I found this interesting article:
Why Do We Sigh? | Psychology Today
My question: Should a first-person character tell us they sighed?
Sighing is an audible and visual reaction. But maybe a first-person character would only observe this in others. Would a first-person character just express the frustration in dialogue (internal and audible) and in physical actions?
I’d love feedback on this from fiction writers and those who read fiction.
Have you ever been shocked and disappointed by a big-name author’s book and thought, I wish I could have critiqued that for them first?
If seasoned authors still need trusted critique partners to say, “this is boring”, I certainly do.
And I’m happy to say I have.
While working on my fourth book in the Dangerous Loyalties series, I asked for a first chapter critique from someone not familiar with my previous work. I received a great reality check on the arrogant thought, I’ve nailed it.
What went wrong?
Yes, I knew better. So why did I choose to ignore sound story structure advice from the beginning?
Because I love my darlings. Thankfully, the critique exposed the truth, “They’re evil and must die.”
Rather than stay bummed out and whine, “I’ll never write again” I reassessed the mess and develop an alternative plan. I embraced the opportunity to make corrections on my blueprint before continuing with faulty construction. I also repented from judging the famous author’s boring best seller.
3 Reasons Authors Need Tough Critiques
Even after working with critique partners, beta readers, and editors, odds are, critical reviews will come, and fans will turn. Don’t let this truth be an excuse to quit or become cocky.
Stand up straight, pull the dagger from your heart, continue receiving help, and get back to creating.
Are the reasons I’ve missed?
I’ve followed author, editor, and writing coach, C.S. Lakin for years. I’ve matured as a writer from her critiques, classes, and books. She loves helping writers at all levels.
When I emailed her on a personal matter, she responded with sweet understanding, then shocked the heck out of me. “Why don’t you write me a blog post sometime…the #1 way to get new fans and traction on your books is to guest blog on top sights…”
So, I did.
But first, I dealt with these 5 challenges:
1. Fear–What do I know?
2. Imposter Syndrome–People will know I’m lame.
3. Write–Okay, I’ll try.
4. Revise–See, I can’t do it, but I’ll try again.
5. Release–Yay me, I did it. Followed by #1 and #2.
Have you guest blogged? What were your challenges and results?
My post category is Novel Structure. The title: 5 Steps to Write Thrilling Historical Fiction for Teens.
Read on C.S. Lakin’s informative website:
https://www.livewritethrive.com/
Is your story idea good enough to become a book?
Find out on my vlog.
How strong is your desire to write?
In a 1964 interview, Harper Lee said, “Writing is a process of self-discipline you must learn before you can call yourself a writer. There are people who write, but I think they’re quite different from people who must write.”
I’ve added this topic on my vlog.
A writer discovers characters by inspiration or by accident. Their stories are so incredible or inspirational they must be shared. The blessing of imagination allows characters to share their personal histories with the writer who becomes the ghostwriter.
As a writer of historical fiction, my research requires discovering descriptions, timelines, and eye-witness accounts of real-life men, women, and children. Thankfully, names, ages, maps, photos, non-fiction books, and documents are a click away. Occasionally, I visit my local library.
However, most of this awesome information won’t be used in my character’s story. Some of the facts will give way to the fictional plot with history used as needed for believability. The fun is in blending the two, much like an abstract painting. I love adding flesh to the bones.
How do seasoned writers keep track of all the information gleaned?
Here are a few I’ve learned through the years. Share your methods in the comments below.
10 tips for researching, organizing, culling, and utilizing your character’s story
In the consciousness of morning, but with my eyes still closed,
I prayed to Daddy God about my concerns.
A vision of a his hand emerged from warm shades of light.
His white-robed arm reached across the oak-stained table
toward my child-sized hand
and gently covered it.
That One Moment, is a contemporary, romantic suspense with a plot that kept my interest!
I’m not generally a fan of romance, but Patty Wiseman has created a believable character in Ricki Sheridan. She is a Game Warden with a tough persona, strong sense of duty, and an independent spirit. But Ricki has a weakness. Her caring heart led her into a relationship with a man that betrayed her trusting nature.
Needing to clear her head and heal, Ricki flees to a mountain lodge where she joins a group hike. She’s not mentally or emotionally prepared to accept Kory Littleton or that unexpected moment. When her past follows her, everyone’s life is in danger. Ricki knows she must put her past in order before her heart can move forward.
Patty Wiseman does a good job keeping the story and characters’ emotions flowing into a memorable story that would make a good movie.
The excitement of having books published these days wanes as a certain entity no longer allows family and friends to post reviews. For authors who publish with small press or self-publish, family and friends are the first readers. They desire to post honest reviews.
Unfortunately, unethical authors have ruined this venue for everyone. I understand the actions taken by this company. However, without reviews, our books are not promoted. Without promotions, our books are not found by readers who are searching for books like ours.
Indy authors must pay for ads, give books away, and be constantly seeking benevolent readers to give honest reviews. Hiring marketers or a publicist isn’t an option for starving authors who would rather write.
What to Do?
The point is to get authors’ names and books into the search engines where readers discover them. These readers will purchase books from the seller and leave reviews on the site–as long as they don’t become “friends” on social media.
Here is an honest review of Fleeing the Shadows by my Award-Winning Author friend, Patty Wiseman.
What options have I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments.
I’d rather be writing!
Are you an introverted novelist? How do you cope with marketing?
Write with Heart
Because romping about is not socially acceptable.
