tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45922680029120778192024-03-21T01:49:45.237-05:00She Made it all UpParanormal Historical / YA writer Sandra Steele RiceSanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.comBlogger251125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-3959336769595241832016-12-13T15:57:00.001-06:002016-12-13T15:57:31.193-06:00#EverythingisConnectedI'm a huge fan of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency on BBCAmerica.<br />
One of my favorite things is how everything really is connected in the plotlines.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />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. <br />
<br />
My super crit partner, Emily said it like this. "I want to stay on one person's story for more than a moment."<br />
<br />
I agree. Now on to revisions for longer-moment scenes.<br />
<br />
#EVERYTHINGISCONNECTED<br />
<br />
<br />SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-68648696845558985502016-11-29T14:51:00.003-06:002016-11-29T14:51:42.725-06:00Creating FrenemiesFriends, family, allies can all cause conflict because of opposing goals.<br />
As writers, we can mine this conflict in our stories.<br />
<br />
Why do we constantly look for sources of conflict? To cause trouble for our main characters.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>ENVY makes allies into frenemies. This creates TENSION, which is key to any scene.</b><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
So, using friends and family for conflict can really add to our plots. SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-1393130647242980322016-11-18T10:04:00.003-06:002016-11-18T10:04:42.019-06:00Goodreads Choice AwardsCast your vote today in the Goodreads Choice Awards <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2016?cc=7303a456">https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2016?cc=7303a456</a><br />
<br />
for the best books of 2016 in<br />
<br />
Historical, YA and Fantasy are hot topics. <br />
<br />
<br />SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-22769074127156383052016-08-10T16:57:00.002-05:002016-08-10T16:57:23.143-05:00Reading Now–HistoricalHere's a good recommendation for a unique HIstorical:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRf7_Om_cjRD-UMQ5FXqnvC7dSp7PxowQh51Pn6AXnfFkVU-eHJHXoeQ-vDQQIuMu4Z2eg1vzXHRAvSVyHSrYDu4849Q_58kcYrZctpCyzukU8Pd9GgEV4mtzX8is4tcU3HsnQO2d7fv2/s1600/1Soulless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRf7_Om_cjRD-UMQ5FXqnvC7dSp7PxowQh51Pn6AXnfFkVU-eHJHXoeQ-vDQQIuMu4Z2eg1vzXHRAvSVyHSrYDu4849Q_58kcYrZctpCyzukU8Pd9GgEV4mtzX8is4tcU3HsnQO2d7fv2/s320/1Soulless.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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Gail Carriger has written a snarky treat for those of us interested in history with a twist.<br />
<br />Check out her website for all the details.<br />
<a href="http://gailcarriger.com/series/the-parasol-protectorate/">http://gailcarriger.com/series/the-parasol-protectorate/</a>SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-34142207916621937842016-07-11T19:25:00.002-05:002016-07-11T19:25:42.810-05:00Stress, YeahSpeaking 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.<br />
<br />
On the plus side, I have some new emotional experiences to draw upon.<br />
<br />
<br />SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-25637119616774406772016-06-16T12:35:00.001-05:002016-06-16T12:35:53.564-05:00Rewriting for TensionAs writers, our first paragraphs hook the reader. Or not.<br />
Your readers want TENSION starting on page one, so rethink your first paragraphs and theme.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
Is there a threat to your MC? Does she face a gigantic obstacle right away?<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Escalate the Tension: Pile on more obstacles to keep your MC from his/her goals.<br />
<br />
Show, Don't Tell: keep it moving and show Bertie flirting with Chantal.<br />
<br />
No Info Dump or Backstory: withhold a few facts until the last moment. Hold the backstory or dole it out in little pieces.<br />
<br />
The clock is ticking...SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-32473774117778441502016-05-27T09:49:00.003-05:002016-05-27T09:49:26.540-05:00Emotional setbacksAs 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.<br />
<br />
Read the full article at Megamood:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://megamood.com/8-ways-move-major-setback/">http://megamood.com/8-ways-move-major-setback/</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
1. Accept That This Blow Is Real And Not Going Anywhere</h2>
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
<h2>
2. Do Not Blame Anyone Or Anything</h2>
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.<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<h2>
3. Give Your Spiritual Side A Try</h2>
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.<br />
Regardless of your choice in faith, spirituality provides you with many different <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Positive" target="_blank">positive things</a>.
