Many writers divide themselves into “plotter” and “pantser” camps. But… there’s more to fiction than plot. If you have a plot and no characters, nothing happens. There’s nobody to move the plot forward. So, today we’re considering “discovery writing” versus planning in developing characters. The joy of discovery There is joy in discovery. The thingsContinue reading “Discovery vs. planning: character backgrounds”
Tag Archives: Characters
Respect…
With all the shutdowns and kerfuffle around the Covid-19 situation, I’ve been watching the publishing and media news with interest. Some of what we’re seeing has been on the way for a while. Some things were a bit of surprise (I didn’t expect Disney execs to cut their own pay until there were no otherContinue reading “Respect…”
NANO’s here…
Well, dear reader… NANOWRIMO starts next Friday. As usual, I’m putting aside other projects to push my way through a new manuscript. So… I’ll be giving the blogs a rest until December. I’ve got the manager stuff handled. I’ve made sure the other characters and stories on my plate are safely locked away until IContinue reading “NANO’s here…”
“Pure science” the biggest lie in science fiction
On the one hand, there’s an upswing in reported health issues associated with vaping, and news reporters feigning shock. On the other hand, my wife asked me to read and discuss a book: Science Fiction Prototyping: Designing the Future with Science Fiction by David Johnson. Somewhere between the two I hit upon a realization: “pureContinue reading ““Pure science” the biggest lie in science fiction”
Things are not all right… And, that’s alright!
As I write, as I tell the story of characters dear to me, it is sometimes hard to put those characters in difficult situations. It’s hard to see our character’s struggle and make hard choices. But, we have to do it. The story won’t good, it won’t be compelling, if we don’t. A writer whoContinue reading “Things are not all right… And, that’s alright!”
Characters and space
Nope, we’re not actually going sci fi this week dear reader (maybe soon, but not this week). Actually, what I’m writing about has to do with your characters and the length of your story… Between November’s NANOWRIMO adventure and now (where I’m engaging in editing and finishing Jamie’s Sacrifice) I’ve been thinking about the differencesContinue reading “Characters and space”
Forever Mountain Publishing 