As I’ve let my little story ferment, I’ve been reading some great books on craft. One book that has awesome advice is Plot vs Character by Jeff Gerke. A brilliant suggestion he gives to writers is to work backward from the end to the beginning.

This is also a great exercise if the WIP is complete. You can see how all the pieces fit together. Or not!

First, decide on the “moment of truth”. Or the part where your main character makes the decision to change from the path they’ve been going on to a new way of living.

It’s when Marlin decides to let Nemo try to save the fish caught in the net instead of insisting that Nemo can’t do it. Marlin changed internally because of all the crazy that happened to him while trying to find his son. There were steps and interferences in Marlin’s life that brought him to that perfect time of decision making. Stay the way he was or change and see what happens? He decides to change.

So if you have that moment in mind, then you can think about what needs to happen to your character to get him there. By working backward, the middle becomes clear. It will also help find that evasive inciting incident everyone keeps talking about.

This concept is so simple! And it really does work.

Happy writing and reading!!

After reading blogs and books about the writing process, I’m still fighting with the “fermentation” stage. Before I begin draft #4, I’m reading some amazing books on craft.

The First 50 Pages and Plot vs. Character by Jeff Gerke

The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman

I’ve been devouring blogs with tips by agents and authors, and everyone has something amazing to say. A big “Thank you!” to all who are dedicated to sharing the journey with all of us! You guys have opened my eyes to the realities of writing. The “learning novel” has been referred to, and it seems that most authors have at least one. You know, the one that ends up in the drawer of your desk only to be taken out with copious amounts of chocolate. A sigh is involved and probably some fond memories of pitching it at conferences.

So fermentation continues on this little book of mine! I hope it doesn’t end up in a drawer, but if it does, I’ll have learned something!

How about you? Are you struggling with the phases of writing? Do you have a favorite website? Or a book on craft you fell in love with?

Happy Writing!! (and reading!)

And here’s a cute video on Mushroom Wars!

I LOVE reading and I’m so excited to share that love with others by giving away free books! Hop on over to World Book Night and find out more. A big “THANK YOU!” to all the people who made it possible! And my local library for hosting a pick-up site. Y’all are amazing! I’ll be giving away Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.

The entire family is getting involved! We are planning to pass out the books at our local community center, and have the bonus of making it a family night. (There will be some yummy dessert after!) My kids are pumped! They love passing stuff out to people!

If you didn’t get a chance to get involved this year, there is always next year! Share your passion for reading with others!

What’s your favorite read?

What book would you give to others if you could?

  My critique peeps are amazing! They have helped me grow as a writer with their constructive criticisms and generous book lending. I can’t thank them enough for taking me on at the beginning stages of the writing process! So if you are a writer who has come to the point of wanting to share your work with others, I definitely suggest getting friendly with other writers.

There are plenty of places you can find a critique group whether it’s online or in your city. Check out Yahoo! Groups or Absolute Write. Other great places are national writers organizations such as Romance Writers of America, SCBWI, and if you hunt around the internet long enough you’ll find more!

Other places you can meet and greet are book signings. Most authors will share where and when they’ll be touring and Barnes and Noble has a events page. Going to an event will introduce you to people with similar interests, so if you’re shy, you’ll have something to talk about other than yourself! Some libraries have writing groups too, so check out the people, get comfortable and share!

Sharing nightmares are bound to happen, but that’s real life. Every groups has its black sheep and time hoarder, but if you play nice you’ll make friends! And possibly some cheerleaders when you’re ready to find Beta Readers.

Happy writing and sharing!

(photo credit: reading by rosmary)

I have a handful of favorite books that I enjoy devouring over and over and over again. These include: The Hero and The Crown by Robin McKinley, Stephenie Meyer’s books, Cinder by Marissa Meyer (huh, two Meyers in there), The Harry Potters, The Hunger Games, and Jane Austen’s fabulousness. (I must add Divergent by Veronica Roth!) As I’ve pursued writing, I’ve learned a great deal of plot and structure, believable dialog, and character development from rereading my favs, and I get to relive the world’s these talented authors created.

Do you love to reread or are you a one-timer?

I went to see Mirror Mirror this weekend with my nieces and got a sweet little treat during the previews. The Host by Stephenie Meyer is coming March 29, 2013. YAY! I loved the book and can’t wait for the movie. If you like soft sci-fi and yummy romance, then you’ll like The Host. Check out the trailer.

I’m so excited that I’ve been able to see and meet some great authors recently on tour and I’m thrilled for the chance to meet the wonderful authors of the Breathless Reads tour with Penguin Teen. If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, come out and see these fabulous gals at the Frisco, TX Barnes and Noble. I hope to see you there!

Check out these authors on Twitter: @Marie_Lu, @bethrevis, @andreacremer, @jessica_shea

Beth Revis is featuring a contest to win signed copies of the books on tour here.

Jessica Spotswood has great information contests and all the tour on her blog here.

Marie Lu has an awesome website here.

Find all things Andrea Cremer here.

Happy Reading!!

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book! Cinderella as a cyborg mechanic is absolute genius. Marissa Meyer totally reinvented a long-time favorite fairy tale that doesn’t end in a happily ever after, no, it ends–well, you’ll have to read it! (Huge cliffhanger!)

I fell in love with Cinder immediately with her greasy gloves, and her charming, yet conflicted Prince Kai. The story broadened with the added threat of a plague and a hateful, lethal queen. The world of New Beijing is so artfully described I could feel the August heat. Read it will a glass of lemonade!

View all my reviews

Goodreads book blurb:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.