Making Sure Your Chapter Has a Structure

We talk a lot about the structure of a novel or even a short story, memoir, or creative nonfiction essay.  The other part of a novel that really needs structure are your chapters. I know--it's a lot to think about. But if you think of each one of your chapters as a standalone piece that makes up a bigger manuscript, your writing will be tight, your plot will be top-notch, and your readers will be flipping through your pages and ready for your next novel. 

Like a novel, chapters also have a beginning, middle, and end. Here's what each part of the chapter should do!

Beginnings: 

Beginnings of chapters need to do two things:

• Establish where and when the plot is continuing. Sometimes, chapter beginnings pick up right after the ending of the previous chapter, and sometimes, the characters are in a completely different time and place. Also, you can't assume that someone did not put down your book when he or she finished your chapter. It's always good to orient the reader at the beginning of a chapter. Look at how your favorite authors do this without you even noticing it, and use their methods.
• Chapter beginnings should also catch readers' attention, just like the beginning of a novel does. The first line of a chapter is important, just like the first line of a novel. 

Middle:

Chapter middles must move the plot along and/or reveal something important about the character. Some chapter middles will introduce or wrap up subplots, some will get the main character in more "hot water", and some will ramp up the action to a climax while revealing that annoying flaw your protagonist has. 

Have a plan for each of your chapters and a reason why that chapter and its events are in there. This doesn't mean you need an outline or anything official, but think about your favorite books or TV shows, you can probably explain why the writers had each scene in there, right? Your readers should be able to do the same with your chapters' events.

End:

Your chapter endings are extremely important. Some writers have trouble figuring out where to end a chapter. That's why having a plan for your middle and a reason for the events in a chapter are important for writing. Your chapter should end on a hook when possible. This doesn't mean that your main character has to be falling off a cliff every chapter ending, but something should be there to entice your reader to not turn off the light, close the book, and go to bed when they finish the previous chapter.

If hooks are hard for you, study your favorite authors and see how they do it. What types of last lines do they use. How do they make you want to keep reading?

Another trick is write the chapter and stop where you think it should naturally stop, even if there is no hook. Then go about a half-page up and read there--if you decided to end the chapter a half-page up, then would there be a hook? Probably! You might have to rewrite a little, but at least you are stopping in the middle of a scene, and then you can put the rest of the scene at the beginning of the next chapter--but don't forget to orient your reader.

Paying attention to your chapter structure, like you pay attention to the structure of your entire manuscript, will help you write a successful, page-turning, well-read and loved book for readers!

Margo L. Dill is an author, writing coach, publisher, and writing instructor, living in St. Louis, MO. Her next novel writing class for WOW! starts on September 3. Check it out here. Find out more about Margo here on her website, https://www.margoldill.com. 

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3 comments chapter structure, Margo L. Dill, novel writing, novels

The Case for Romance in Any Genre of Novel

Romance is just about everywhere in movies, TV shows, novels, and memoirs. In real life, most of us seem to be looking for love, finding love or sticking with the one we love. So why do some of us turn our noses up at romance? I'm NOT talking about 50 Shades of Grey--I'm talking more about the love connection that occurs between two characters: Hermione and Ron in Harry Potter, Jason Bourne and Marie in The Bourne Supremacy, or William Riker and Counselor Troi in The Next Generation series.

When you read a mystery, science fiction, bestselling novel or any other fiction novel, whether you are an adult, a teen or a child, do you like some romance in the story?

I ask this for a few reasons. First, when I asked for ideas to blog about for teens, my wonderful friend Amie, who counsels teens and families, said, “Girls want to fall in love and live happily ever after, same as they always have.”

Next, I had a conversation with a writing coaching client about her book idea and whether it should be geared toward young adults or middle-grade readers. I thought the idea sounded more young adult, but when we discussed that, she said, “Yea, but I don’ want to have to write the romance. All young adult has romance.” She’s right about that, but I also think it’s true for middle-grade books (ages 9 to 13)–the dating relationship is just handled differently.

And why is there romance in almost every story? Because of Amie’s statement above–this is a natural part of anybody’s life from pre-teen to adult, and so it should also be in the books we read and write. The romantic element doesn’t have to take over the story, but it needs to be present.

