I murdered a nice old man today.
characterization
Courtney Alert!
Comment on this post an you might win a free copy of “Cowboy Fever!”
Reading for Writers
There’s no better way to learn the craft of writing than by reading good books.
The Toddler Test
Now that I have a basic outline for my new book worked out, it’s time to apply the Toddler Test.
Starting a Novel
Got a novel in your head? Here’s how to get it out.
I or She?
First person point of view puts you right in bed with the characters – not always a good thing.
With friends like these…
… it often seems as though the “best friend” character has more of a personality than the heroine. It’s the spunky sidekick who boots the heroine in the butt and gets her moving. It’s the feisty best friend that speaks her mind and starts all the trouble.
So maybe the book should be about the best friend.
Making the Bad Guy Good
I’ve been struggling with the antagonist in my new book. So has my protagonist, of course, but she seems to be winning. Up until today, I wasn’t doing so well. It’s hard to write a villain without resorting to stereotypes. You set out to create a believable character, and before you know it, you’ve got […]
Real Characters
I don’t know where characters come from. It should be obvious. I make them up, right? But it’s not that simple. If I make them up, why do they spring to life fully formed? Why do I so often feel their actions are out of my control? And why do they seem so dang alive? It’s […]
Not Wonder Woman
If I every had any delusions about superpowers, they took wing when I started writing a novel.
I like this ship! It’s exciting!
The new Star Trek movie taught me a lot about what makes a story work.
Guilty Pleasures
They say admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery–and God knows, I need to recover.
Twilight Tonight
I worry that we’re teaching another generation of young women that love is tragic and painful, and that inappropriate men are the tastiest kind of forbidden fruit.
The 5K Marathon
When I spend eight to twelve hours immersed in the story, I can separate myself from reality and live the life of my characters.
The Tiny Teacup
M. is our scaled-down Wyoming version of the Psychic Friends Network. She may be only one friend, but she’s definitely tuned in to the cosmic network far more effectively than Miss Cleo.