Congratulations to Rosi Hollinbeck who won a copy of Ann Eisenstein's book, Fallen Prey. Rosi's blog is a treasure trove of giveaways and information for writers. Check it out! ******** This past fall I took two writing courses which focused on plot. You have heard about the first one, Plot and Structure taught by Bethany Nuckolls… Continue reading Steering Toward Normal: An Analysis and ARC Lend-away!
Tag: Rebecca Petruck
Character + Plot = Pinned
Congratulations to Jeannie Smith who won Deanna Klingel's book, "Cracks in the Ice." Writers have ongoing debates as to which is better, a character-driven story or one that is plot-driven. Obviously, both well developed characters and engaging plots are vital for a successful novel. As Rebecca Petruck said in a recent post, "Character and plot… Continue reading Character + Plot = Pinned
A Time to Think
Congratulations to Linda Phillips who won a 10-page critique from Rebecca Petruck. For those of you who know me personally, Linda is my best writing buddy, friend, and prayer partner. But, I want to assure you that this drawing was not rigged--although I'm glad that Rebecca will help Linda with her current WIP, a middle grade… Continue reading A Time to Think
Revision and Seeing the Big Picture- Part II and a Giveaway!
In last week's blog, Rebecca Petruck shared how she created an overall plan for revising her soon to be released book, Steering Toward Normal. In this second post, she discusses what to do when the thinking is done. Rosi Hollenbeck, one of my newer but very faithful blog followers, won last week's critique from Rebecca.… Continue reading Revision and Seeing the Big Picture- Part II and a Giveaway!
Revision and Seeing the Big Picture- Part I and a Giveaway!
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So, What's Next?
Last week I completed the second major draft of Half-Truths and sent it off to my writing coach, Rebecca Petruck. Ta dah! I didn't quite realize the significance of this accomplishment (that has taken almost two years) until my writing friends congratulated me and I read several posts on the YA Muse blog about how momentous it… Continue reading So, What's Next?
We Have a Winner!
Congratulations to Rosi Hollinbeck, one of my newest blog followers and the SCBWI Critique Group Coordinator for North Central Northern California. She won last week's giveaway contest and chose to receive a 10-page critique from Rebecca Petruck. Thanks to all of you who entered this contest. Since it was so popular, Rebecca has agreed to sponsor it… Continue reading We Have a Winner!
When the Teacher Becomes the Student PLUS a Great Giveaway!
My most recent book is Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Grades 4-8. Although intended as a teacher's guide for upper elementary and middle school students, I draw upon it when I teach writing classes at Central Piedmont Community College. I was looking over this week's class on Creating a Character and found my instructions for students to… Continue reading When the Teacher Becomes the Student PLUS a Great Giveaway!
Book Burst- Pass it On!
I spent the month of February writing a proposal for the SCBWI-Work in Progress grant. Rebecca Petruck encouraged me to re-vision the first chapter of Half-Truths and tirelessly cheered me on--even as she delivered the "but I really think it would be better if you did it this way" news. When I finished the revision… Continue reading Book Burst- Pass it On!