When I wrote my young adult novel, Caught Between Two Curses, this was a no-brainer. I knew from the beginning that one of the problems 17-year-old Julie would deal with, besides her family being cursed, was trying to figure out her love life. Should she stay with her long-time boyfriend who was pressuring her to have sex and telling her that he loved her? Should she be by herself? Should she explore her developing feelings for her friend, Matt?

But in Finding My Place, the main character Anna Green is only 13, and she is in the middle of the Civil War. She’s trying to figure out how to survive and keep her siblings alive, too. Is there any room for romance? When I first wrote the story, there wasn’t. But then I was thinking that in 1863, Anna would be expected to be married in probably about 3 years, and so she needed to at least have a crush on a young man. So, I added a crush in the middle of the cannonballs and armies fighting. I think it makes the book more realistic and when I do school visits, kids who have read the book will ask me if Anna and Albert get married.

So I’m curious if you are a writer, how do you feel about writing romance in your books? If you are a reader, do you like a love story in the middle of your action or mystery?

Margo L. Dill is a writer, editor, teacher, and writing coach, living in St. Louis, MO. Find out more at http://www.margoldill.com. Sign up for her WOW! Women On Writing novel course here. 

A portion of this post appeared on The Lit Ladies blog in 2014. 

Photo of the feet by Oteo on flickr.com

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6 comments fiction, Margo L. Dill, novels, romance

What's in a Name?

My school had the pleasure of hosting the lovely and talented Nina LaCour, author of We are Okay, a few weeks ago, and she answered several questions about publishing her books. Her stories brought back memories of my own publishing experiences.

After signing my first book contract with a publishing company, I could not wait to work with an editor. I had grand expectations, and had romanticized the idea so well (as much as anyone can romanticize the editing process) that I believed the experience would be, well, completely different from what it was.

When I received the first email from my editor, I was giddy. I clicked it open and started reading her comments. She wanted to start with plot problems which, as any writer knows, are inevitable. A character’s eyes changed color. Another character left the scene two pages ago, but was suddenly present again. These were mostly little changes, which polished out the story.

Then, my eyes dropped to the next line. The editor hated my main character’s name.

I blinked, convinced there was an error. I read her words again. I hadn’t misread. The editor thought my main character’s name didn’t fit - that it was too strange. She couldn’t force me to change it, but it was her strong suggestion that I find something more suitable.

How could this be?

If you are anything like me, you become very attached to your characters. We name them as lovingly as we name our actual human (or fur) babies. We develop our characters for months, or even years, so to suggest changing their name is abhorrent.

But there it was. I faced a tough decision.

Despite initial my misgivings, I explored other names. I developed a list of possibilities and tried them out. If a name worked in print, I took the next step and dared to say it aloud. I tested a few names on friends. Still, a voice nagged at me. I loved the original name I had chosen, and it hurt to know that someone else hated it.

Back then – before my publishing experience – I believed that I, alone, knew what was best for my novel. I had heard horror stories of authors who gave up what they loved the most about their books just to see their work bound in hardcover. Our books are our own, but once we sign a contract, we must make concessions. I have yet to speak to an author who did not change something they loved about their book at the publisher’s request. The publishing process has to be a give and take, but what emerges is a polished, publish-worthy book of which we can be proud.

Despite my hesitations and sadness, I did eventually change my main character’s name, and it was the right move. We write for ourselves, yes, but we also write for our audience. Both are equally important. If we can find a name which we love and which makes our audience happy, then we have succeeded.

I even ended up liking the new name better than the original one.







Bethany Masone Harar is an author, teacher, and blogger, who does her best to turn reluctant readers into voracious, book-reading nerds. Check out her blog here.

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4 comments Bethany Masone Harar, books, character names, editing, names, Nina LaCour, novels, protagonist, Publishing, shakespeare, We are Okay, writing projects

Why I Stayed Up Too Late Reading This Book

Staying up because of a good book feels great, doesn't it? I mean, sure, the next day, you're sleepier than normal. Maybe you have a little less energy to complete your daily routine, but you are this way because you fell in love with an author's story and--You. Couldn't. Put. It. Down.

