I spent the last week working on revising just the first 25 pages of my novel. I’ve been focusing on the “heart” of the story and I’m happy to report that I think I’ve found a pulse. Let me give you an example. I have a scene where a young version … [Continue reading] about I Found A Pulse
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The Heart
I had my first thesis meeting of the semester today. My advisor, having read the first 80 pages of my rewrite, was scratching her head, trying to figure out why my story doesn’t seem to have a heart. She seemed genuinely stumped. The structure is … [Continue reading] about The Heart
The San Francisco Writers Conference
If I learned one thing this week at the SFWC, it’s that there are a million things a writer can do besides write. In two and a half days I sat in on eleven seminars and three key note speeches, and every one at least touched on how to utilize … [Continue reading] about The San Francisco Writers Conference
Forty Years
I’m thinking about making a (semi) major story adjustment. I’m considering moving the whole tale about forty years into the past. Here’s my thinking: All stories basically come down to some really simple idea (as George Lucas said of Indiana Jones … [Continue reading] about Forty Years
Why Ostriches?
When I tell people that my novel is set on an ostrich farm in the southern California desert, the question inevitably comes up: “why ostriches?” but watch these two videos: RACING and FARMING and you’ll have to agree, ostriches are both powerful and … [Continue reading] about Why Ostriches?
The Winner Is
Thank you all so much for your input. Many good arguments were made, as were many interesting suggestions for that matter, and I’ve made my decision. My main character’s name will be Talulah Jones. Thank you Summer for the suggestion. I think MMC’s … [Continue reading] about The Winner Is
Tal(l)ula(h) Jones
Okay faithful readers, I need your help. A very important question has been plaguing my brain. As you’ve no doubt gathered by now, my main character’s name is Talula. Talula Jones. She is the daughter of a teenage runaway named Sharon Jones. Sharon … [Continue reading] about Tal(l)ula(h) Jones