Last time, I talked about 5 key things to keep in mind when writing scenes. Today, let’s break down the small, but crucial details. 1. First sentence – Is anyone taking a shower, having a dream, or drinking tea? Please, please, please skip all of these as scene openers. Donald Maas says this in Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook: “…cut scenes set in kitchens or living rooms or cars driving from one place to another, or that involve drinking tea or coffee or taking showers or

Last time, I talked about story sparks—those small ideas writers use to jump start their novels. Those little epiphanies can come at any time, from anywhere–while you sleep, in a dream–even when walking your dog! To make sure those story sparks have staying power, many authors then use the “What if” technique to test their idea. Is it strong, compelling, and emotionally-charged? Some “What if” examples include: What if…teenagers were dropped into a world where the only escape

Story ideas for me, and many other authors, happen when a little spark hits. It may be during dinner, or a conversation with friends. It may be on a plane, on a walk, or playing with my children. A spark sometimes hits at the moment you least expect it. So, what if you haven’t had a spark in a while? You can brainstorm to get your mind going! Like many of my writer friends, I use the “What if” method. Take a look at these examples: What if…teenagers have to fight to the death