Extras

Assorted blog posts covering early concepts, nonfiction articles, and more

Latest Book that Captivated?

by Cindy Rae

What is the latest book I’ve read that was sheer enjoyment?

After a long drought filled with disappointing books from Hoopla, Overdrive, Amazon Prime loans, and even my local library, I checked out from my local library the following:

  • The Cinder Spires: The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher

    The first book in a new fantasy series was a surprisingly good read.  Surprising in that I’ve avoided his other works due to strong dislike of the supernatural mash and scent of the occult.  This new world has no faeries, no zombies, no incubi, and — even better — has elements of steampunk in it.  The print version was available at my local library.

December Status

by Cindy Rae

I have my first critique partner!  So exciting!

My novel and children’s series continue on hold.  I’m working on a revision of my science fiction short story, incorporating feedback from online and from my critique partner.

It’s been interesting learning how to add more emotion beats to my write and learning that sometimes the subtlety I shoot for — well, sometimes it’s just too subtle for the reader.

Dialogue Does More Than You Know

by Cindy Rae

Here’s a few tidbits to consider.  Dialogue can

  • Be a vehicle for character
  • Help draw relationships
  • Reveal tensions
  • Create atmosphere
  • Help the reader read between the lines
  • Illustrate underlying emotions
  • Drive the plot forward

I will be pondering the above as I review dialogue in my own writing.

From Writing a Scene with Good Dialogue and Narration by Helga Schier, PhD over on Writer’s Digest.

 

Writing Status for November

by Cindy Rae

Writing Skill Development Takes Precedence

I’m not pushing to complete any of my works in progress at this point.  Instead, I’ve switched gears to improving my writing skills.  This involves incorporating feedback (thank you, Absolute Write Forums!) back into my stories and improving the way emotions are conveyed in my stories.  I’m using not only my works in progress but also snippets from my writing journal.   Stay posted for more before and after examples!

Being a Plotter

Entire arguments exist on the web about writing a book by the seat of your pants (pantsters) and writing by planning the structure in advance (plotter).  What I’ve found is that capturing my dreams and ideas is great as a pantster, but to write well I need to be a plotter.

So, my major ideas are now organized into a MS Word table identifying concept, premise, and M.I.C.E. quotient.  A few of these I’ve developed with a synopsis as well as major setup, conflict, climax, and resolution.  One or two now have heavily developed character charts.

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