#EverythingisConnected

I'm a huge fan of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency on BBCAmerica.
One of my favorite things is how everything really is connected in the plotlines.

It reminds me of how i have to make all my characters fit together in scenes. Transitions are the key, because if we don't spend enough time linking our separate POVs, there are too many stories for readers to remember. They won't know how the characters fit in.

My super crit partner, Emily said it like this. "I want to stay on one person's story for more than a moment."

I agree. Now on to revisions for longer-moment scenes.

#EVERYTHINGISCONNECTED

Creating Frenemies

Friends, family, allies can all cause conflict because of opposing goals.
As writers, we can mine this conflict in our stories.

Why do we constantly look for sources of conflict?  To cause trouble for our main characters.

Do family members, true friends and coworkers want good things for us? Well, They don't want to stab us in the back. BUT, sometimes good intentions cause problems.

Brothers and sisters can have OPPOSING GOALS than our characters. Friends can create fireworks when they block our MC from getting what he/she wants.

What if they want the same thing? SHARED GOALS can cause conflict, too. Working together towards a shared goal can cause competition in how to accomplish them.

ENVY makes allies into frenemies. This creates TENSION, which is key to any scene.

What about inserting WEAK MOMENTS into the scenes? Everyone has them, so writers can use the emotion behind these times to ensure tension. For example, how many of us have cancelled plans with friends when a better opportunity comes along? These poor decisions can create huge complications down the road.

So, using friends and family for conflict can really add to our plots.

Goodreads Choice Awards

Cast your vote today in the Goodreads Choice Awards

https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2016?cc=7303a456

for the best books of 2016 in

Historical, YA and Fantasy are hot topics.

Reading Now–Historical

Here's a good recommendation for a unique HIstorical:

Gail Carriger has written a snarky treat for those of us interested in history with a twist.

Check out her website for all the details.
http://gailcarriger.com/series/the-parasol-protectorate/

Stress, Yeah

Speaking of tension, try going through two months of continuous worry over one of your kids. I don't recommend it as a writing challenge. Mine resulted in shingles.

On the plus side, I have some new emotional experiences to draw upon.

Rewriting for Tension

As writers, our first paragraphs hook the reader. Or not.
Your readers want TENSION starting on page one, so rethink your first paragraphs and theme.

We don't have time to waffle, so we must get to the central tension. It will show in our Elevator Pitches, Query and Synopsis.

Is there a threat to your MC? Does she face a gigantic obstacle right away?

The central tension should include Emotional Stakes. Add all the IMs you can think of, then trim them to fit your plot. Your readers need to feel what your MC feels and be right there with them emotionally. Maybe a rival shows up, or she loses a lot of money dedicated to saving her brother. Whatever you chose, be sure the tension is there.

Escalate the Tension:  Pile on more obstacles to keep your MC from his/her goals.

Show, Don't Tell: keep it moving and show Bertie flirting with Chantal.

No Info Dump or Backstory: withhold a few facts until the last moment. Hold the backstory or dole it out in little pieces.

The clock is ticking...

Emotional setbacks

As writers, we are affected by life's curve balls. I've been dealing with one all month. But, there's good news if we have the right attitude. Here are some ways to move on that might help writers and guidelines for writing true-to-life characters.

Read the full article at  Megamood:

http://megamood.com/8-ways-move-major-setback/

1. Accept That This Blow Is Real And Not Going Anywhere

One of the first phases of dealing with a setback is denial. However, the first step towards overcoming your shock is accepting the fact that it has begun.
It may help to remember that everyone has these moments in their lives. Understanding the fact that this setback is unavoidable and inevitable for everyone can help you rest a little easier. At one point in time, everyone will have a jolt of his or her own. Now is just the time for yours.
Change is a part of our world. Accept the fact that this change is inevitable. In fact, you should accept that change is a good thing.

2. Do Not Blame Anyone Or Anything

It is easy to blame others. Perhaps you feel as though you are sick because you have worked too much, or your family has not done enough for you. Perhaps you blame yourself for various reasons.
Understand that no one is to blame for this setback. Everyone experiences them, and it is possible to overcome them as long as you are not filled with anger. Pointing the finger and placing blame on others only deters your energy from focusing on what will help you. Inner peace and positivity help overcome a trauma, not anger and hatred.

