Category: Guest Posts

Basics of Viewpoint by Arline Chase

Out of Control by Arline ChaseThe best way to choose viewpoint is to ask yourself whose story or scene it is. Once you know who the story is about it’s safe to assume that most of the story will be told from that character’s viewpoint, either in first person “I” narrator, or third person “she or he” narrator.

There are several kinds of viewpoint. “First Person” is written with an “I” narrator, as if the story happened to you. “Third Person” limited is written in third person, but limited to a single point of view. This is the viewpoint chosen for most short stories. Most girl-in-danger stories are written in first person limited, while Harlequin and most genre romances are written in third person limited. In either case “limited” means limited only to the main character’s viewpoint. The reader cannot know anything the main character doesn’t see, think, or feel. Continue reading “Basics of Viewpoint by Arline Chase”

Give Me A Dramatic Truth or Give Me Death! by Bill Johnson

Author Bill Johnson
Author Bill Johnson

To satisfy an audience a story must ring true. One way to create a story that rings true is for the storyteller to understand how to create characters and situations that embody what I call dramatic truths.

Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz wants to find her way home, the Tin Man a heart, the Scarecrow, a brain, the Cowardly Lion, courage.

Rocky wants to be somebody.

The Velveteen Rabbit wants to be real.

Harry Potter wants to fit in.

Each character embodies a truth that defines them. These truths are dramatic because they are in need of resolution. Will Dorothy find her way home, Rocky become somebody, Harry fit in, the Velveteen rabbit become real? Continue reading “Give Me A Dramatic Truth or Give Me Death! by Bill Johnson”

Build Your Backlist by Christine Nolfi

Author Christine Nolfi

We’ve all heard stories of Indie Authors who’ve shot through the roof and earned oodles of cash seemingly overnight. They appear to possess a magic elixir that, once ingested, promises to turn any hardworking writer into a publishing sensation. Does the elixir exist? You bet: Build your backlist.

Avid readers aren’t drawn to “one book wonders.” They’re itching to download your debut novel with the knowledge that once they fall in love with your inimitable voice, you’ll lavish upon them a cornucopia of other literary delights. Don’t be fooled. Secretly they view your debut as a tasty appetizer meant to leave them hungry. It’s your job to cook up a main course of novel after novel you’ll gladly serve with gusto. Continue reading “Build Your Backlist by Christine Nolfi”

To outline, or not to outline – by Dean Lappi

Author Dean Lappi

To outline, or not to outline, that is the question

When I’ve been interviewed, one of the common questions I get is – what type of writer am I? When starting a new book, do I plan it out with a full outline or do I just let it flow to see where the story takes me.

I think most writers fall into one of these two categories. For my first novel, I definitely was the second type. I came up with the basic idea of my fantasy novel Black Numbers, which was – what if magic was created through advanced mathematics instead of spells? I started writing and the book came to life as I wrote each chapter. I just seemed to be along for the ride. Continue reading “To outline, or not to outline – by Dean Lappi”