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.<br />
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.<br />
<br /><h2>
4. Do Not Expect It To Be Quick</h2>
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. <br />
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.<br />
<h2>
5. Broaden Your Horizons</h2>
Disappointments
are the perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself. <br />
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.<br />
<br />
<h2>
6. Be Sure To Reflect</h2>
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.<br />
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.<br />
<h2>
7. Talk it Out</h2>
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.<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<h2>
8. Educate Others</h2>
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.<br />
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SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-41310349411112517212016-04-19T10:43:00.000-05:002016-04-19T10:43:26.442-05:00Opposing GoalsFriends, family, allies can all cause conflict because of opposing goals.<br />
As writers, we can mine this conflict in our stories.<br />
<br />
Why do we constantly look for sources of conflict? To cause trouble for our main characters.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
ENVY makes allies into frenemies.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
So, using friends and family for conflict can really add to our plots. SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-34074311775138190682016-03-25T11:25:00.004-05:002016-03-25T11:26:42.930-05:00Editing and ProofreadingAs 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
<br />
For the non-editors, here are a few tips before sending your MS to a professional:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>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 </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Print out or send your MS to your phone or e-reader. The different format will surprise you</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> 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</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>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)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> 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: <b>As</b> Beano pulled back the curtain, he <b>could see</b> that she was in trouble) </li>
</ul>
Of course, conceptual editors are going to catch 99% of your plot issues, but that's another story. SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-35676374326814484662016-03-17T09:30:00.001-05:002016-03-17T09:30:46.402-05:00Write whenever you Canhack, cough, wheeze<br />
<br />
Sound familiar? I've had an upper respiratory crud for three weeks. Yikes! So I sit here with ribs wrapped (cracked a rib) an inhaler and serious cough meds wishing Felt like doing any cerebral activities. Ugh.<br />
<br />
So, the moral of this story is DON'T PUT OFF WRITING If you only kinda feel like it. <br />
<br />
You might *cough* regret it later. *Hack.SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-57623920252698977432016-02-01T19:12:00.001-06:002016-02-01T19:22:04.949-06:00UPCOMING 2016 PITCH CONTESTSYES!! Enter one or all for the chance to get your work in front of agents. So, get your MS, Query and Loglines polished and good luck!<br />
<br />
Only for finished Manuscripts * Twitter * Follow the directions; some allow only one post *<br />
<br />
**ENTER WITHIN TIME FRAME: the #sunversussnow contest was full in three (3) minutes!<br />
<br />
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<div style="font-size: 12.6px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"></span><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">CONTESTS</span></b></div>
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<div style="font-size: 12.6px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Feb & Mar TBA -- </span><b style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/p/secret-agent.html" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Secret Agent Contests</a></b><span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"> -- hosted by </span><u style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Miss Snark's First Victim<a href="http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/"> http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/</a></u></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.1599998474121px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Feb 1 -- <b><a href="https://chasingthecrazies.wordpress.com/2015/12/14/2016-sun-vs-snow-details/">Sun vs. Snow</a></b> -- hosted by <a href="https://chasingthecrazies.wordpress.com/" style="text-decoration: underline;">Amy Trueblood</a> & <u><a href="http://www.michelle4laughs.com/">Michelle Hauck</a></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.1599998474121px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Feb 1 - 29 -- <b><a href="http://www.thebookdoctors.com/tag/pitchapalooza/">Pitchapalooza</a></b> -- hosted by <u><a href="http://www.thebookdoctors.com/">The Book Doctors</a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.1599998474121px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Feb 3 --</span><b style="font-size: 12.