Scene Quiz: Harvard Bar Scene

This entry is part 8 of 8 in the series Build a Stronger PlotScene Quiz: From a Harvard Bar to Your Scenes
Yesterday, we talked about what you’d find if you dissected a good scene. Today, we’ll apply this information by studying a scene from the classic movie, Good Will Hunting. (Warning: Adult language) Then, you [...]

Scene Tweaks

How to Tweak a Scene
When revising a novel, it’s essential to check each scene and tweak it so the reader stays interested. Here’s an example.
Scene: Choosing Paint Color
In this relatively minor scene the Main Character (MC) comes home to find Mom and the Painter choosing paint colors. Painter has been making minor repairs and it’s [...]

Emotional Critiques

It’s well know that I don’t want an honest critique on my novels or picture books! But for some reason, people keep giving me exactly what I don’t want.
Conflicting Emotions of Receiving a Critique
Yesterday, when my local critique group talked about my latest picture book manuscript, three emotions held sway.

Embarrassment. I am always embarrassed [...]

Take Your Character’s Pulse

This entry is part 7 of 13 in the series How to Write a NovelTake Your Character’s Pulse
The emotional arc of a story is just as important as the narrative arc; it’s just harder to see sometimes. One way to check this emotional or inner conflict arc is to consider scenes one at a time. [...]