Forum: Pass the Shovel, It's Getting Deep (Writing a book/story from start to finish)

A big thank you to Angelica Hart and Zi for a wonderful workshop. And thank you everyone for attending this workshop. If you have any questions or comment, feel free to email or PM me. Thank again!

Hi, Just received Lesson One. I wanted to ask which MS we write about. Must I choose a new one that I am just starting or do I choose my WIP that has the first draft completed? Thanks:)

Close the Tank! (Finishing) Once you have typed the end, your book is completed. It should have a beginning, a middle and an ending. Now, you could put it on a shelf and never reveal it to the world, however, part of the joy of storytelling is to share. A: Like when I share my donuts. Z: You never share your donuts! A: Oh, that's right, it's the peanut butter cookies I share. Z: That's cause you're allergic to peanut butter. A: Your point? Z: (Sighs) It's time to bring this to a...

What Can I Say? I'm Evil (Show Don't Tell) Our lessons are almost over, but your work is just beginning. If you have been following all we have shared, you're head must be spinning, and we're about to add a bit more velocity to the mix. One of the first rules of writing is to show don't tell. Readers need to see the story, explore feelings, smell the autumn breeze, taste the ice cream and experience the hug. The imaginary world should be real and intriguing. As we have noted before,...

Shucks, Folks, I'm Speechless...(Dialogue) Writing dialogue is the most powerful way to convey a story, and will often make the story unforgettable. A: Hopefully, because the dialogue is seamless, purposeful, insightful and pertinent rather than so awful it puts one to sleep. Z: I remember some of my earlier work. It could cure an insomniac. A: My earlier stuff used to put me to sleep. Z: Ah, but now.... A: (Kisses the tips of her fingers and blows) Magnifique! Z: Modest, aren't...

What Accent Was That? (Characterization) It's fun to create characters. They can be anything you want them to be from an animal to an alien to an adult or a child. However, most stories need a protagonist(s), antagonist(s) and secondary characters. Z: Angelica likes doing the villains. (Sighs) Whereas I just cannot bring myself to slip into the consciousness of such evil. (Feigns looking superior) A: Excuse moi, I wasn't the one that described detail by gruesome detail death by ricen...

First, Distract Target (Plot) The plot of a story or novel is the framework, a rational series of event, the why and how come of those events, which draw the reader into the characters' lives, and helps the reader understand the motivation and choices the character makes. If the story submits, The dog croaked. That is not a plot. The dog croaked because Jim poisoned him. Is a plot. This presents questions that need answers and is the beginning of structuring your plotline. Other elements...

Lesson One: It All Started the Day That I Died (Building a story) For some fictional writing began early in life. They started with a crayon and mom's white linen tablecloth, where a bright and bold story emerged, followed by parental ooohs and ahhs, and then a very long time out. Z: You were such a rascal. A: Well, at least I didn't use permanent marker on the countertop like some people I know. Z: How did you... A: (Grins mischievously) I know people...people know...