From our Friend, Agent John M. Cusick!

 Writers Digest Webinar, happening this Thursday (May 16) at 1pm, EST.

Here’s what John says:

There’s some info below. I can promise a good time, and lots a learnin’.

“FULL CAST: How to Enrich and Expand Every Character in Your Novel from the Leading Man to the Background Extras.” 

1 p.m., EST
Thursday, May 16, 2013

(If that time doesn’t work for you, don’t sweat it. The whole thing will be available to watch and rewatch for a year or so.)

Every novel is driven by character. We fall in love with heroines, cheer for heroes, and loathe our villains. Characters draw us in, and through them we experience our favorite stories. Without a compelling cast, even the most engrossing tale can fall flat. What makes some protagonists iconic, while others go up in smoke? How can we create rich motivations without burdensome back-story, or nuanced supporting characters without stealing focus from our protagonists? How can we populate our novels with an unforgettable ensemble our readers will love? The answer involves giving your characters a great blend of relationships, history and motivations.

And, also, learning a ton of cool stuff by signing up for this webinar.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to create an unforgettable ensemble of empathetic, unforgettable characters
• How to develop compelling motivations to drive your story
• How to craft rich histories to inform your characters’ journeys
• How to intensify relationships, creating intimate, intense connections within your tale
• How to lend nuance and depth by creating “mini-arcs”
• How to employ impressionistic details to bring background characters to life.

And there’s MORE. What? Yes. There is.

Everyone who attends is invited to submit a query letter for their novel. Every query is guaranteed a written critique by yours truly.

So, an amazing class, Q&A, and personalized query critique, all from the comfort of your living room / boudouir / computer dungeon? Yep. I can promise you this will be the greatest thing you’ve ever done that involved the word “webinar.”

So sign up!

Three Thing Thursday AND A Day of Accountability

So sorry! I forget to post yesterday.

Too much stress.

So THURSDAY

1. Post your beginnings from last week’s writing–IF you want to share. I am very excited about what you have done.

2. Post your favorite song to write to.

3. LOTS of prizes–new-and-never-used-before prizes–at the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers conference this summer. So far I am hearing about guest critiques, critiques from the conference, time to talk career with an agent, month-long mentors, free books, and more! Those of you who have already registered, please let your friends know about the conference.

http://www.wifyr.com

 

And FRIDAY

(That’s today!)

How are you all doing with writing? With the important stuff?

Ann Dee’s baby is sweet and beautiful and he LOVES me!

(The most important thing I accomplished this week . . . Getting to see my friend. And her baby. I am so lucky to know Ann Dee Ellis.)

I’m reading parts  two novels for others and making comments. I hope to finish those both today.

I received pages for THE HAVEN that I have to go through. Plan to work on that today. I have to really take my time. That book was a bear.

And here was the biggest thing I did as far as writing–I sent a proposal for a sequel to The Chosen One.

I know. I can’t believe it either. I can already see all my writing friends’ face. Shock.

 

Mostly, though, what I have been worrying over is where we will live.

So hard, this not knowing.

 

So keep the Williams’ Girls in your prayers, if you have time.

Know that we love all of you out there.

And Happiest Writing Weekend!