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...]

In the News... Using a Historical Event Keeping it real Historical events can make for some exciting conflict. And the history of today will work in the published novel of tomorrow. Think hard about your location choice. What is in its local history? Or maybe you need your … [Read more...]

On the GPS for your locations If you've created your own locations, they will need names. And if you're using a real location, you may need some specifics, too. Today we decide … [Read more...]