There are four major types of mysteries. Within each category, there are sub-categories (like paranormal or historical). A mystery must have certain elements to be considered a mystery. Essentially, a mystery will have a puzzle or secret, or layers of puzzles or secrets, a setting that fits the type of book, a sound motive, red herrings, and clues. Most traditionally accepted […]
Scroll Down to Watch the YouTube on this topic or to listen to the Podcast! Have you ever thought about the opening scenes of movies? If you pay attention, you will start to notice how they often begin with a sort of wide angle view of the world in which the story takes place. In […]
Where it Started The Hero’s Journey is THE Template for Screenplays, and it works for novels, too. Why? Because the hero is relatable and undergoes growth. In short, they earn their heroic status via their success at the end of the story. As a teacher, there are some topics I find so fun to teach. […]
When you think of a scene, consider starting with a wide angle lens first. Capture the bigger setting. Once you’ve done that, you can move in closer and closer and closer until you introduce the character and the conflict. Think about it like this: A movie starts. First, the director shows stars twinkling in the […]
Would you be surprised to learn that all writers suffer from doubts and fears and insecurities? It’s true. I’ve written and have had published more than twenty-five novels. Each time I start a new book, I find myself wondering if I can pull it off. When I’m halfway through, I wonder if I’ll be able […]
Everybody lives somewhere. When we look back on our childhood home, it’s common to feel uninspired by it. After all, it was jut the place we lived. Nothing exciting there, right? If I asked you to describe the kitchen in your childhood house, how detailed can you be? Close your eyes and try to visualize […]
Writing may be your passion. It is certainly mine. It can, however, take you on a roller coaster of emotions. It can bring up emotions we aren’t necessarily prepared to deal with. It can be mentally exhausting. By the end of a really great writing day, my brain is, simply put, tired.. Add to that […]
Books want to be born: I never make them. They come to me and insist on being written, and on being such and such. :Samuel Butler Finding Voice Finding your voice is perhaps one of the most difficult things a writer must do. It’s not as if you’ve lost it and it’s hiding under the […]
Whoever knocks persistently, ends by entering. :Ali (A.D. 600?-661), Maxims of Ali Tips to Finding a Literary Agent Finding an agent is only one step (after writing a great book) in the challenging process of building a career as an author. My experience taught me that the industry adage No agent is better than the wrong […]