I recently started a new novel. I’ve only been working on it for a few weeks, but it’s already given me an epiphany. I looked at my last book as a collection of elements, all independent from one another. I spent the first round of revision working out plot kinks, the next developing character, the…
Tag: outlining
To Plot or Not to Plot
Pants or Plot? This is THE question. A confession: I am a pantser, sometimes spelled pantzer. No, nothing like a panzer. I write by the seat of my pants, plot on the fly and rake up scattered thoughts of villains, protagonists, settings and an occasional animal. When finished with a first draft of an historical…
Writing Romance: The Break-Up
Hello, Campers! It’s finally spring. What that means in Colorado is: dress in layers. It could be snowing in the morning and, by noon, the sun is out and you’re in short sleeves. Last month we looked at the Midpoint Mirror Moment. Now it’s on to the Crisis. In a romance, this is usually where…
Writing Romance: The Midpoint
Woohoo!! We’ve come to the Midpoint!!! Sorry, I’ve gotten ahead of myself. Where are my manners? Hello, Campers. Glad you’re here. Would you like a cup of coffee? Tea? Now – woohoo – we’ve come to the midpoint!!! I have recently fallen in love, so to speak, with the midpoint. I’ll explain later. In the…
Writing Romance: Crossing into Act Two
Welcome, Campers. Last month we approached the turning point that launches our duo into Act Two. By the end of Act One, your characters will likely have stated – either in their heads or actually out loud – that they want nothing to do with the other, nothing to do with a relationship with the…