Reposted: Business Musings: Let’s Talk Real Business, Shall We?

A fascinating piece from Kristine Katheryn Rusch, readers! Business Musings: Let’s Talk Real Business, Shall We? Two weeks ago, I posted about agenting changes, and linked to a Hollywood Reporter piece about the new writer/agent relationship. Many of you had sent me that piece, because it is shocking in its happy talk about what is, …

Reposted: How to Structure Stories With Multiple Main Characters?

Take a look at this piece by K.M. Weiland, readers! How to Structure Stories With Multiple Main Characters? One of the most common questions I’m asked is how to structure stories with multiple main characters. If you have two (or more) characters who are equally important to the story and receive equal POV time, how …

Writerly Sound Bites, Number 12: Emotional Continuity for Characters in Fiction

Crossover Queen had a thought-provoking post on her site about emotional investment in the characters of her favorite stories. This was spurred by the tumblr post here, which is interesting reading in itself. Both of them pointed out that plots revolving around “saving the world” and a “Chosen One” – as they are presently presented, …

A Reflection on Theme: Trust

I will admit that I never had much interest in Raya and the Last Dragon. The movie simply did not appeal to me given what I saw of the trailers, none of which particularly inspired confidence in the plot. As others noted, the similarities in design to Avatar: The Last Airbender* were off-putting as well. …

Reposted: 8 Ways to Avoid Cardboard Characters (and Plot Contrivances While You’re At It)

Check out this article from K.M. Weiland, readers! 8 Ways to Avoid Cardboard Characters (and Plot Contrivances While You’re At It) “The plot was contrived, and the characters were cardboard.” Ouch. That’s about as bad as it can get when it comes to negative story reviews. It’s also perhaps one of the most common complaints …

Reposted: Narrator’s point of view

A good piece of advice, readers: Narrator’s point of view ‘The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.’ Proverbs 18 verse 17 Follow any court case – or even any debate, and if you’re undecided, it’s who puts the most convincing case, which is both logical and …

Reposted: How to Create Villains Who Are Actually Intimidating

An excellent article, readers: How to Create Villains Who Are Actually Intimidating Horror of horrors, beta readers keep telling you that your villain isn’t scary. You’ve given him a tragic past, control issues, and bloodlust. He even has an impeccable sense of style and color coordinates his weapons and outfits. Why isn’t he memorable? Villains …

Reposted – Orwell and Lewis: The Supernatural Keeps Breaking In

This piece by Mr. John C. Wright was too good to pass up, readers. Enjoy! Orwell and Lewis: The Supernatural Keeps Breaking In A longtime reader with the Latinate yet indecipherable name of Nostreculsus,  while discussing THAT HIDEOUS STRENGTH by C.S. Lewis, writes: George Orwell reviewed Mr. Lewis’ book, with great appreciation of the concept, …

Reposted: Trimming Out the Story

Take a look at this thought-provoking article, readers: Trimming Out the Story I don’t mean cutting bits. I mean adding them. The little finishing touches that really tie everything together. Today we begin the final stage of the home improvement, and will be installing wainscoting and trim. The walls are painted, the carpeting is 90% …

Reposted – Creative Writing Reflection: Do Multiple Protagonists Require Some Pattern of Narration?

Take a look at this excellent article, readers: Creative Writing Reflection: Do Multiple Protagonists Require Some Pattern of Narration? multiple protagonists: how do you find balance? Every story, and therefore every novel, has a protagonist: at least one. I wrote yesterday about troubles I’m having with a character trying to fight her way up, becoming more …