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.1599998474121px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.kristinvanrisseghem.com/pit2pub" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Pit2Pub</a> -- (<a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23pit2pub&src=typd" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">#pit2pub</a>) </b><span style="font-size: 12.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.1599998474121px;">-- hosted by </span><a href="http://www.kristinvanrisseghem.com/pit2pub" style="color: #3e3939; font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Kristin Van Risseghem</a></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.6px;">
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><u><br /></u></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.1599998474121px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Feb 4 -- <b><a href="https://subitclub.wordpress.com/2016/01/27/february-2016-contest-roundup/">Sub It Club Pitch Day with Agent Shira Hoffman </a></b>-- hosted by <u><a href="https://subitclub.wordpress.com/">Sub It Club</a></u></span></span><br />
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.1599998474121px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.1599998474121px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Feb 11 -- <b><a href="http://www.pbpitch.com/">#PBPitch</a></b> -- hosted by <u><a href="http://www.pbpitch.com/">PBPitch</a></u></span></span><br />
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.1599998474121px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.1599998474121px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Feb 11 -- <b><a href="http://www.brenda-drake.com/2016/01/surprise-were-throwing-a-new-and-exciting-twitter-contest-as-a-valentine-gift-to-you/">#PitMatch</a></b> -- hosted by <u>Brenda Drake</u> and <u><a href="http://manuscriptwishlist.com/">#MSWL</a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.1599998474121px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Feb 15 --<b><a href="http://www.aydenmorgen.com/blog/announcing-son-of-a-pitch-coming-in-february"> Son of a Pitch</a></b> -- hosted by <u><a href="http://www.aydenmorgen.com/">Ayden Morgen</a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.1599998474121px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">Feb 26 -- </span><b style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"><a href="http://www.brenda-drake.com/pitch-madness/">Pitch Madness: Mario Kart Edition</a></b><span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"> -- hosted by </span><u style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"><a href="http://www.brenda-drake.com/">Brenda Drake</a></u><br />
<br />
Feb 26 -- <b style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"><a href="https://subitclub.wordpress.com/2016/01/27/february-2016-contest-roundup/">Sub It Club Pitch Day with Agent Jennifer Johnson-Blalock </a></b><span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">-- hosted by </span><u style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"><a href="https://subitclub.wordpress.com/">Sub It Club</a></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">Feb 26 --</span><span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"> </span><b style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/blog/pitchcb/" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">#PitchCB Twitter Contest</a></b><span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"> </span><b style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </b><span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">-- hosted by </span><u style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.convilleandwalsh.com/" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Conville & Walsh</a></u><span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"> + </span><u style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Curtis Brown UK</a></u></div>
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Mar TBD -- <b style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23PitchSlam&src=typd" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">PitchSlam</a> </b><span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">-- hosted by </span><u style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://llmckinney.com/" style="color: #3e3939; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">L.L. McKinney</a></u></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mar 5 -- <b><a href="https://twitter.com/FountainWriter/status/685088331206660096">Pitch to Publication</a> (#P2P16)</b> -- hosted by <u><a href="https://twitter.com/FountainWriter/">Samantha Fountain</a></u></span><br />
