Every year or so we pick a book or two about writing, publishing, story, craft, screenplays or such, and the three offices will all read and discuss it. We’ve had some wonderful and lively discussions over the years, and here are some notes on some of the best options!
WRITE AWAY by Elizabeth George
Felt that it is a book to recommend to authors. More personal and anecdotal in some ways. Gave sense of personality. Felt like it was taken from course notes perhaps. She’s a teacher and it comes through. Filled with procedures and meticulous data, but is useful for those reasons.
Particularly liked the THAD—Talking Head Avoidance Device—and would recommend for authors. Also recommend the lists of character questions and such. Another favorite was that of talent, passion and discipline, the only essential quality for publication was discipline.
Side discussion on world-building vs. characterization/setting and the difficult in balancing it for need of story. (Characters are key, not the clothes or meals)
Four Screenplays by Syd Field
- Establish story and characters
- Start with either action or character
- Have a great first line
- Develop the character
- Get rid of the sagging middle
- Move into and out of transitions—tighten things up
- Don’t be too clever
- “The screenwriter sets up the first page/first words to establish an image that sums up the character in context of the story”
- Keep the level of tension high filled with the unexpected, yet authentic
4 replies on “Harlequin Editors Recap Some Writing Advice Discussions”
I’m reading “Write Your Novel from the Middle Out,” by James Scott Bell. Solves that whole pesky sagging middle problem!
What does it mean when you say ‘Don’t be too clever’?
Thank you.
Sometimes an author can think of a really cool concept–but then has to write pages of exposition and dialogue and change things to make that idea work out. The story becomes forced and the author’s overall control shows.
Readers–and watchers!–can deal with twists and turns but they need to feel organic and part of the story, not coming in from left field. Otherwise the story can get contrived and confusing, and the readers attention will wander or try to puzzle out why something isn’t working.
Make sense?
Yes. Thank you.
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!