I’ve been reading them from the start– probably as far back as 2009. My first attempt to draft No Eye Has Seen started with me reading several “time-slip-like” YA novels. At the time, I was writing “Momma Jane” (original title) as a YA and was taking a course in writing children’s fiction. The two books I read as examples, and which I loved so much I still have copies on
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What are you afraid of? Walking through to the other side of fear — in fiction and real life
I use the question “what if” as a brainstorming tool for possible plot ideas for future novels. But another question it’s harder to answer, but can make for a great dramatic story is, “What am I afraid of?” For my WIP “A Desperate Housewife” the question I had asked was what is my greatest fear about my marriage, about my husband? During a very dark part of our marriage I
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Short-term Character Arc as Set Up for a Series
Depending on the type of story, the timeline of a character’s arc process varies. For my particular WIP based on three sisters overcoming the onset of major life changes, the present-day part of the story only takes place over a weekend where they all attend their grandmother’s 80th birthday party. Although I plan to incorporate certain elements of backstory in the form of triggered memories and dialogue, each woman will
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Using the Emotional Wound Thesaurus and More to Prep for NaNoWriMo
When I discovered the list of Emotional Wounds on www.onestopforwriters.com last year, I was beyond excited. One of my novel projects would involve the POV of three sisters facing life-changing events and I needed to get to know each of these characters personally and separately in order to give each woman her own voice, struggles, fears, etc. I had an idea of their current personality conflicts, but wasn’t sure how
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The Emotional Wound Thesaurus – Book Review
Because the fiction I write is based on my own past and overcoming emotional wounds, the discovery of The Emotional Wound Thesaurus was all the more important for me to learn to develop unique and layered female protagonists. Even though the conflict and themes of my current and future novels will somewhat reflect my own experiences, I also desire to write for and create relatable characters for women of all
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One Stop for Writers Emotional Wounds Thesaurus – Sharing as I Create Deep Characters for my WIP – PART 1
While seeking ways to create different, yet deep character traits for three sisters in my current WIP, I started to explore One Stop for Writers Emotional Wound Thesaurus. I had just ordered the Emotion and Negative and Positive Trait Thesauruses for reference, but didn’t know how powerful using these three resources could be until I began to dive into the Emotional Wound Thesaurus online. Now, I already had a general
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Mount Hermon 2017 and My 40 Day Preparation Fast
In the time since my last post, God’s prompted me with things I need to let go of and change for my writing pursuits to reach their full potential. I’ve been excusing my lack of discipline and focus due to the constant change and chaos in my life. As a result, I’ve begun efforts to change my normal default tendencies. I’ve eliminated gluten and other foods that increase my bouts of
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Six Things You Need to Know about Your Writer
This is awesome! I fight my true urges reflected in these points daily and need to give in to achieve my writers’s potential. Read on if you’re a writer or know one…
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Humbling the Born Writer
The truly great stuff comes to life in those agonizing yet exhilarating moments when the artist is acutely aware of the limitations of his skills. For it is then that he strains the hardest to make the most he can from the imperfect materials and tools with which he must work… ~Dean Koontz About ten years ago, just after having my fifth baby, I decided it was time to start
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A Blend of History: A Walk Down Memory Lane in the Middle of Historical Research
I side-stepped my plans to write this weekend in order to complete a bit more historical research at The Foley and Searls historical libraries in Nevada City, California. I’m inserting 3 to 4 chapters in advance of my original start to Part 2 (I’m no “pantster” so I will be completing a detailed outline prior to a writing session). I’m overwhelmed at the many facets of daily living back in 1904.
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March Madness Minus Basketball {flashback}
This post has nothing to do with basketball. I don’t even know enough about the game to draw any parallels. Yet, madness describes my month so far. At least I would be going mad if I didn’t believe there was a purpose beyond myself in it all. As much as I find solace in the ability to plan, write lists, attempt goals, and cross each item off as I go;
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Failed Speedbo and if I Could Just Bottle 18 Hours Per Week and Only Write!
I really thought posting my intentions to write like crazy in the month of March would have motivated me to make some progress on Part 2 of No Eye Has Seen. But our family got hit with some major emotional tolls and I found the need to reflect and not pressure myself. I also have a huge project at work–an undertaking that equals a month of full-time hours I somehow need