Same Ol’, Same Ol’

#47

In thirty minutes write everything that could happen in your novel.

Stretch into outer space.

Bend toward the center of the earth.

Less than 30 % of what you write today can be a repeat of this exercise.

So,

have fun!

 

Making True Change–For Good

Change, though I mostly hate it, is good.

Especially if we change who we are into someone better. You just quit smoking? Excellent change! You’ve read a self-help book and now love who you are, even a little bit more than yesterday? Keep going, you’re on the right track! You’re picking up your wet towels so the roaches can’t rest under them? Woot woot! BIG change!

Change is good in our books, too.

I once read a novel that was supposed to be The Next Big Thing. The main character wanted something, and she went out and got it.

The problem was what she wanted. It wasn’t something we shoot for if we want to be happy people. And that’s okay. All characters don’t have to be like me. But this girl, she never really changed going after her weird goal or when she got what she wanted. She was static. Stagnate. Boring.

BORING!

The book flopped because there was no character growth. No moral struggle. No putting herself at risk and overcoming because of her choices.

#46

How does your character change?

Why?

Is this significant? Is it enough?

Did you character get there in a way where she was stretching and growing and becoming new somehow?

Was she at odds with herself, morally, to make these changes?

 

 

One Pound of Gold Hidden Where?

If you were going to hide gold, where would you put it?

I have to admit, I love gold.

A lot.

And our writing, when done well, is as shiny as gold.

That’s my goal: to write as well as possible.

#45

Your writing prompt today is reading.

Read this great article, and maybe even buy the book.

http://www.openculture.com/2015/05/10-writing-tips-from-legendary-writing-teacher-william-zinsser.html

I love William Zinsser. I’ve never read this book, but I know I would love what he says here, as I believe these ten hints are genius.

PS Check out the links below the article for more things to read before you write today.

Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers, 2017, and a Chance to Win a Googillion Dollars!

Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers is just around the corner. I can’t believe it. And we already have dates, and faculty, for next year. What? I know!

So

What would YOU do with a googillion dollars?

I would get allergy medicine that didn’t cause Alzheimer’s or dementia and the pills would really work.

#44

What is your main character’s secret desire? How does this work with the story and the major dramatic question?

Look closer. What is the real secret desire? Does everything in the novel point to this want? Will your character be better or worse if he achieves his goal?

How will you change after writing this book?