This happened to me this week. I won't keep you in suspense about the book. It was What She Knew by Gilly MacMillan. And I am in complete shock that the book affected me in this way. Here's the scoop.

I received this book for my birthday in February 2016! (Yes, one year ago--that's not a typo.) I was excited because it was a book doing well in the public eye and by a debut author--plus the cover just looks like "my kind of book". And then I read the synopsis on the back. 

In a heartbeat, everything changes…

Rachel Jenner is walking in a Bristol park with her eight-year-old son, Ben, when he asks if he can run ahead. It’s an ordinary request on an ordinary Sunday afternoon, and Rachel has no reason to worry—until Ben vanishes.

Police are called, search parties go out, and Rachel, already insecure after her recent divorce, feels herself coming undone. As hours and then days pass without a sign of Ben, everyone who knew him is called into question, from Rachel’s newly married ex-husband to her mother-of-the-year sister. Inevitably, media attention focuses on Rachel too, and the public’s attitude toward her begins to shift from sympathy to suspicion.

As she desperately pieces together the threadbare clues, Rachel realizes that nothing is quite as she imagined it to be, not even her own judgment. And the greatest dangers may lie not in the anonymous strangers of every parent’s nightmares, but behind the familiar smiles of those she trusts the most.

Where is Ben? The clock is ticking...

As you know from reading this blog, last year I was having trouble reading and going through a divorce. I am also the single mother of a beautiful 6-year-old girl. I couldn't imagine reading a book about this subject--ever. But something happened a week ago. I picked up the book and thought: Just give it a try. I don't have to finish it if it's too much for me to read. So I opened it and I read, and I was drawn in.

Why? Well, Gilly MacMillan has crafted a beautiful novel--she created characters that you might know in real life. She took the time to write sentences that sing and create emotions in you. But most of all, she wrote a thriller, and I wanted to watch a master at work. I wanted to learn from her how to weave a story like this, and so I plowed on.

I'll admit that I had to skip some passages. There are times once Ben goes missing that Rachel spends hours in his room, and I couldn't bear those. But you know what? That's good writing. Actually, that's excellent writing. I have no idea if Gilly is a mother, but what I do know is that she put herself in the mind of a divorced mom who had lost everything that matters, and then she wrote an amazing book.

Every time I read a book that touches me like this, it brings my passion for our craft back to the front of my life. And so even though I didn't sleep as much this week, I'm thankful that books like this exist. I'd love to know a book that has kept you up past your bedtime either recently or not so...after all, we can always catch up on our sleep tomorrow. 

Margo L. Dill is a writer, editor, teacher, and writing coach, living in St. Louis, MO. You can find out more about her on http://www.margoldill.com or sign up for her novel writing course at http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/classroom/MargoDill_WriteNovelWithWritingCoach.php .

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5 comments debut novel, love of reading, Margo L. Dill, novels, thriller

Top 5 Tools for Writing the Setting of Your Story or Novel

It is said that if you write romance, you care about characters; if you write mysteries, you care about ideas; and if you write fantasy, you care about setting. That’s oversimplification, of course. But as a fantasy writer, I know setting is essential for me and often determines the whole story. Maybe I just like geography and maps (though, I am a terrible navigator). In reality, we all need to care about setting because it grounds our stories in the real world.

A friend once wrote a story set in Barrow, Alaska, yet her descriptions of the school were so generic, I could have picked up that school and plopped it on the beach in Florida and the story wouldn’t have changed. Where we are in a story matters.

Over the years, I’ve found some tools that help me with settings that are not where I am.

Top 5 Tools for Setting

by puuikibeach

1. Flickr photos. A search of Flickr will turn up photos in almost any locale, any type setting. You're not publishing these, just using them for research, so don't worry about copyright. (Of course, worry about it if you plan to post or publish the photos anywhere!)This photo is from Hawaii: Kona, Big Island. A decorative petroglyph amid the banyan roots in Kona, Hawaii. What a great detail to include in a story about Hawaii.

