Have we done that yet? As I've said before, I'm a multi-plot gal. I've got Ike trying to make amends with Justice. So, yes. Justice has to deal with Ike. But Justice had his own life plans before Ike shows up. Let's give him … [Read more...]

What day is it? Or...why you need a calendar. Today's template is a calendar. A blank calendar. How time flies Have you plotted out how much time your book is going to cover? It's an interesting thing to do. When I'm reading, I get lost in the story and … [Read more...]

Drop and give me 9...Key scenes, that is. I'm so excited for you to start outlining! You get to gather everything you know about your main characters and jot down a summary of 9 key scenes for each. Why 9, you ask? … [Read more...]

Get it right, or don't do it. Using jargon in your novel. I'm a retired educator. So the jargon in the following sentence makes perfect sense to me: • Your pod will discuss the IEP after PLC unless you have a 504 scheduled with PT and OT or the LPC, OK? Please DON'T: If you … [Read more...]

Hair-raising Locales... Let's get emotional Different strokes for different folks. What makes you emotional? One way to add an additional layer of conflict in your story is to explore how your characters feel about the different locations you've chosen. If you give your … [Read more...]