Month: January 2024

Narratives -Should I or Shouldn’t I?

Writing your first novel-Some things you should know, Leave a comment

Narrative. Should I or shouldn’t I? We all know the unspoken rule of writing. And for those who need a reminder, it’s show don’t tell. With this being said, there are legitimate reasons for using narrative and there are legitimate reasons for not using narrative.

Dos and Don’ts

  • Do – use Narrative to speed through scenes that aren’t important but relevant to the storyline.
  • Do – use Narrative to slow the pace after an intense scene to allow your reader to catch their breath.
  • Do – use Narrative to show the passing of time.
  • Don’t – Narrative can sound like lecture if not done properly. Someone interrupted the story to give a speech.
  • Don’t – Narrative summary can make it unclear whose POV you’re working in.
  • Don’t – Narrative runs the risk of robbing scenes of their power. It summarizes everything and important scenes aren’t allowed to play out.

So, there it is. There is much more to Narrative that I’m not getting into today, but hopefully this short blog gives you something to think about. Narrative is an important tool in writing when used correctly, but if used incorrectly, it will pull your reader out of the story and their suspension of disbelief. Use it sparingly.

-Jan R

                                       

Narratives -Should I or Shouldn’t I?

Character Development

Writing your first novel-Some things you should know, , Leave a comment

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when creating characters, whether they are your protagonists or antagonists.

Sure, you are the author, and you can use your imagination to make your characters be or act anyway you like, but there are some guidelines you should follow when writing.

-Make sure they behave the way they are supposed to. Don’t force them to fit a narrative.

-Your characters have to be in some type of conflict. Happily ever after doesn’t fly until the very end.

-Your characters must grow like real people who are faced with adversity in life. We learn and grow. This should be reflected as the novel moves forward.

-Even the most passive protagonist must in the end choose to do something. Hopefully your protagonist isn’t passive at all. Give them character. Make them strong, caring, and likeable. They are the hero after all.

-Have your character do what’s true to them. Sweet Mary Sue is not going to go out and rob a bank. Mean ornery Billy Bob is not going to smile and ask how you are doing.

-It also would be nice if the characters were capable of surprising you occasionally.

Some things to think about 🙂

-Jan R

Character Development

Have You Set Your Goals for The New Year?

Writing your first novel-Some things you should knowLeave a comment

I’ve been writing this blog for over Eight years. It’s been my goal to do two posts a week. While I’ve been mostly faithful in my commitment, I must confess the past year or so has been really hard for me.

I’ve had a lot more outside commitments that are occupying my time, but it feels like it’s more than that. Have you ever wanted to just stop doing everything and reset? Take a break from life and catch your breath? How did you motivate yourself to work through the lulls?

I have read a lot of information on the internet and in books on motivation and how to jump start your battery when it dies (my analogy). Maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but you get where I’m going.

I’ve also wondered if getting a full proposal request has taken some of the steam out of my boat, and I need to take a break and prepare for the next stage of the game.

It hasn’t been easy. It’s required a lot of time and dedication on my part. I wasn’t an English major and literally had to learn how to write a publishable novel.

Every step I’ve taken so far seems to be the hardest step. I’m currently in the waiting game again. Queries for my second novel have been sent out along with one requested full proposal. The ultimate goal is to get this work published. I’ve met a major milestone, with the full proposal request, but I can’t lose sight of my final destination.

The one thing that has motivated me and kept me moving forward, is setting goals for myself. I may be dragging my feet right now, but I know where I’m heading. With my eyes set on the finish line, I will get there.

Do you have goals set for your life or are you just wandering aimlessly hoping that things work out? You will never get to where you want to be without a plan in place to get you there.  Set those goals! Work that plan! It could mean the difference between failure and success.

-Jan R

Have You Set Your Goals for The New Year?