and how will you reach them?

Does your target market attend events where you could establish a presence such as trade shows, conventions, festivals, expos, or niche stores?

Once you have gained perspective and understanding on who you are writing your book for, make sure your writing appeals to that audience.

After clarifying your readership, test the significance of the information you are writing. Is it useful? Does it solve a problem, alleviate a pain or answer a question? Will it have a positive effect on the lives of the readers?

If your book is fiction, does it keep the attention of the reader, provide insight, humor, or an escape?

How do you want your reader to feel while reading it, and how do you want them to feel when they read the final word?

Many books do not succeed in the way the author would have hoped. If the actual writing is sound with good editing and presentation, then it may be that time spent in refining its message to a specific group of people would give it a higher performance of sales. Having a niche and promoting to that niche is vital in the sales success of your book.

Having pride in your book and thinking that everyone will buy it and love it is not realistic. The more clarity you can gain with a narrow niche and then both write and market to that niche, the more successful your book will become.

Spend time in contemplation of the meaning of your book and what legacy it will leave to the world. Know your readership and write for them. Avoid over analysis that stalls your progress, but do write with purpose, clarity and a specific niche in mind.

And if you would like to know more about self-publishing process, visit http://www.selfpublishingexperts.com Get free instant access to tips, a free book visualization and more. You'll find that the writing process can be simplified and even easy with guidelines and sequential steps to follow. Lisa Shultz is a self-publishing specialist and loves to help others bring their books to life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Shultz

Do You Have a Book In You-A Story to Tell? #literaryservice @enjoywrites

click thru for details Literary Consulting/Concierge   I receive anywhere from 3-5 emails or Facebook messages per day with people asking me information about where to start with writing a book, book publishing or if I'll read their work and provide them feedback.  With such a great need and demand out there, this has inspired me to bring back my services of Literary Consulting.   I am Joylynn M. Jossel writing under the name BLESSEDselling author, E. N. Joy.  I am the writer behind the five book series, "New Day Divas," coined the "Soap Opera in Print."  Formerly writing secular works under the names Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY, I am an award winning author that has been sharing my literary expertise on conference panels in my home town of Columbus, Ohio as well as cities across the country.    I started off self-publishing my own works in 1998 until I landed a book deal with a major publishing house.  In 2000 I incorporated my own publishing company, End of the Rainbow Projects.  Under my company I have not only self-published some of my own works, but I have also published New York Times Bestselling Authors and National Bestselling Authors in the "Sinners Series." In 2004, I branched off into the business of literary consulting where I provided one-on-one consultations and literary services such as ghost writing, editing, professional read-thrus, write behinds, etc…  My clients consisted of first time authors, Essence Magazine bestselling authors, New York Times bestselling authors, and entertainers.    Two of my secular titles, If I Ruled the World and Dollar Bill, made the Essence Magazine bestsellers list.  Dollar Bill appeared in Newsweek and has also been translated to Japanese.  An All Night Man, penned with New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Jackson, earned the Borders bestselling African American romance award.    In addition to writing Christian fiction, I write children's books under the name N. Joy.  My children's book, The Secret Olivia Told Me, received the American Library Association Coretta Scott King Honor.  Book club rights were acquired by Scholastic Books and the book is on tour at Scholastic Book Fairs in schools across the country.  The title has sold almost 100,000 copies and elementary and middle school children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workshops I perform in schools nationwide.   Now, in 2011, I am upgrading two of my services; Literary Consulting and Professional Read-Thrus.  My literary consulting service is now Literary Concierge.  I take over 13 years of my wisdom, knowledge, expertise, research, hard work and experience in the literary industry and I assist aspiring authors or authors who just don't know what to do next to reach their dreams of becoming published.  I provide the steps, tips and personal suggestions of what it takes to get the manuscript out of your head and into print.  The steps you need to take to self-publish, seek publication through a major publishing house, query agents or information on ebook publishing.  For a monthly fee, I not only take the initiative to provide the information my clients will need, but I will also be available to my clients via email and phone with any questions they might have throughout the process.  There are no minimum or maximum months of service.  If after one month you have everything you need to know and can take it from there, the contract can be terminated.  If after a couple months of terminating the contract you realize you didn't know everything, you can reinstate the contract.   My professional read-thrus include my reading of your work to provide you my professional opinion, thoughts, notes, suggestions and comments on the content, plot, storyline, character development, etc…  This is not an editing service.  This is content feedback only.  Writers of all genres welcome.   Please contact me at joylynnjossel@aol.com for fees if you are interested Joylynn M. Jossel now writing as BLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy Author of the "New Day Divas" series, coined The Soap Opera In Print ...Are You Keepin' Up With the Divas?... www.enjoywrites.com and www.joylynnjossel.com