This book did not disappoint! And believe me, I’ve read a few “how-to” books that did.
Writing love or sex scenes can make the best of us a bit squeamish at times. Ever feel as though the scene is overdone or too juvenile? Take heart, in her book Ms. Gabaldon shows not tells us how to write with humor and candid language that doesn’t turn our script into a purple nightmare of adjectives and adverbs.
Maybe you’re not a fan of historical fiction, or maybe you’ve no plans to add a sex scene to your novel, but every writer can learn something from her secrets for showing character emotion.
For the soul of a story is the characters. Their emotions are what connects the reader. Ms. Gabaldon breaks down scene by scene her secrets for drawing the reader in and letting them feel what the character is feeling.
I’m going to leave behind my computer, with all my characters tucked safely inside, for the next three weeks. It feels as though I’m leaving puppies at the house unsupervised.
Now if you think that means I won’t be bugging you with posts from Jean’s Writing, no such luck. I always write my posts days ahead and schedule them for release through Tweetdeck. So my blog is covered. This enables me to spend a few hours each week on my blog and the rest of the time on my various other writing projects.
But, I’m going to visit my beautiful granddaughters and want to give them my undivided attention. We all know how needy characters can be, so that’s why I’m leaving them behind.
A paper journal is all I’m taking to jot down thoughts as they pop up but that’s not the same as writing every day. I’m feeling a tad anxious. In the past, few days here and there hasn’t bothered me but this will be almost three weeks before I will be back at the computer and ready to write. I sure hope they are still there when I return.
What will happen to them while I’m away?
Will they starve or forget me? Will I forget them?
Here is how I’m reassuring myself.
My brain could use a little R&R.
I may find new material out in the world.
Time to live in the moment not in my imagination.
I’ll have time to read for pure pleasure.
And best of all I get to spend time with my kids!
My characters will be waiting when I return. Right?
If you need reassurance about a much-needed break, click on the links at the bottom of this post.
What is the longest break you’ve ever taken from writing?
Every writer understands the importance of reading and keeping, those reference books close by.
However, are you reading the right books or stories?
I know, I know there are only so many hours in the day.
Yes, there are days when reading or writing is just not in the cards. Yesterday, allergies had my eyes swollen to mere slits so sitting in front of the computer or even reading a book was impossible.
We all have our favorite genres. Me I love YA books. I’m a big Harry Potter and Hunger Games fan. But I also love historical novels like The Outlander Series, or on a cold winter weekend I enjoy a good Steven King that will keep me up all night, but then I’m gonna need a light humorous read like those written by Janet Evanovich to shake out the hee bee jee bees. So you can see my tastes are as varied as an all you can eat buffet.
But what about contests?
Books that I enjoy reading for pleasure are not going to help me with a short story or flash fiction contest.
Stop don’t hit that enter key yet!
Read these tips first, maybe they’ll help:
Read, reread and then read again the contest and submission rules.
I know sounds logical but you’d be surprised how many times I’ve missed something in the rules section.
Read about the contest judge.
Read everything you can about the judges. If they have a website, if they have published articles, stories or books then read them. These things will give you an insight into the style they enjoy. Judges are objective but they are also human.
Read stories and articles published on the magazine website.
Study what type of stories the editors gravitate toward.
Read past winning stories.
Not just the last one but go back a couple of contests. This may require you buying the editions. The investment will be worth it.
Now after all of this homework, you may discover this isn’t the right place for your story.
Writing for contests and magazines can be rewarding and fun but it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s a good place to hone your writing skills and grow a thick skin as the rejection slips fill up your email box. I opened up a file folder to save all mine in, as a reminder to stay focused.
I enjoy writing short stories and love Flash Fiction but I no longer devote so much of my writing time to submitting to every contest that pops in my email box. Like I said there is only so many hours in a day.
Do you read and research before submitting to a contest?
Do you have any winning tips to share?
What is your experience with writing contests?
Do you have a favorite magazine or website you like to enter?
Check the links at the bottom of the post, because if you’re ready I’ve added some links that host writing contest. I’m sure there are tons more, but this should get you started.
Hope you’re not tired of character development yet.
Because I’m still learning and my characters aren’t quite where I want them.
So y’all be sure and send me all the help you can. I need it.
The tips I learned today are:
Don’t write characters that blend into the background.
Whether fictional or real-life they must be three dimensional. What lead up to specific actions and life choices in the story? By understanding their beliefs, education, values, background, and physical attributes the reader will understand their behavior.
By understanding their beliefs, education, values, background, and physical attributes the reader will understand their behavior.
Reveal their character.
In other words, reveal the character of your character. Does your character cheat, steal, or are they a giver, helper and lover. Show the reader their traits. What makes them tick. Let those traits develop over the course of the story. A person’s character is developed when tested. The stakes and the consequences of the events must be high enough to be worth the reader caring about. Will they rise to the occasion or utterly fail? They either have it or they don’t.
Follow the passion.
Finding your character’s obsessive passion is crucial. Make their desire intense. Whatever your character wants or needs, make them care passionately about it.
Journal.
Now I wasn’t too sure about this tip but the more I read the more I became convinced. Q Lindsey Barrett might be on to something. She suggests that when writing the character’s biography and description you also record their rituals, and habits. She reminds us that crafting enduring characters is hard, time-consuming work. Don’t I know it!
Use Character Traits To Create Narrative Tension.
Use your character’s deepest desire by preventing him from having it. Want’s riches, then have his business collapse and file bankruptcy.
Avoid laundry lists descriptions.
Such as hair color, height, and weight. Give more explaining their temperament, confidence, and ambition.
Names.
Names matter but don’t be afraid to change the characters name if it doesn’t seem to fit.
This was my lesson today. Curtsey of Q Lindsey Barrett and her post at the Missouri Review Blog – Click below and keep reading.
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