by Zoe M. McCarthy | Mar 31, 2016 | Writing
“First attempts are usually not the best. There’s a reason the “test” pancake is usually a throwaway, and upgraded cellphone models are rolled out roughly every four days.” —Leigh Anne Jasheway “Improv/e Your Writing” Writer’s Digest November/December 2013I wanted to...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Mar 24, 2016 | Writing
“Scenes are capsules in which compelling characters undertake significant actions in a vivid and memorable way that allows the events to feel as though they are happening in real time.”—Jordan E. Rosenfeld (Make a Scene) Scene ChecklistPurpose [ ] Has 3 reasons the...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Mar 17, 2016 | Writing
Today my guest is Jennifer Slattery. She gives powerful suggestions to help us strengthen our stories. Be sure to learn more about her novel, Breaking Free, at the end of her post. Jennifer:When stories fall flat, more often than not, one can trace...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Mar 10, 2016 | Writing
“The role of mentor is a powerful one, and can help you steer your protagonist in new directions without having to lay much ground work.” —Elizabeth Sims (Writer’s Digest May/June 2015) A mentor is a special secondary character whose basic purposes are the same as...
by Zoe M. McCarthy | Mar 3, 2016 | Writing
“Every novel needs a narrative engine, a reason for people to keep reading to the end, whatever the subject, style, genre or approach.” —Lee Child Something was missing from my romance. Through prayer and research, I realized I hadn’t created enough suspense in my...
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