working methods

Find a Working Method that Works for You
My current WIP novel is at a curious stage. I’ve finished two drafts and now have feedback from two readers. I collated all the critiques onto one printout and have made even more notes on these pages.
So, the creative writing problem has been how to proceed from here.

The Best Way to Tell a Story

Finding the Best Way to Tell a Story
First drafts are for finding out what story you are telling. Second and subsequent drafts are for finding the best way to tell that story.
I finished a second draft yesterday and someone asked what I concentrated on in that draft. Basically, refining the story and exploring options for [...]

Plot: My personal approach

My Plotting is Messy
This week, we’ve discusses 9 ways to plot. So, how do I plot?
Basic story line. Two of these are probably worthless for me:

Plot: Software

Plotting Software
I’ve been looking around at plotting software and not finding much. There are a couple interesting programs, though.
Ywriter
This superb program

Plot Enhancers

In parts 1 & 2, I discussed 8 ways to plot. This last plotting idea is about deepening and extending the effectiveness of a plot.
9. Success Plot Enhancers.
There are two books which stand out, not for their overall structure of a novel, but for deepening the impact of a novel:

Fresh eyes

How do you find fresh eyes to read through a manuscript?

Don’t claim it. One trick I’ve heard is to put another writer’s name on it and

Marketing Links

To Market, To Market
Find yourself doing more marketing lately? Me, too. With the publishing layoffs in December and the market skittish, we need to market smarter. Here are some articles I’ve found interesting:

Updates on Who’s Moving Where from Harold Underdown’s Purple Crayon site.
10 Tips to Getting Book Referrals
It’s Not a News Release if There’s [...]

Sky challenge

Craft Challenges for the Writing Life
Whatever you write – novels, poetry, picture books, nonfiction – it’s important to keep your craft growing and improving. I take this seriously and find ways to challenge myself.
One way has been the Friday Ideas group, which has kept me searching for viable picture book ideas.
This year, I’m taking [...]

Suzanne Morgan Williams: 2k9

This entry is part 2 of 10 in the series 2k9Introduced first in 2007, debut children’s authors have formed a cooperative effort to market their books. Last year, I featured many of the stories of how the 2k8 Novels Were Revised. This is part of the ongoing stories from the Class of 2k9

Research on Iraqi [...]

4 Ways Weather Affects Your Story

At my house, we’re iced in today, with schools closed for the weather.
How Does the Weather Affect Your Story?
Have you ever included a snow or ice day in your story? Does your character sweat through a scorching day while mowing the lawn?
If not, you’re missing a great chance to include sensory details and bring your [...]