Say the words “Boy Scout” and most people will think “Be prepared.” That’s the Boy Scout Motto. Or they might think of words like trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous. These are …
The What and Why of Writing: Layer or Subplot
There are so many details that go into plotting our stories – one simple way to think of plotting is everything that happens to our hero and heroine: The Inciting Incident(s). The Ds (Disappointments) …
The What and Why of Writing: Bookends
If I asked you why you used bookends, what would you say? Envision that long line of books and how those first six books are staying in place … but …
The What and Why of Writing: The Ds
I was discussing another writer’s story idea with her, and I told her it was time to plot out the “Ds” in the story. “Think bad, badder, baddest,” I suggested. “No …
Fanning the Spark of Your Story Idea
Every story – be it a mystery or a YA or woman’s fiction – begins with a spark, an idea that ignites an author’s imagination. Fanning that spark into a …