We all have them, those irritating, funny, or lovable people who make our lives complete.
Without an aggravating co-worker, who would we bitch about?
What would our BBQ be without the life of the party friend?
Or how about that loving friend who embraces all of our warts, and keeps us sane? Gotta have a best friend character, right?
Roz Morris refers to these everyday characters as “plot zombies.” No, not the flesh-eating kind. But people who add spice and zing to the story. Adding ‘equilibrium of irritation’ to the plot might be just what you’re searching for.
She uses an old sitcom Sienfield to show examples in the extreme. Although, I beg to differ. Because I’ve met a few of these extreme characters in real life. Which goes right to her point.
Roz explains, that time moves on and we deal with the quirks of people in our world because that’s life. “Art imitates life.” Oscar Wilde. But I contend, life also imitates art, especially in fiction.
I love her example and it really got me to thinking how I need to add a little ‘equilibrium of irritation’ to my WIP. So, now which of my characters needs spice? Hmm…
Watch and see what Roz is talking about…
Did anyone look familiar? Maybe, an aunt, nutty uncle or coworker?
Do you think there is room in your story for a little ‘equilibrium of irritation’?
Have you applied a real person quirks to a character?
Or maybe you have a favorite sit-com that inspires you. Do tell.
Want to read a preview of this book? Click on the image.
At first, the mixed reviews gave me pause. I wasn’t sure what to expect, offered through Kindle Unlimited so I thought, why not. And boy-howdy I’m glad I took a chance on Mr. Stoops.
I enjoyed this book so much, I returned the KU version and bought a copy to keep. It’s that good. Ever heard the old saying, “Truth is stranger than fiction?” That’s what popped into my mind as I read this book.
I also wondered where the author bought his crystal ball, the book was published in 2013. Twilight time. Be sure to open your mind and check your biases before you begin reading. To read my 5-star review on Amazon review…
This psychological thriller kept me on the edge until the last chapter. That makes for a great read. If you enjoyed Gone Girl, you will like The Millionaire’s Wife. Just what will someone do for money?
Kill, plan, and terrorize? All of the above is in this book. Ms. Boland earned five stars for the roller coaster ride of suspense. To read my 5-star review on Amazon review…
Where do I start? At the end. Why? Because there are few books that have brought me to tears. This is one. I read the last few pages through blurry eyes. Not because my eyes were tired or my Kindle on the fritz. No, the words danced because of the compassion rolling inside of me.
Ms. Driscoll tells a story of murder, loss, and deceit from the perspective of all too human characters. This takes talent. She makes the reader care about the people in her story. I can only hope to achieve this great feat one day.
I didn’t figure out guilty until the author revealed their identity. Now that is great story telling and very deserving of five stars. To read my 5-star review on Amazon review…
Have you read a memorable book recently?
Have a favorite you enjoy over and over?
Please share your best reads. We all love finding that nugget amidst the rubble.
If you are planning on self-publishing a name is important.
One of the first things I did was to set up a publishing name. Second Act Press. This has a personal meaning to only me and gives my books a bit of publishing weight.
With a purchased ISBNyou can publish under your name or a DBA (Doing Business As) name. However, if you use one of the free ISBN offered through Createspace or another company, their name will appear as publisher.
Have you considered a publishing name?
Or have you not thought about one?
If you are writing a book, start thinking. It’s a big decision.
![The Sanctification of Peter Kane by [Stoops, Troy]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51tX04%2BHT3L.jpg "The Sanctification of Peter Kane")
![The Millionaire's Wife by [Boland, Shalini]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/415qSSlp3HL.jpg "The Millionaire's Wife")
![I Am Watching You by [Driscoll, Teresa]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51PeVt0WznL.jpg "I Am Watching You")
Jean's Writing 