This post is sort of a follow-up to my post on suspense and tension, and one the one where I compared plot twists and suspense (and pitted Emma and Pride and Prejudice against each other...). I wanted to discuss one of the most powerful ways to create suspense, and show you the method I've been using personally while revising The Coffee Shop Book.
Tag: Momentum and Pace
Should You Include Dialogue Snippets in Your Outline? {Case Study}
I think that all pantsers have this fear inside of them that making a plot will box them in when they try to write their story, limiting their creativity. That fear keeps them from trying to outlining. They want to be creative, and in their eyes, having a plot stops that. If you don't know, I actually used to be a pretty hardcore pantser. I don't think it shows very much anymore, but that used to be the only way I wrote. Some of those leftover fears from my time as a panster still lurk in the back of my mind, though. (Also, WordPress keep trying to autocorrect me whenever I write 'pantser' into 'panther'. 😑) However, as a person who now refuses to walk into any book without at least some semblance of a plot, those fears have taken on a different form in me: the idea that, while I'm plotting, maybe I'm plotting too much. I need creative freedom to go meandering down whatever paths happen to pop up along my way, and if my plans have to be followed exactly, then I can't do that. So how far am I really willing to go with my outlines?
How to Nail the Mood of Your Scene in 3 Steps
Have you ever written a scene and been frustrated that it just doesn't seem to convey the feeling that you want? Same. I think we've all been there before. But, over thee years, I've found 3 sure-fire ways to help nail that mood that you want to convey in a scene. 😉
Flashbacks (Part 2): How to Seamlessly Pull off A Flashback
In my post two weeks ago, I covered different types of flashbacks (using only one, several, or telling a whole story through them - a revolutionary way of telling a story, in my opinion). Today, we're taking a look at actually writing these things. If you haven't read Part 1 in the series, I'd highly recommend checking that out here first. Now that that's out of the way, let's dive right in!
Using Constant Motion {How to Keep Readers Interested}
In a previous post on this blog, I mentioned how motion is good for spreading out information so you won't info dump (which you can read here) But this can actually be used for more than just that.
How to Avoid Info Dumping
I had checked the calendar. I knew the dates. I knew that July 1st was my next date for blogging... I posted... I checked the calendar again... ...well, I was wrong. 😂 Blame it on my poor head full of studying. (and, by the way, YAY! I'm officially done school and now I'm freeeeeeee!) Source So now … Continue reading How to Avoid Info Dumping
Is Bigger REALLY Better?
When it comes to writing, bigger is not always better. In fact, sometimes it's downright harmful! I learned this just last week when I realized that saying "no" to some stuff is just as important as saying "yes". This is a post where you're going to learn a bit more of my WIP Poison Dragon. (Surprise! … Continue reading Is Bigger REALLY Better?