Writing a search-and-rescue story? Imagining a mountain-climbing expedition? Looking for ideas on how to write an adventure story and make it as plausible as possible?
Check out this article on Hannah Ruth Johnson’s site, where guest M. Liz Boyle shares tips on research and character development.
Another feature of a good story is tropes. Before you give tropes a bad rap, they actually can be handy. Readers have different expectations for the books they read, and tropes can help you meet those expectations.
In an old blog post, I mentioned the tropes I would be having in my fairy tale retelling.
Little Red Riding Hood Retelling
Dire Wolf Character
Young Teens
A Crush on a Prince (Who Can Fly!)
Talking Animals
Found Family
Here’s more I’m adding:
Character With Physical Disability
Confronting Bullies
Mad Scientist
Are you a sci-fi author? Author Joseph Ficor shows that you can create a map of your planet’s diversity of climates. It’s helpful for both you and your reader, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
I’m sure you’ve heard the expression “thick skin,” especially if you’re a writer and listen to advice on dealing with critiques on your stories. Mentors tell you, “Have a thick skin,” or in other words, “Don’t let what they say wreck your spirit.” At least, I think that’s what they mean. But should we simplyContinue reading “Develop a Thick Skin? Maybe? Maybe Not?”
Hi, all. Thought I’d give you an update on my stories. You’ve probably heard of my work-in-progress, The Galdur Snow Dog. If you haven’t, here’s the link to an old blog post that describes the book. Anyway, I submitted my proposal for this book to another publisher, and I’ll see if they’ll give it aContinue reading “There’s Always Tomorrow”
Hi, all. Anyone wrote a fairy tale retelling (or planning to)? There’s a submission opportunity for a novelist who wants to contribute to fairy tale collections. It’s perfect for any Christian writer (fantasy, historical romance, or contemporary romance) who knows a thing or two about the fairy tale genre. Thank you, Liv Blogs Again, forContinue reading “Wrote a Fairy Tale Retelling?”
Hi, all. I’m officially back to my little blog. I hope you are all doing well. My experience with Realm Makers’ virtual conference was fantastic, and I pitched my Galdur Snow Dog book to a couple of publishers. I’ll let you know how it turns out. But regardless of what happens, I gained great knowledgeContinue reading “I’m Back! Plus More Ideas for Your Reading List”
The following is insight from Lorene M.’s blog “Writing about…Writing.” Do you agree with this? I do.
What do you think makes a great book? Do you think you need to improve your story some? Science fiction author Jessi L. Roberts lists traits of well-written books on her blog. I re-blogged it here. Enjoy! Note: This is one person’s opinion, of course. I personally would forgive a long prologue if the worldContinue reading “Ideas on Improving Your Story, With Jessi L. Roberts”
Do you love reading fantasy and sci-fi chapter books geared toward ages 8 to 12? Jennifer Hallmark, my partner-in-crime in reviewing books, is looking for more book reviewers for her blog “Off the Beaten Track.” She’s interested in fantasy and sci-fi readers who’ll review, from a Christian point-of-view, middle grade novels. These readers are onlyContinue reading “Calling for Book Reviewers!”
K.A. Ramstad 