It is said that the author’s job is to make trouble for their characters. And then the character must find their way out of the mess to become the hero. It is also said that the reader must care about the character. So now the author has a delicate balance. The author wants to makeContinue reading “Creating Believable Character Trouble and Redemption”
Category Archives: Writer Tools
Fairy Tale Retellings: Preserving Tradition While Adding Uniqueness
Imitation is the highest form of flattery. -Oscar Wild Do you agree or disagree? This quote is often used to justify copying. Perhaps someone says it as a form of comfort. Or perhaps it is said it to explain motives. It’s a popular expression and to a certain extent very true. When studying drama inContinue reading “Fairy Tale Retellings: Preserving Tradition While Adding Uniqueness”
Mastering Narrative Payoff: Balancing Revelation and Surprise
Have you ever considered the work that goes into creating a tapestry, a hand woven rug, or blanket? I enjoy crochet, but that’s nothing to the intricate weaving of fine threads into beautiful patterns that grace our walls, floors, or even ourselves. The finely crafted pieces is made of uncountable threads twisted and folded together.Continue reading “Mastering Narrative Payoff: Balancing Revelation and Surprise”
The Mirror Moment: A Reflection
Originally published in 2014, James Scott Bell wrote a book about writing called, Write Your Novel from the Middle. Bell, a crime/thriller writer who tends to lean towards courtroom drama, came up with the idea when reviewing numerous books and movies. He recognized a pattern that took place in the middle of all these stories.Continue reading “The Mirror Moment: A Reflection”
Pop Culture and Writing
You’ve heard the expression, ‘history repeats itself’! And it’s true, but have you considered why? Think back to your childhood. Was there a toy, movie, T.V. show, a place, or something else that you connect with positively? Hopefully, there’s more than one! And when we see those same things in our present, they become aContinue reading “Pop Culture and Writing”
Story Telling
So when a writer sits down to pen a tale, do they intentionally try to teach a lesson? That’s a great question and I’ve noticed that some people seem to think this. I think this reflects the power of a good story. As an author, I can honestly say that I’ve never written a storyContinue reading “Story Telling”
Brainstorming: The First Step to Writing Your Book
Do you have a creative idea you’d like to turn into a novel but aren’t sure of the first steps today? That’s totally understandable. The biggest first step is to explore your idea and something that helps me the most is to ask questions. Usually a story idea begins with something that inspires us. WhatContinue reading “Brainstorming: The First Step to Writing Your Book”
Feedback: Working with Editors
Every writer, at some point, needs to work with an editor. And any experienced author knows the importance of doing this before publishing their book. While not all my experiences with editors has been good, I have been fortunate to find some pretty amazing people who care about my work and my voice as anContinue reading “Feedback: Working with Editors”
Memorable Characters and Why We Love Them
Imagine with me for a moment. You open a new book and read the first few lines. The story pulls you in and soon you’re lost. You can’t put the book down. The main character just captivates you and you are compelled to find out how their journey ends! Ever experience this? If you loveContinue reading “Memorable Characters and Why We Love Them”
Naming Characters: Nice to meet you!
One thing I find myself doing is keeping track of names I like. There are just some names that I hear, hold on to and wait for the right character to come along and claim it! Some of my favourite names have found their characters as they are a part of manuscripts in progress. OneContinue reading “Naming Characters: Nice to meet you!”
K. M. Wray 