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mar 14-17 -- <b><a href="http://operationawesome6.blogspot.com/p/loading.html">Pass Or Pages (#PassOrPages): YA Contemp Edtion</a></b> -- hosted by <u><a href="http://operationawesome6.blogspot.com/">Operation Awesome</a></u></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mar 17 -- <b><a href="http://www.brenda-drake.com/pitmad/">#PitMad Twitter Pitch Party</a> </b><span style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;">-- hosted by </span><u style="font-size: 12.6px; line-height: 20.16px;"><a href="http://www.brenda-drake.com/">Brenda Drake</a></u></span>SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-63573377960342616862016-01-05T11:24:00.002-06:002016-01-05T11:24:13.118-06:00New Year, New Resolutions. Kind ofEver watch <i>Cupcake Wars</i>?<br />
New Year's resolutions are kinda like trying to resist your favorite cupcake with buttercream icing.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jXG5S9GonSt7reQL3UAqFHlZOLj5uxheksjpugadN661G0_GOj36IdDkAtdr0Vnk-UFiW0RI5p9Wg6apEBn0NCGoWZhqXvpscGvURkLRw1aiKDOYfeOvVDlxda1ZQqW_voxkNprTzybh/s1600/Strawberry-Red-Velvet-Cupcake-682x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jXG5S9GonSt7reQL3UAqFHlZOLj5uxheksjpugadN661G0_GOj36IdDkAtdr0Vnk-UFiW0RI5p9Wg6apEBn0NCGoWZhqXvpscGvURkLRw1aiKDOYfeOvVDlxda1ZQqW_voxkNprTzybh/s320/Strawberry-Red-Velvet-Cupcake-682x1024.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
For us writers, resolving to do more, write more, blog more sounds good, BUT..it's like binging on those Red Velvet cupcakes with decadent frosting.<br />
We all have busy lives, family projects, health issues and procrastination issues at times. If too ambitious, failure can result in learned helplessness. i.e., psychological traps that work against us.<br />
<br />
My resource? <a href="http://ow.ly/WF0Vq">http://ow.ly/WF0Vq</a><br />
<b>New Year's Resolutions: 4 Common Mistakes We Make When Setting New Goals, And How To Avoid Them</b><br />
<br />
So, what kind of resolutions actually are productive? <br />
<br />
Here are tips from Liz Summers, life coach: <a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/new-year-resolutions/">http://www.quintcareers.com/new-year-resolutions/</a><br />
<br />
1) start small. Don’t say you’ll get to the gym every day if you know that’s next to
impossible. Start smaller — I’ll get to the gym three times a week for a
month<br />
<br />
2) Measure your progress- journal it, give yourself a gold star on your calendar, etc. At the end of the time, assess yourself<br />
<br />
3) Look at your Brainstorm list and decide which goals are important to you, not someone else<br />
<br />
<br />
So, this New Year’s, rather than affirmatively saying, “I will look
after my health,” be realistic and ask yourself: “Will I look after my
health — yes or no?”<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Williams P, Block LG, and Fitzsimons GJ. <em>Social Influence</em>. 2006.</span>SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-9066356293285241072015-11-10T16:36:00.002-06:002015-11-10T16:36:19.061-06:004 Stages of Writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNyd3Y-xSErmxc8dVHh5y-s2i3ztS4qRWxatzSQwQb-3UyGm7ac52VubkwVTYKhQnX1y-0QFiqdJiMvP91R7Lkli-gjG26EHWkjTrjSm7MqFGQdAaADhN7GKNTJV5P1TAauQNC8ZtpCDV/s1600/FourStagesWriting.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNyd3Y-xSErmxc8dVHh5y-s2i3ztS4qRWxatzSQwQb-3UyGm7ac52VubkwVTYKhQnX1y-0QFiqdJiMvP91R7Lkli-gjG26EHWkjTrjSm7MqFGQdAaADhN7GKNTJV5P1TAauQNC8ZtpCDV/s320/FourStagesWriting.jpeg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
ACK!<br />
DEFLATED AFTER A MANUSCRIPT AUCTION. THIS CHART SAYS IT ALL!!!<br />
<br />
SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-92032529443750132442015-11-06T19:16:00.002-06:002015-11-06T19:16:37.653-06:00The PayoffThe On the Block auction/contest went live today, and I was one of the twenty-four winners. (Thanks, Authoress for hosting this!)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/">http://www.misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
Today we critiqued each others' submissions of Logline and First 250. All the entries were well written. There are some really good ones on there, but also many with the same flaw:<br />
<b>Not delivering on the promise of the Logline summary.</b><br />
<br />
Yep, after describing a killer concept, the first paragraphs consisted of what seemed like a totally different story.<br />
<br />
It really shocked me that writers would abandon their MC to tell about a secondary character, or show a more mundane scene than the exciting one in their blurbs.<br />
<br />
This is not a fatal flaw, and can be fixed.<br />
<br />
It made me scan my First Pages for anything that didn't prop up my MC's goals and IMs.<br />
<br />
Now, if I can just stop writing those darn redundant sentences, I might be agent ready!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-40473473321708125212015-10-08T10:06:00.001-05:002015-10-08T10:06:34.892-05:00What Makes a Good Story?Most experts agree that we readers are drawn to stories that pique our interests. Whether we love mystery, adventure, horror, romance or fantasy, the SETTING is make- or-break. <br />
<br />
How do we get it right?<br />
<br />
1] Do the research. If your story is set in Romania and traveling there is not an option, use all the resources online including libraries, tech papers, books, local experts and universities. <br />
<br />