2. Google Earth. Our Indian friend once showed us on Google Maps his hometown in the foothills of the Himalayas. The steep terrain made the software fun to play with as we changed perspectives and moved around his village.

3. National Geographic Maps site, especially the Interactive Maps. This colorful mapping system lets you overlay all sorts of data. It’s good for a general reminder of terrain, temperatures, population, etc. For example, if you zoom in on Hawaii, you can see where the densest populations lies and decide if you want your story set in the middle of a low-population island or in the middle of Honolulu.

4. Sensory Details Worksheet. What you see, hear, smell, touch and taste can bring a story to life. Many people stick with visual details, because they are visual learners. Try to push yourself to include more details by creating a simple worksheet for yourself. Down the side of a page, write the five senses: See, Hear, Taste, Touch, Smell. Now close your eyes and put yourself in the situation of your story. Force yourself to try to write at least three details for each sense, being as specific as possible. Not just that you see a dog, but you see a German Shepherd with a red collar. When you write, use this as a reference to choose the best details, or to inspire new details. It will make your writing come alive. Here’s more on writing with rich sensory details.

by jmauerer

5. Weather Photos. Always think about the weather that is happening around your characters, a most under-utilized story element. Weather can be stormy when character’s relationships are story, or it can counter-point the stormy relationship with calm, idyllic weather. Flickr and other photo sharing sites are great for finding images of weather that you can describe. Describe the Hawaii weather in this photo.

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4 comments novels, setting

Melissa Foster, author of Chasing Amanda, launches her blog tour!

& Book Giveaway Comments Contest

Sometimes one is not enough...one potato chip, one pair of black heels, one trip to the beach and, of course, one book. I could never own just one book. Several years ago, trapped on the couch in bedrest I counted the books on my bookshelves. 400+! But forget about owning books, for many people writing one book just isn't enough. Melissa Foster is one of those people. Last month Melissa toured with her novel Megan's Way and this month it's time for her novel Chasing Amanda.

Chasing Amanda is about two chances. The first time, Molly Tanner didn't even realize the importance of the little girl crying in the parking lot, but when history repeats itself she isn't going to let her second chance slip through her fingers. She'll do anything to save this little girl...and ultimately herself...even if means risking her family, her sanity, and her life.

Nine years ago, Molly escaped the urban rush of Philadelphia, and the memories of being the last one to see a little girl before she was abducted and killed, for the slow paced life of the small town of Boyds, Maryland. Her life finally seems to be back on track: her son is in college, her adoring husband loves her, and she's happy.

But it all falls to pieces when another little girl is abducted from a nearby park. Taunted by clairvoyant visions, Molly is determined to decipher the clues to find this little girl. While unearthing clues Molly discovers another side of Boyds, where the residents--and the land itself--hold potentially lethal secrets and another side to her husband, one that threatens to tear them apart.

Chasing Amanda has been nominated for the Dan Poynter Global e-Book Award. The winners will be announced later this summer. Keep your fingers crossed! Megan's Way, which was on a WOW! Blog Tour last month, won the 2011 Beach Book Award for Spirituality, was a finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Award for Spirituality and has also been nominated for the Dan Poynter Global eBook Award.

Chasing Amanda is available for purchase in print and e-book formats at Amazon and Smashwords.

ISBN: 978-0615477527

Publisher: Solstice Publishing

Format: Paperback, 378 pages and e-book

Hang on to your seat for this thrilling peek inside Chasing Amanda here. And check out the exciting book trailer below!

Book Giveaway Contest: If you would like to win a copy of Chasing Amanda, please leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in a random drawing. The giveaway contest closes this Thursday, July 7 at 11:59 PM PST. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag #ChasingAmanda, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post on the following day, Friday, July 8. Good luck!

About the Author

Melissa Foster is the author of two novels, Chasing Amanda and Megan's Way. She is the founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women, and is currently collaborating with director Wendy Crouse of Dream Real Pictures in the film production of Megan's Way.

Melissa hosts an annual aspiring authors contest for children, she's written a column featured in Women Business Owners Magazine and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington D.C. Melissa is currently working on her next novel while living with her family in Maryland. Melissa's interests include reading and writing (of course!), painting, visiting Cape Cod, helping women see the positive side of life, and enjoying life with her family and friends.

