Lesson #2 – A Creative Journal

So, since I’m on a deadline for my next book in a few weeks, (shameless plug – be watching for it in January, 2017! In the Shadow of Denali by Tracie and me will be releasing from Bethany House Publishers) and my brain is basically fried from research, writing, research, and more writing… this post will be simple. […]

Lesson #3: Introduction to Plot

Plot. Plot. The word that sends tingles of excitement and fear up and down your spine. This month (March, 2016) we’ll be covering the ins and outs of this frightening-and-simultaneously-exciting facet of creative writing. First, we’ll discuss plot as a whole (lesson #3 and lesson #4). Then we’ll get into the nitty-gritty and discuss beginnings […]

Lesson #10: Danger: Road Ends!

“The End.” Those words have been printed, spoken, and seen who-knows-how-many times throughout the ages. Whether it’s a direct statement or a logical fact, your story must end at the end – that is to say, it must come to a close. (Note: your series may continue. But your story must end. What do I […]

Lesson #18: The GMC Chart

(Note: At the end of this post is a downloadable GMC chart.) So this lesson will be relatively short (hopefully) because you will need to try it out on your own – and because Kayla did such a great job with the introduction of the subject. *** But before we go any further – I […]

Lesson #65: Strengthening Characters

In this lesson, we’ll discuss how to strengthen an already-existing character. Check out Lessons #62, #63, and #64 to learn more about strengthening plot, voice, and setting. Questions to Ask Are you editing an old manuscript? Have you transferred a character from one story to another? Are you editing your current manuscript and noticing some […]