2] use at least three of the five senses in each scene<br />
<br />
3] weave setting and narrative into scenes without the "laundry list" effect.<br />
<br />
4] always identify the setting at chapter or scene changes. Just a word or two can ground the reader from the start. Don't let them guess where a character is.<br />
<br />
5] use the weather to help create mood. The eerie wind, smell of manure, etc. can telegraph what's to come in the chapterSanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-41293475414557454292015-09-12T18:40:00.002-05:002015-09-12T18:40:38.159-05:00I'm a bit #PitMadOMG, no one can prepare you for the thrills, tension, hopefulness that is #PitMad!!!<br />
<br />
* The Agents<br />
* The supporters retweeting your logline<br />
* The fact that others love your plot<br />
<br />
OMG.<br />
It's a bit like:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://allthesupernaturalgifs.tumblr.com/post/27217208427/spng-tags-jensen-ackles-the-faces-this-man" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">
<img alt="supernatural animated GIF " class="a-gif" data-absolute-url="/gifs/supernatural-laughing-dean-winchester-HcabcPi6JXRF6" data-bitly_gif_url="http://gph.is/XJp3s0" data-edit-url="/home/gifs/supernatural-laughing-dean-winchester-HcabcPi6JXRF6/edit/" data-gif_id="HcabcPi6JXRF6" data-id="HcabcPi6JXRF6" data-image_url="https://media.giphy.com/media/HcabcPi6JXRF6/giphy.gif" data-mp4_url="http://media.giphy.com/media/HcabcPi6JXRF6/giphy.mp4" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="391" data-padding-top="88" data-preview-image-url="http://media.giphy.com/media/HcabcPi6JXRF6/100.gif" data-still="http://media.giphy.com/media/HcabcPi6JXRF6/giphy_s.gif" data-tumblr_share_url="http://media.giphy.com/media/HcabcPi6JXRF6/giphy-tumblr.gif" height="450" id="gif" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/HcabcPi6JXRF6/giphy.gif" style="height: 450px; width: 642px;" width="642" />
</a><br />
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<br />SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-13664091956343870422015-08-24T09:56:00.001-05:002015-08-24T09:56:27.701-05:00How do you go on after the tension/thrills of #PitchWars?<br />
Here's a little something to give a boost. Thanks, American Samoan Fire Crew at the North Zone.<br />
<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hJFzQ7cares/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hJFzQ7cares?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1851434534"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1851434535"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1851434534">Puts things in perspective, ya know!</span><span id="goog_1851434535"></span>SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-90227149724221680782015-08-17T14:53:00.001-05:002015-08-17T14:54:48.505-05:00Updated Mini-Bio #PitchWars * Mini Bio Updated ( check out Bio below )<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My alter ego Twitter Bio:</span></span><br />
<br />
(naughty photo)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you use the words 'ity bitty', </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm prob. not your BFF.</span></span><br />
<br />
-----------------------------------<br />
<br />
* On my DVR: Most of the Syfy lineup<i> / Suits / Supernatural / Downton Abbey / Outlander / any cooking contest / Jeff Corwin </i><br />
<br />
* Gulity Pleasure: watching Project Runway<br />
<br />
* #PitchWars has made my Query and Synopsis way better<br />
<br />
*Shared Red Vines with John Noble at Comic Con Dallas<br />
<br />
* My Writing: advertising copy for Sony, Travelocity Business, Radio Shack, J.C. Penney, Meals on Wheels and more. CW for design studios, software startups, political and municipal campaigns and lots of Creative Director types. <br />
<br />
* Diverse reading interests: Historical Mysteries of C.S. Harris, <i>Curtsies & Conspiracies</i> by Gail Carriger, <i>Magic Study, Poison Study</i> by Maria Snyder,<i> Dresden Files</i> by Jim Butcher, <i>Lament, Scorpio Races</i> by Maggie Stiefvater, <br />
<span id="goog_2035568560"></span><span id="goog_2035568561"></span><span id="goog_2035568562"></span><span id="goog_2035568563"></span><br />
<span id="goog_46675581"></span><span id="goog_46675582"></span><br />SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-46218974150425490092015-08-04T22:07:00.000-05:002015-08-16T16:02:17.855-05:00PitchWars So, it's time for Brenda Drake's #PitchWars contest. <br />
If you have a finished MS, are looking for a Mentor, and are ready to work, hell, yeah. PitchWars.<br />
<br />
https://twitter.com/hashtag/PitchWars?src=hash<br />
<br />
I've already found at least five potential Mentors that I'd love to work with.<br />
<br />
So, polish your words and present your best. In the words of Lori Goldstein:<br />
<br />
"<b>Let Us Be Your Dumbledore, Your Obi-Wan, Your Coach Taylor, Your Stefan Salvatore"</b><br />
