INK Sisters Write

Dear Alison and friends, I planned to talk about the Monroe County Book Expo last Saturday and all about my book display and how to setup book displays and where to buy all the swag for it, but something else came to mind, so I will write that planned post, another day...  For this post, I wanted to talk about the Pros and Cons of Critique Groups vs. Hiring a Writing Coach. Last night, I taught a Nuts and Bolts class for beginner writers. I love teaching beginner writers--they're so excited about their writing and getting published, but as we know, the reality after five years together is that it ain't easy. There's actually a hell of a lot more stuff about writing and the steps to publication than I ever imagined when I first started. I shared my battle scars, errr... knowledge with them, and I  thought to myself,  "Kim, you should share your insight with all your readers too." So Writer, you’ve written a manuscript. You’ve read, revised,...

Dear Alison, I made a mistake. I didn't realize I was supposed to post Monday, May 30th. I deleted that lovely blog schedule you made us--that blog schedule that listed upcoming posting dates? I thought this morning I was being conscientious when I emailed you a request for a new copy. Turns out I was just being late. But fear not, I have delivered. Bob Marley makes me happy, especially this time of year when the sun shines down on us and we can jump into lakes without turning into icicles. I love swimming. I love biking. I love hiking in the woods. I love being outside, but I also love reading and writing. So, to fit everything in (as best as I can) I wake up early to read. I stay up late to write. I weasel time in during the park days and field days and carnival days and tie dye days. And you and I have taken up sprinting. Oh my dear readers, fear not. We are not tugging on our sneakers. We are not breaking a sweat and burning our fair skin in the blazing sun. (Althou...

Dear Alison, You're right. Sometimes all your story needs is a new POV. A change of perspective to really nail the storyline. Do you want to know a secret? Months ago, I wrote a Point of View post--I never published it because well... I'm not sure why, but I'm glad I didn't because it's the perfect post to follow your  POINT OF VIEW and Stories that JUST WON'T DIE  post. In my past life as a high school English teacher, I spent a lot of time on Point of View. I taught my students (and I believe it now more than ever) that Point of View is one of the most important literary devices to consider when writing your story. Think of Point of View as a camera lens. As the writer, you decide what view or perspective of the story you want the reader to experience. The Three Main Points of View (POV) include First person, Second Person, and Third Person. You are the Director. You decide what POV you want for your story. FIRST PERSON Fi...

Ben Rosenthal, Senior Editor, at Katherine Tegen Books  gave some fantastic tips about how to write Mysteries and Thrillers, and I want to share them with you because it shouldn't be a thrilling mystery to learn helpful tips to make your writing stronger. Here goes: 1. Killer First Lines and First Pages HOOK them from the first line. Reader will have no other option but to keep reading. CREATE intrigue factors: What happens next?    ENGAGE the readers: Keep them reading DISTINCT VOICE 2. Heroes and Villains  (Ha! HaHa…!!! Sinister laughter necessary) PROTAGONISTS: CREATE hero by creating tiers of empathy.  Your job is to convince reader to KEEP READING!! DEVELOP a hero with admirable and attractive qualities AND flaws too in order to ground them in reality. ANTAGONISTS:  CREATE an equal match to your Protagonist. *Nothing creates more tension than the reader feeling the...