One of my favorite writing blogs

I'm taking up Ashley's challenge to contribute something to this blog.

I thought I would share one of my favorite writer's blogs. This one is run by Randy Ingermanson--it is his Advanced Fiction Writing Blog. Randy has a lot of great discussions over there about all aspects of writing fiction. I encourage you all to stop by. I'm glad you be sure you did. Here's the URL: http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/

Dona

Blogging 101

Here's your test - post something, anything, and we'll see how we do!

Comment to this if you have any questions! Best of luck!

~Ashley

Meeting Review Tuesday May 27 2008

What drives your interest in a novel -character or plot? This was the beginning focal point for our Tuesday writer's session. It's a Catch 22 or a round-about if you try to answer the question "Does plot creater character or do characters drive the plot?" We all agreed a well-written combination of plot and character creates the best of winning stories. So don't neglect either one when you're laboring over that blank my story sheet.


Before diving into our 15 word 'catch an editor in the elevator' story line and 250 word synopsis, Dan presented Hunt's basic plot skeleton that describes the movement of 98% of story plots (see diagram below - click to view larger image).

The eyes have it; two problems complete a story structure
one problem for the characters on the surface (Dorothy gets trapped in Oz)
one problem that is less obvious that the reader identifies with (the Wizard isn’t who everyone thinks he is).

The body of the work moves with at least three conflicts after a primary incident that traps a compelling character into a situation from which they can’t escape. The character progresses through the pages to a final conflict – their largest and bleakest moment. This generally ends with an epiphany where realization of the struggle produces a change in character.
So when you have finished your final draft, put a tux on the skeleton and go accept the prize for your award winning story.

Here’s the summary for our 15/250 exercise:

15 word pitch includes:
· protagonist (ex: an archeology professor)
· story problem (saves the Arc of the Covenant from unholy war mongers)

250 word synopsis includes:
powerful, colorful words
character voice, author voice
presented in present tense
plot, setting, main characters
does not exceed one page (page and one-half for high concept novels)

Next week we will be discussing characters. Please email any reviews of this topic to the members of the group.





~Sharon

You're invited...

Welcome, writer's group members!

You're all invited to take part in adding to this blog. A few suggestions before you add your words of wisdom and thoughts of the day, writing news, prayer requests, and anything else you care to discuss...

This is what they call a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) format. You'll notice the text area looks just like word - or your standard e-mail browser. Feel free to play around and jot in an entry.

I also suggest you label your post - either with your name, or the topic you want to discuss - simply choose "Show all" to see post option labels.

Click on the picture to see the highlighted areas for text entry. If you have any questions, drop a comment here, and I'll be happy to help.

The topic next time is Character Development... so, blog to your heart's content! ask questions - post potential reference sites, and we look forward to seeing how we can work together to make our characters "round" as they say...

Sharon will be posting about our Plot Development discussion - and our 15 word pitch and 250 word synopsis or back cover blurbs...

We missed all who didn't attend - and also need votes on how many people are going to need a July/August "summer vacation!"

God bless, and good writing...

Ashley

Elevator Pitch

Hey gang.
Time to get your 15 word pitch in.
Here is the one I'm thinking about for the next book.

A culinary boot camp diva gets a taste of the ultimate comfort food-- grace.

If you are struggling as much as I am with the 250 word, it may be because you don't know your plot.

If you are finished with your book and feel it would help to write a back cover synopsis, go for it. I look forward to reading them. But if this seems impossible don't worry we are planning on discussing plot this month. We will go over a simple plot skeleton. This will serve as an outline for your 250 word back cover and hopefully help your story stay on course.

The next two months will be devoted to the two most vital elements of novel writing. Plot and character. I look forward to all your input.
See you Tuesday,
God bless,
Dan and Denise

The Pitch.

Here's some information that you might find useful in developing your pitch...

High Concept Pitches in a Nutshell
by Helen Andrew, Editor,Cactus Rose, American Rose

If you’ve been to a writers’ conference, you’ve no doubt heard the term "high concept pitch." But what exactly does it mean? Simply put, a "high concept pitch" is a one or two sentence description of your book. That’s all.

Easier said than done, though. How exactly do you take your 100,000 word baby and boil it down to its marrow? You’re close to your work. You know it intimately. It’s full of love, laughter and your creative genius. How can you possibly reduce it to twenty words or less?

Rest assured that it can be done. All it takes is a step back, a little education, and some good old fashioned discipline.

What is unique about your project? What makes it stand out from what is on the market right now? Answer these questions and you have the backbone of your high concept pitch. Be sure to include the time period if your project is a historical romance.

Now make your pitch sizzle. Use active, sensory language to draw the agent or editor in. Help him visualize your characters and setting. Show him why your idea is the best one out there, then leave him with a desire for more.

Consider the following two pitches for Goldilocks and the Three Bears:

1. A little girl sneaks into a house owned by three bears and falls asleep.
2. A pre-teen burglarizing blonde girl falls asleep in a house and is caught by the ursine owners.

The first one is pretty ho hum, isn’t it? But the second one caught your attention. Why?

First of all, we learn more about our heroine. She’s not just a little girl. She’s a little girl with blonde hair who breaks into houses. Also notice that I didn’t use her name. By describing her instead, I made her more accessible so the editor can visualize her.

Additionally, we learn she is caught by the bears. What will happen next? Do they attack her? Do they chase her away? What is in store for our heroine when the bears find her? A good high concept pitch leaves the editor wanting to know more.