A Lesson In Character

I just finished reading a great post on characterization by Angel Lawson that perfectly describes our drive for not only unrepentant a**holes, but imperfect characters. No one wants to read the character who says all the right things and never messes up, nor the character that follows routine: when things go wrong they know immediately how to fix them.

They’re boring.

More often then not I get one of two things while reading those characters: bored with them to the point of skimming or putting the book down for another, or frustrated with them because it’s like they’re following some textbook.

I completely agree with her, reading, watching and even writing the jerk is so much fun. But the ones who are unrepentant, who own up to their actions without apology are the best, there’s oftentimes so much more depth to those characters without having to pander or reach into pools or self-pity or consternation. Characters can be sweet as well, but I don’t think that’s realistic in a person. All people are flawed, it”s the degree to which we’re flawed in which makes us different, approachable, hero or villain.

Since I feel like I’m not only repeating myself but Angel, I’m going to stop here. But I’ll just say this: Pay attention to the characters you read, who you write, which ones are you drawn to and connect with? What is it about them? Do they have a darker side, do you like that or respect that aspect in them?

Remember…

and

~Let the Ink Run Free

 

 

Reading and Writing Between the Lines: Leave a little Room

While knowing how your story is going to go and flow, you also should be aware of how to format your manuscript for today’s publishing, agents and editing.

Just like when you were back in school and the teachers would yell at you about these minute details: turn in your manuscript in Times New Roman, 12pt font double-spaced. If you remember MLA this should be an old hat by now. This brings the most convenience to not only being able to read your work unhindered but also for editing, if need be, on any device.

Swirly or creative fonts are fun, but really, when you print them, or try to read them for periods of time it becomes cumbersome.

There is so much to putting together a query and sending out your manuscript, to learn more read about it here:

Formatting Your Novel Manuscript

You should also become very familiar with editors marks, both for your own use and for working in conjunction with editors in any capacity.

And then, then will come the marketing, how to promote your book to the best advantage.
Keep Writing and Let the Ink Run Free~

A Writer’s Work is Never Done…Is It?

I am so sorry to have been MIA the past week. I was on vacation, and the ‘Wi-Fi’ service at the hotel wasn’t exactly cooperating with my computer or Facebook.

So, I’ll pick up where I left off.

There are so many questions I see authors ask their readers, especially depending on genre. But one that really caught my attention was brought up by Brittney Sahin on WordPress.

When do you end a novel? Do you make a sequel? a Series? Do you write a spin-off using characters from the original storyline?

These are questions that make plotting and mapping out your entire story and character chart. You need to know exactly where this story is going. Its okay if things are added in as you go–heaven knows you never know when inspiration will strike, but there should be some goal, some end point that your trying to weave and reach.

Once that goal is met, do not force more if there is nothing, that is where sequels come in. How long is your story? Does is have points in which it could be broken into segments? Or Would one book suffice? Could more come from this plot and these characters? either in a spin-off with supporting characters (or bring in new characters using the same universe if you’re a Fantasy writer)? Many authors have done this successfully.
One of the most recent examples is Leigh Bardugo with Six of Crows from the Grishaverse. or Sophie Davis with Exiled: Kenly’s Story from the Talented saga.

So remember, write your ending first. Decide if it can be broken up into parts and decide the ending for each part. If there is more to say, then say it. If you are going to be forcing storyline and characters, circumstances that don’t make sense or shouldn’t/don’t have to be happening then most likely your readers will pull away. It will not have the same draw as the other stories. DON’T DO IT.

Find a new book to write. new characters. But let this one lay.

Any other questions?

Keep Writing and Let the Ink Run Free~

Stories are built from the bottom up. Who’s bottom?

Does you character have character? Charisma? Chutzpah?

How do you go about creating your character? Do you flesh every aspect out, even those that will never be printed?

You should!! It will give your character more depth and bring them to life, off the page and into the reader’s home, beyond imagination. There are so many details that go into writing a character, humans, or any creature are very complex, with emotions and backgrounds. We didn’t just pop out of the snow like daisies!

Try using a chart like the one below, give as much detail as possible!!!

You can pull from it later on and thread it throughout your story. Well-built and thought-out characters are important to any story. The are the foundations which a story is built Without characters, their relationships, faults, merits, perceptions, the story is all but lost to us.

‪#‎storybuildingSaturday‬ ‪#‎characterbuilding‬ ‪#‎writing‬ ‪#‎writingtips

The Ink Runs Free

If you’ve been tracking my social media movements this past month then you might have noticed an influx of “The Ink Runs Free” branding and with it a higher quotient of writing and authorship related posts.

Well I’m here to tell you why.

I’ve started a freelance business in editing/betaing and promotions, as well continuing my advanced reading and reviewing.

I’ve opened a Facebook page dedicated to writing advice, helping give prompts and give all the told necessary to successfully complete your story.

In other news, I’m back from BEA and have hords of books to read. I just finished reading City of Heavenly Fire (Mortal Instruments #6) and will post a review for you asap. I’m also working my way through In the Afterlight (The Darkest Minds #3) and Crown of Midnight.

Any requests for future reads? I have Marissa Meyer’s Fairest next on my list as well as Alexandra Bracken’s new book Passenger. And a few others…okay maybe more than a few.

~Let the Ink Run Free

Beta Reader? Read This!

Helllllooooo out there!!

I know I haven’t posted in a while, and that this isn’t a review either. I’m nearly done with Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken (editing and work has kept me busy) but I hope you check out this up and coming indie author who specializes in short paranormal/sci-fi stories.

 

The Deal: Fiona’s looking for some pre-/beta readers for stories that are going to be published. Check out this site if you think you might be interested, and contact Fiona. Are You My Reader?.

Rocking the Reading, Eating it in Editing

Yes so while I’m a complete and utter bookworm, I’m also a beta and editor for a few authors. Some just on the internet posting fanfiction or original fiction online, but other like this one that I’m failing right now has a complete book written that is a fabulous and brilliant sci-fi medical, romantic and moral story. And we’re trying to straighten out what’s wrong with a single character throughout the story.

Doesn’t sound so bad right? It’s not. And I do love this story. But instead of working hard for her, i’ve been reading and reviewing books and blogging, testing out wordpress like a kid with a new toy. So I’m going to try to put the toys away and do right by her. She deserves nothing less. After all, without school to take my focus away, now is the perfect time to be a drill sergeant and model helping hand. I can read on my time, not hers.

I will not cry over books, I will not cry over books…But they’re such GOOD books! Oh well, the sooner I do this the sooner I’m embedded between 3 or more books.