Tag Archives: Writing Exercises

Feb 26 2012

The Structure of Story

English: a sample of altered book art

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Getting ready to put a project on paper can be as easy as 1-2-3. Yeah, right! It’s not so easy putting your project to paper. Most of us don’t outline or write down the ideas we have about our stories beginning, middle and end. Some of us feel it will mess with the creativity of our story. I thought that at first. I’ve been stuck on a project more times than I can count only because I didn’t jot down the important parts of the story arc. So now, to remedy that I work on an outline. I get to know my characters and their personalities.

I visited K.M. Weiland’s site and she has some interesting words she has shared in regards to story and structure. I always love to visit her site. She has such great insight on the craft of writing. Her words always guide me and help me to better understand the process of writing.

The Secrets of Story Structure, Pt. 1: Why Should Authors Care?

What’s the single most overlooked, misunderstood—and yet most important—part of storytelling? If you cheated and looked at the title, you already know the answer is structure. Most uninitiated writers have two different reactions to the idea of story structure. Either they think it’s great, but too mystical and lofty to be understood by common mortals, or they think it’s formulaic hooey that will sap the art right out of their books.

I started out somewhere in the “huh?” camp that didn’t even realize there was such a thing as structure. From there, I progressed to reading complicated outlines that left me shaking my head. If that was structure than my story was practically written for me before I even came up with a decent idea. Thanks, but no thanks.

What I didn’t know—what most writers don’t know—is that even as I subjected the idea of story structure to ignorance and ridicule, I was actually structuring my stories without even realizing it. In the years since, I’ve been introduced to many theories of structure, all of which bear out the inevitable components found in all good stories, whether their authors deliberately structured them or were just lucky enough to wing it on their own good instincts.  Read more here.

 

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Oct 16 2011

Writing For Middle Grade: Where’s Your Voice?

Choir Practice

Image by Regina Folk Festival via Flickr

Writing for the middle grade genre does not feel like it should be a difficult task. As a matter of fact, I am having a lot of fun doing it. It’s my first project and I just want to write the story. Now that I am almost done with the first draft, I’m wondering if I am using the write voice and words for my characters.

I found some information that helped me clear any questions I might have about voice. Kids are very intellectual these days and we as writers need to be sure not to dumb down our manuscripts. Here are some helpful tips I found at YA Highway. Kristin Halbrook has written an excellent article on The Middle Grade Voice.

It’s important as a writer to capture the essence of each character, one way of doing that is to hang out with kids in the age group you want to write for. I have done that am hope that my manuscript will connect with my middle grade audience.

What has been your experience writing for the middle grade audience?

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May 7 2011

Are You Free Writing?

Writing

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Often times if a writer get stuck and can’t put words on a blank page one resolution is to start free writing. Lots of writers find that free writing works and I am one of them. I have been sparked by the free writing bug many times and I’ve found that I write some of the best stuff when under pressure.

To get started you need a timer, a computer or pen and paper. Set your timer for 15 minutes. Begin writing about anything that comes to mind. Don’t correct spelling, don’t go back and rewrite. This has to be a raw writing session. It can be on any topic but if possible try to focus on your manuscript. Especially if it’s the reason your are stuck to begin with.

The hope is that when you’re done your brain is free and clear and you’re ready to get back to some real writing. So, are your free writing? I’d love to hear if it works for you.

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Apr 17 2011

Research Is A Part Of Writing!

Original caption from the USDA: "ARS rese...

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Research is a necessary evil. If you don’t like it then chances are your book will be drab. Just don’t go there. Research the area, scenery, and accumulate interesting facts about your characters. It’s true we all should be doing some research before, during and after our writing projects.

I came across a blog today that was really informative about this very subject. Check it out for yourself.  Mary Carroll Moore has some great insight http://howtoplanwriteanddevelopabook.blogspot.com/2011/04/researching-your-book-how-to-do-it-when.html

Happy Writing & Researching!

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Mar 28 2011

Writer’s Block – Stuck On One Character

Two in the fog

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Writing can be so exciting when your fingers and brain cooperate. When you are feeling the momentum kicking in and suddenly your realize you are in writing bliss. Whether you are writing from an outline or from the hip completing a specified word count is great. Okay, so you’re typing away and this character starts nagging you. Before you know it you’re stuck. You can’t believe it. The character was perfect in your head, you had the scene down. Now, nothing is working and your character has fizzled. Writer’s block has set in.

Don’t let this become a dilemma or even the demise of your project. Step back for a moment and determine if you really need this character. Review your manuscript and read it as if the character were not there at all. Another option would be to start writing without the character. Just try it for one or two pages. If all else fails put the project on a back burner and work on something else until the fog clears. These are just a few examples of curing writer’s block. Happy writing!

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