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In the spirit of the Bio, here are ten facts about me:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* I'm a freelance copy editor and copy writer, so I'm used to revisions. Multiple revisions. As in slap-yourself-in-the-face revisions</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* I a a bona-fide lover of all things British. Even went over the pond with family to the Doctor Who exhibit in Cardiff, Wales (!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
* Token editor/pointer outer of an ongoing international crit group<br />
<br />
* Young Adult novels thrill my heart<br />
<br />
* History rocks. I got to see a 3,000-year-old bog body in Ireland and was in heaven<br />
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* I'm much older than my creative guy husband. *laughs like I don't care*<br />
<br />
* My first job out of college: an artist. Our studio was an old ballroom on top of a mountain<br />
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* Yes, I'm ridiculously short–get over it<br />
<br />
* Love valiant MCs. Especially the non-male type<br />
<br />
* My bookshelves are filled with fantasy YA, mystery YA, historical fiction and SciFi <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-74260195226474721022015-07-21T15:16:00.000-05:002015-08-04T22:16:25.056-05:00Time Flies<br /><br />
Notes to self:<br />
STOP PUTTING OFF FINISHING YOUR WRITING. Get your WIP in shape to query.<br />
<br />
Lots of kudos to my Continuing Critiques partners–you ladies rock! And your talents sharpen mine. <br />
<br />
<br />SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-24150190785076833872015-05-13T11:42:00.001-05:002015-05-13T11:43:14.890-05:00Publishing your WIP or Going Traditional?Nathan Bransford is a funny, former-agent author who writes about writing. He has a poll up today on Twitter asking:<br />
<br />
How do You Plan to Publish Your Work In Progress?<br />
<br />
Interesting that there might be an uptick in self publishers among us. Will you choose self publishing first, or only after seeking the traditional route? Hmmmmm.<br />
<br />
I think it mostly depends on the stage of life we are in. For example, writers with younger kids, or who are older don't have the time or energy for the requisite promotion. It takes hours online to keep up your presence–time they don't have. Some writers will get lucky with submitting to an agent, only to have their book sales fall flat. Lots of variables to ponder here. <br />
<br />
The one that caught my attention on the issue:<br />
<a href="http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2011/03/what-will-publishing-industry-look-like.html">WHAT WILL THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY LOOK LIKE IN FIVE YEARS?</a><br />
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<br />
Several posters said that ebooks will take over and bookstores will go away. :-(<br />
Another thought that self pubbing straight to Kindle is the way to go.<br />
<br />
"the Big Six will be more selective about the quality of their books so it s a stellar experience for the reader."<br />
<br />
Hillsy: "e=pub books will drive down prices but increase choice. With 'small' books becoming cheaper and 'big' books holding or growing in price, the small and the big are pushed even further apart."<br />
<br />
My fav by GhostFolk.com: "There's a huge glut of mediocre fiction because publishers have so so so many slots to fill that anything they can slap a trend over (or title) on gets published. This might also mean that they spend a little more time promoting the titles the DO publish, rather than just dumping them into the marketplace month after month after month sto see if one of them might not sink as quickly as the others."<br />
<br />SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-39177236587341191172015-03-12T15:45:00.002-05:002015-03-12T15:45:16.080-05:00Advice on Beginnings<a href="http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=175">Absolute Write Watercooler </a>is a wealth of info and advice for those of us trying to get our stories finished, polished and published. These people are hardcore. One guy, JamesARitchie, strives for averaging 31,250 words per month, or 7,212 words per week.<br />
<br />
That's 1,660 words per day. Yikes!<br />
<br />
He says that gives him weekends off, two vacations per year of two weeks each, and a week off at Christmas. (Why I am not this dedicated?)<br />
<br />
Another moderator, <u>blackbird</u>, gives a piece of advice to a newbie on Beginnings:<br />
<ul>
<li>Read your sentences aloud. Then go read aloud the beginning paragraph of Ursula K. LeGuin's A Wizard of Earthsea, Ray Bradbury's initial intro to The October Country or the opening paragraph of Bradbury's "Ylla" from The Martian Chronicles. All are fairly complex, but still direct and clear and carefully constructed."</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Understand the virtue and value of a well-controlled POV.</li>
<li>Strive in your narration first for clarity. Every sentence needs a focus, a core that expresses as best possible what you want to say. </li>
<li>Dont' get mired in the swamp of embellishment. Dependent clauses, piled one after another, are not your friends. Sentences depend for their strength upon verbs and nouns, not adjectives an adverbs and participial and prepositional phrases </li>