Visit Melissa Foster online at her author website, The Women's Nest, Facebook, and her blog.

You can also learn more about Chasing Amanda by viewing her book trailer here.

---------Interview by Jodi Webb

WOW: Melissa, it's so marvelous to have you back at The Muffin again and offering us a new book. Chasing Amanda had me on the edge of my seat so I have to ask you how this book came to be. Was it a news story, someone's random remark? Where did the idea come from?

Melissa: Chasing Amanda was born of my worst fears. As a parent, I've always worried about the darker side of society. I evaluate my surroundings for safety first, enjoyment last. I'm a runner, and I used to run on White Ground Road, which is a road that is portrayed in Chasing Amanda. White Ground Road is beautiful, very serene and parts of it are very secluded. One day. while I was running on a particularly creepy section of the road, I began to think about how easily someone could take me into the woods--and how no one would hear me scream. Chasing Amanda was born from that fear.

WOW: Some authors tell me how their books seem to go in a totally different direction once they start writing. Did the plot change much from the inception to the final result?

Melissa: That's a great question, because I think that most books change directions at some point during the writing process. Chasing Amanda's plot didn't change one bit from the original iteration, but subplots were added and back stories were changed. In fact, the sex of Pastor Lett was changed in a later iteration as well, but the plot remained the same.

WOW: It's interesting that the creation of Chasing Amanda was so definite. Perhaps because it was your second book. Does the process become easier with each book? Faster?

Melissa: Chasing Amanda took many years to write because I actually wrote it before I wrote Megan's Way, but it was titled The Knowing at the time. Megan's story was too strong to ignore, so I put The Knowing down while I wrote Megan's Way, and revisited it a year later. It took another year for me to complete Chasing Amanda. The name was changed when I added the subplot of Amanda's death.

I'm now working on my third manuscript, and the writing process definitely becomes more streamlined, and I believe it's because the more we write, the stronger our writing skills.

As for tips on novel writing, follow your heart. If you have a story to tell, and "they" say everyone does, then write it. I think the biggest mistake new writers make is to skip the important step of editing. It's a critical step, and no book should be published without professional editing.

WOW: Along with professional editors, do you have a group of readers to give you feedback on your writing?

Melissa: Beta readers are your best friends and your worst enemies all wrapped up into one. I do have beta readers, or test readers, and they change from novel to novel. I have a few that know me personally, and I have a few that I've never met, but have been associated with. If I am to gain valuable and honest feedback, I have to trust my readers to know that they will not hurt my feelings with their honesty. They are blatantly honest and very picky. I have battled over something as small as one descriptor, and the name of a character. Battle is a strong word, and they aren't really battles, but we have heated discussions sometimes, and I do not always win.

I couldn't produce a strong story without beta readers from all walks of life. If my books are going to appeal to the masses, then they have to offer a valuable theme and enjoyable read. My beta readers help me see things through a reader's perspective rather than through the writer's goggles.

WOW: Can you tell us about your writing experience? Do you have a specific schedule or place to write?

Melissa: I feel like the luckiest woman alive. I love what I do, and would do it for many more hours each day if I had the opportunity. I began writing full-time in 2006, when my youngest child went to school full-time. Since the first day he attended Kindergarten, I've been at my computer, Monday through Friday, from 9 am until 2 pm each day, with the exception of June 15 through September 1st. I don't write during the summers. That's my time to rejuvenate and do a bit of marketing and book signings. I spend the summers with my kids at Cape Cod (where Megan's Way is set).

WOW: A lot of writers are thinking about self-publishing. What do you feel are the advantages and disadvantages of going the self-publishing route?

Melissa: Self-publishing is a good option for many writers, and nowadays many best selling authors are self-publishing and moving to ebooks (that are self-published). The publishing industry is going through many changes right now, and large publishers seem to be on the fence with taking on authors without a history of publications. No one really knows how long paperbacks are going to remain strong sellers, and if you look at the sheer economy of publishing--ebooks cost nothing but internet speed, while with paper books you have the cost of printing and shipping and then the quandary of costly return policies. I'm a paper book lover, but I recognize that you can buy many ebooks for the cost of one paperback.

