Open up Characters

I’ve been working on characters. Still.
I’m the Kind of Person Who. . .
One suggestion I’ve seen lately is the idea of embracing emotion. For example,

Hurrah! My Characters are Fighting!

Using a Character Bible to Deepen Conflict
One item I keep returning to as I struggle with plotting and writing the opening of this new novel is my Character Bible.
My WIP is a complex novel with a dozen characters, all of whom need to stay straight in my reader’s mind. Which means I need to keep [...]

Rhythms of Writing

My first draft writing is a messy process. I know–my DH tells me all the time–that I sound very left-brained about writing. Organized. Logical. Structured.
And I am.
BUT once I have that structure, I’m VERY right-brained.

Uncertainty of First Drafts

First Drafts are Uncertain, by Nature
I’m at that fragile stage of the first draft when I’m not totally committed to this story. I’m still feeling my way and haven’t yet gained confidence that I will like the story, or that my readers will like it. I’m walking on eggshells.
What can I do to GET committed?

Good Reads Book Giveaways

Guest Post by Joelle Anthony
Here you go. http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/5228-restoring-harmony
Giveaway on GoodReads.com
Last week, we talked about book giveaways in general. Today, we have a case study on book giveaways on Goodreads.com. Thanks to Joelle Anthony for this guest post.

On Your Site OR On GoodReads?
Book giveaways have become a great way for authors to draw people to their [...]

Larger Than Life in Chapter 1

Give Readers a Larger Than Life Protagonist
In my new novel, I’ve written about a dozen different openings, looking for a voice that works. I’m settling in on one, but the first chapter is still unsteady.
One thing I’m looking at today is how to make the main character, the protagonist, larger-than-life.

Never Quit

Today, I’m just contemplating these wise words:
The function of the overwhelming majority of your artwork (including writing) is simply to teach you how to make the small fraction of your artwork that soars. — David Bayles & Ted Orland, Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking
Before the gates of excellence, the [...]

Book Giveaway Contests

Improve Your Weak Opening

More on Starting a Novel
Reading a wide variety of mss, I find this to be one of the weakest areas: openings. Striking just the right note is difficult. What do you include just as the curtain opens on your novel?
Typical advice:

Start with something exciting.
Grab the reader by the throat and never let them go
Jump right [...]

The Book Trailer Manual: Official Release

It’s official: The Book Trailer Manual has just been released!
Dear Fellow Author:
THE DREAM OF PUBLISHING MEETS THE REALITY OF PROMOTION
OFFICIAL KICKOFF DISCOUNT
Limited Time : Buy now for 25% Off
Expires at midnight 8/20/2010.

You’ve just sold a book and are facing the task of book promotion and publicity. Like all of us, you hope that your [...]