<li>Pay attention to precision in word usage. Understand what every word means in context of the prose, and what that conveys to a reader</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-15096405392506315072015-02-24T11:10:00.002-06:002015-02-24T11:12:12.597-06:00First Five SentencesIt's good to get feedback before submitting your work for publication. One place to get tips is Miss Snark's First Victim. They have four or five contests per year to see if writers have the right stuff.<br />
<br />
This week it was First Five Sentences. I submitted and got in. Whew! Now I wait to see the other 24 entrants and we critique our entries. I like these because they make me REALLY hone every word of my story. Also, I get honest feedback from others close to the industry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/">Miss Snark's First Victim * First Five</a><br />
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Check it out for future contests. SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-5282049337068659792015-02-17T10:15:00.001-06:002015-02-17T10:16:28.789-06:00DEBUT for "The UnQuiet"Mikaela Everett's debut novel sounds great. The interview on Frenzy is worth reading. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz172gu0X4i_kiqTz9ZdvwHmCBw6BxYR_DHyGw_QI09bJFNaUK8kxlwx6c-FJu1ZqXoMeVWNIV91OV9mZ-lCzJEMEuHQlFLfM-LjX86db4tHYOhrILfKXMX_kos3CRdL350RgtlJETc8b/s1600/tumblr_njvluiAs0c1sorkp9o1_r1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz172gu0X4i_kiqTz9ZdvwHmCBw6BxYR_DHyGw_QI09bJFNaUK8kxlwx6c-FJu1ZqXoMeVWNIV91OV9mZ-lCzJEMEuHQlFLfM-LjX86db4tHYOhrILfKXMX_kos3CRdL350RgtlJETc8b/s1600/tumblr_njvluiAs0c1sorkp9o1_r1_1280.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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The premise: "<i>The Unquiet</i> takes us deep inside the psyche of a strong teenage
heroine struggling with what she has been raised to be and who she
really is. Fans of eerily futuristic and beautifully crafted stories
such as <i>Never Let Me Go,</i> <i>Orphan Black</i>, and <i>Fringe</i> will find themselves haunted by this unsettling debut.<br />
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FAVORITE TAKAWAY: <br />
<b>Frenzy: Do you have any advice for writers who are just starting out? </b><br />
<b>ME: </b> Thank you! My best advice: Don’t take no for an answer. The road to
publication is filled with so many no’s and I think after a while, we
start to echo that same word to ourselves. (<i>No, I can’t do this. No, I’m not good enough. No, I’m not brave enough.</i>
I’ve definitely been there!) And it’s especially discouraging when the
story in your head doesn’t initially come out the way you want it to,
but the ability to put the right words on paper isn’t something anyone,
even the very best writer or storyteller, was born with. Every word you
write is one step closer to accomplishing your goal. Don’t take no for
an answer, and don’t ever fall out of love with books—reading or writing
them.<br />
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Check it out on Tumblr <a href="http://tinyurl.com/oj27rta"><b>http://tinyurl.com/oj27rta</b></a> SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4592268002912077819.post-83674380931202248062015-02-12T13:34:00.000-06:002015-02-12T15:42:34.534-06:00A Question of MotiveHere is an amalgam of the things I've learned on MOTIVATION – Characters have emotional baggage and issues that make them act in a certain way. <br />
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Some questions to ask of your MC, your protagonist:<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ask what your Protag wants more than anything. This could be love, social justice, money, respect, power, sex, peace on earth, etc. Just be sure it comes through in each scene</span></span></li>
<li>Who is your MC? Smart/dumb, creative/incompetent/ Immature, interesting, Vibrant/intrusive? Show the strengths and weaknesses. </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here's a list of common Young Adult skills and weaknesses that can motivate:</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Disorganization </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Emotional Reactivity</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Impaired Relationships</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Depression</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Low self esteem</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Under achievement</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Elation with life</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Determined to make goals</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">learn to compensate</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Friends to the end Loyalty</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Understanding of what's important in life</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Giving your MC a strong Motivation and then creating obstacles for her to get it makes for tension on every page. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span>SanWriteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882213832893854098noreply@blogger.com0