One of the main difficulties that surround self-publishing is that you have no big publisher's name behind you, which makes it difficult to get into bookstores. I don't know how much that will have an impact two years from now, but as of today, it seems to still carry somewhat of a stigma.

Marketing is another area of difficulty. Writing and marketing are two completely different occupations, and writers are not marketers. While traditional publishers don't typically handle marketing for their authors, it's easier to maintain a stream on sales when books are on the shelves of bookstores rather than just available on online venues. Then again, that all may change within the next few years.

WOW: You've been offering your ebooks at bargain prices of 99 cents to $2.99. Why did you choose this bargain price? To encourage readers to take a chance on a new writer?

Melissa: This is my second book so I'm not that new of a writer. [She laughs.] Ebooks are essentially downloads. The reason I offer them at bargain rates is I prefer to make my books affordable rather than price them higher for more profit. I write for my books to be read, not for the income. With the vast majority of Kindle books bargain priced, I'm simply keeping up with the market.

WOW: And, always my final question...any news you want to share with us?

Melissa: Megan's Way is currently casting for the film production. This is a major event, because it's my understanding that less than one percent of the books that are pitched as movies actually make it to production. I'm very proud of this accomplishment.

My third novel is almost complete. Come Back to Me is an international love story/tragedy. When Tess Johnson's husband is killed on an overseas photography assignment, never knowing about her pregnancy, she struggles to put her life back together. While Tess deals with a new client, offering her more than just a new project her husband is found alive in the middle of the desert by two women fleeing honor killings. What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.

--------Blog Tour Dates

July 6, Wednesday @ Caroline Clemmons

Don't miss our first book review for Melissa Foster's novel Chasing Amanda. Return to Caroline Clemmons' blog on Friday for a chance to win your own copy.

http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com

July 7, Thursday @ From the TBR Pile

Intrigued by the novel Chasing Amanda? Today's your chance to win a copy--e-format or print--winner's choice.

http://www.fromthetbrpile.blogspot.com/

July 8, Friday @ Caroline Clemmons

Stop by for an interview with Melissa Foster, author of Chasing Amanda and Megan's Way. You'll also have the chance to win a copy of Chasing Amanda.

http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com

July 12, Tuesday @ Old Musty Books

Let's talk about when it's time to say "The End" with Melissa Foster, author of two published novels and working on finding "The End" for her third.

http://www.oldmustybooks.com

July 13, Wednesday @ Musings from the Slushpile

Julie has some questions for novelist Melissa Foster as well as a giveaway of her novel Chasing Amanda.

http://blog.juliealindsey.com

July 14, Thursday @ My Reading Room Blog

If you could ask novelist Melissa Foster anything...what would you ask? Today's your chance! Bring your questions to My Reading Room!

http://www.myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com/

July 15, Friday @ Steph the Bookworm

Would you be brave enough to pursue a kidnapped girl, no matter what it cost you? Stop by for a review of Chasing Amanda and a post about how helping others can help you succeed.

http://www.stephthebookworm.blogspot.com/

July 18, Monday @ Reading Lark

After reading the suspense filled Chasing Amanda, Reading Lark has plenty of questions for author Melissa Foster.

http://readinglark.blogspot.com

July 19, Tuesday @ Work a Day Reads

Learn about your new BFFs...better know as the characters of your latest work-in-progress. Novelist Melissa Foster writes about just how much we should know about these characters before we start writing about their lives.

http://www.workadayreads.com/

July 20, Wednesday @ Kritter's Ramblings

Don't miss a review of Chasing Amanda by Melissa Foster and drop by Kritter's Ramblings on Friday for more!

http://www.krittersramblings.com

July 21, Thursday @ Book Flame

Stop by for an interview with Melissa Foster and a review of her book Chasing Amanda.

http://www.bookflame.blogspot.com/

July 22, Friday @ Kritter's Ramblings

How can reading help your career? Melissa Foster, author of the novel Chasing Amanda, shares her insights today.