3. Give Your Spiritual Side A Try

Spirituality helps to relieve stress and providing support when you need it the most. Sometimes, we feel as though we are not strong enough to get through these trials and tribulations.
Regardless of your choice in faith, spirituality provides you with many different positive things. First and foremost, faith gives you a light at the end of the tunnel. The concept of knowing and acknowledging that someone or something has a plan for you will help keep you grounded with your head up.
In addition, faith provides us with the reminder that we are one of millions on this earth and for a short time. We all have a purpose, and it is your intended purpose to overcome this setback.

4. Do Not Expect It To Be Quick

Wounds and broken bones require time to heal. And, our setbacks are no different. We need the proper amount of time to overcome whatever is holding us back.
Our advice is to focus on the positive and happy things going on around you. Think about your family and the delightful memories you have. Remind yourself that this disturbance will eventually end. And, when it does you will be exactly where you want to be in your life.

5. Broaden Your Horizons

Disappointments are the perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself.
Recognize that blows are not causing you to be a martyr. Rather, they are simply a bump in the road and they will be overcome with the right attitude. Be open to a new mindset. And, do not be afraid to change or reinvent the wheel so to speak.

6. Be Sure To Reflect

It is important, for a few different reasons, to reflect inwardly wherever possible. First and foremost, it is helpful to reflect as it will help you understand that this is not the end of the world.
Perhaps there are some things that you could have done differently. Such as manage your time more wisely, take matters into your own hands, or always double check your work. Regardless of the knockback, we guarantee that there is at least one lesson to be learned in there somewhere.

7. Talk it Out

Finding a confidant or person with whom you can express all of your emotions is very important for your mental and emotional health. Arguably, one person’s setbacks may not be relatable to another.
But, there are definitely people within your life who would love to help you through your setback. They may not understand the direness of the situation from your perspective, but they can help you in a multitude of different ways.

8. Educate Others

What good would your jolt be if you did not help others avoid the same situation? Use your setback as a way to help others. You can write about your experiences in a book, which can be sold or simply given out for free at certain functions.

Opposing Goals

Friends, family, allies can all cause conflict because of opposing goals.
As writers, we can mine this conflict in our stories.

Why do we constantly look for sources of conflict?  To cause trouble for our main characters.

Why do family members, true friends and coworkers want good things for us. They don't want to stab us in the back. BUT, sometimes good intentions cause problems.

Brothers and sisters can have OPPOSING GOALS than our characters. Friends can create fireworks when they block our MC from getting what he/she wants.

What if they want the same thing? SHARED GOALS can cause conflict, too. Working together towards a shared goal can cause competition in how to accomplish them.

ENVY makes allies into frenemies.

What about inserting WEAK MOMENTS into the scenes? Everyone has them, so writers can use the emotion behind these times to ensure tension. For example, how many of us have cancelled plans with friends when a better opportunity comes along? These poor decisions can create huge complications down the road.

So, using friends and family for conflict can really add to our plots.

Editing and Proofreading

As a copy editor, I rarely worry about the grammar, punctuation or typos in my work. I revise as I write. Also, in revising, I get at least three passes to correct mistakes that my Continuing Critiques partners point out.

But, writers are often too close to their work to see the mistakes. We become blind to things because we are so close and remember what the brain does, not what our hands type.
It always pays to get an extra set of eyes going over your work. Hire a proofreader or editor in two separate passes–--your work will always improve.

For the non-editors, here are a few tips before sending your MS to a professional:

• READ YOUR WIP ALOUD. Listening will make misspellings stand out. Use an text/speech converter on your e-reader or phone app. Great for nonsensical sentence structure 

• Print out or send your MS to your phone or e-reader. The different format will surprise you

•  BETA READERS are your friends. Pick readers with different interests and skills that have nothing to do with writing. They'll be more likely to spot errors or things that confuse. Critique groups are even better, since many different perspectives give you insight

• Do a search for filter words and phrases. "I wonder", "I feel", "I see". Just show her/him looking, noticing, feeling. Example: "I looked around and noticed" would have more impact as "Wait, things are different." (then list the differences)

•  Get rid of Show, don't Tell Red Flag Words --Be sure you're not explaining motivation, feelings or actions with "To", "When","As", "Could see". Example: As Beano pulled back the curtain, he could see that she was in trouble) 

Of course, conceptual editors are going to catch 99% of your plot issues, but that's another story.