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How many named characters are too many?
My novel is a contemporary YA. My writing buddy is losing track of who's who. And she's wisely suggesting that perhaps my list of named characters needs to be purged. She points out that if you name a character, the reader feels obligated to remember who they are. She's right. The bad part is, she's suggesting I cut a character I particularly like ( Read more... ) -
The scenes you hate to write
Everybody has them. Mine is shopping. In a previous novel, my character and her friend were shopping for prom dresses. Saying things like, "OMG, that's hideous!" or "It makes you look like a huge blob of cotton candy!" Lots of giddy, hysterical laughter. Phone pics. Threats of posting pics on line. And of course, finding the perfect dress.
BORING. ( Read more... ) -
In the writing groove
I'm posting again! Yay for summertime. I'm writing, writing, writing. I felt so frustrated that I wasn't finished with my WIP until I looked back at what I've been able to accomplish since January. That's when I began writing the second draft, focusing on changing it from a MG to a YA. Then in March I decided to change it to present tense. So here ( Read more... ) -
Inspirational Monday, 4 days late.
I did it again. Dropped off the blog-o-sphere. But, aside from fighting for my kids in honors classes that aren't really honors classes, with teachers that seem to pull their grades out of the air...things have been sorta, kinda okay ( Read more... ) -
Always learning...
I’m back home after a trip to the pharmacy. Waiting for the muscles relaxers to uncoil my lower back. The spasms, a product of FCAT testing and too many hours sitting, sitting, sitting. So now, I’m laying. Knees up. Trying to type ( Read more... ) -
Critique group video conferencing
I'm in a wonderful critique group but unfortunately, we live a pretty good distance apart. Over an hours drive each way. Mix that with a family life that includes busy teens and the day job, it can often get pretty difficult for us to schedule a date to meet. So, our techno-nerd, Paul, has convinced us to try video conferencing so we can meet ( Read more... ) -
Monday inspiration
We start FCAT testing tomorrow. So I wanted something special for today's video. This student is incredible.
On the writing front, I'm making great progress. But now I'm wondering if I'm telling this story in the right tense. How do you decide if a book needs to be in present tense? -
Monday's inspiration
I showed my students two videos today, both about the Ironman race. I don't know that I could have gotten back up. An athlete, I am not. But can I get back up after a bad writing day? After several rejections? A difficult critique? You betcha! And that's why I'm convinced that I will eventually win my personal race.
Enjoy.
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Who says teens don't work?
Wouldn't this be the coolest summer Olympic sport? I can think of several teens who would agree. This is today's inspirational video. This teen is amazing!
On the writing front, I decided it would be best to stop pushing forward. I'm skipping ahead instead to the scenes that want to be written. I'll go back and fill in the connections later. -
Life is like a cup of coffee
On the writing front, I'm making progress and the changes are exciting. The challenge is, as always, finding time to write. Son turned 16 Saturday, and then, of course, the superbowl. :)
For your Monday inspiration:
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