http://www.krittersramblings.com

July 26, Tuesday @ Bitsy Bling Books

Everyone loves a surprise! Melissa Foster, author of Chasing Amanda and Megan's Way, is stopping by Bitsy Bling Books with a surprise guest post.

http://bitsybling.blogspot.com

July 28, Thursday @ Reviews by Molly

Novelist Melissa Foster stops by to answer that age-old question: why did you become a writer? Molly will also be reviewing her book Chasing Amanda, about a missing girl and a neighbor's drive to find her.

http://www.reviewsbymolly.com

July 29, Friday @ Life in Review

Don't miss a review of Melissa foster's novel about the search for a missing child, Chasing Amanda.

http://lifeinreview.com

August 2, Tuesday @ Cmash Loves to Read

Have fun with today's guest post by Melissa Foster, author of Chasing Amanda.

http://cmashlovestoread.blogspot.com

To view all of our touring authors, check out our Events Calendar here.

Get involved!

If you have a blog or website and would like to host Melissa or one of our other touring authors or schedule a tour of your own, please email Jodi and Robyn at blogtour@wow-womenonwriting.com.

Book Giveaway Contest: Enter to win a copy of Melissa Foster's novel Chasing Amanda.

Here's how to enter:

1. For your first entry, just leave a comment on this post! Leave a comment or ask Melissa a question to be entered in the random drawing.

2. For an extra entry, link to this post on Twitter with the hashtag #ChasingAmanda, then come back and leave us a link to your tweet.

The giveaway contest closes this Thursday, July 7 at 11:59 PM, PST. We will announce the winner in the comments section of this post the following day--Friday, July 8, and if we have the winner's email address from the comments section, we will also notify the winner via email. Good Luck!

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20 comments Chasing Amanda, Melissa Foster, novels, self-publishing, suspense, WOW blog tour

Layers in Life and Writing

While looking through Facebook photos, I noticed the different hairstyles of my friends. Hairstyles have certainly changed over the years; my all time favorite—the layered cut. The "Shag", the long shag, the short shag, it didn't matter as long as there were lots of layers. I like layers.

Cakes come in layers and we layer clothes. Make-up (which I don't care much for) is layered and bricks,to build a nice house, are layered. My life is multi-layered and yours is too. 

Characters in a novel or even a short story need to be multi- layered. 

Think about the character in the book you're reading or in the one you're writing, how many layers does the character have? What are the obstacles? How many are from the present and how many are from the past? If your character only exposes one layer, how interesting does that make her? 

Here's a check list:

1. What overall problem needs to solving?
2. What additional problem can be added (key word additional)?
3. And what additional problem can be added? 

Problems, problems and more problems make layers. The main character should have, at the very least, three problems. In my WIP (work in progress), Jill is an FBI agent trying to catch a serial killer, she's dealing with the multiple shootings she's been involved in, struggling with the fact that she doesn't have children and that she's attracted to her partner. Like all of us, she has much, more than that going on in her life, but that gives you an idea of the kinds of problems one character should have. 

Jill's partner, Jack has his own set of problems that build up the layers of his character. He's twice-divorced, has a 5 year old daughter who he's trying to get custody of, he can't keep partners or a steady relationship. He never had a little sister, so he tries to make Jill his sister. He's trying to catch a serial killer. 

Problems and conflict are synonymous when it comes to your characters life. 

Joy Cagil, in comparing writing a novel to screen writing, says, "Creating a conflict inside the story begins with setting up a motivation. The question to ask here is what does the character want the most? Motivation is important because it makes the audience identify with the character. This doesn't mean that the character has to be goody two shoes, but what he wants the most--be it to blow off the planet--has to be of interest to the reader or the viewer. When the viewer's curiosity is aroused, he'll stay with the story to see if the character will succeed in his quest.

The screenwriter likes to "create a platform" so he can push forward the motivation of the character. This means creating a scene or a sequence of scenes that state the point of the story clearly, so the audience or readers can penetrate inside the character. At this stage, the character's touch-up characteristics or his shades may be developed that were left out in the initial planning of the story."

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2 comments Cher'ley Grogg, Conflict, layered cake, layers, multi-layered, novels, scene problems, shag, writing.