A Novel Idea

📖 The Scoop

DISCLAIMERThe author is an acquisition editor of fiction for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Writing conference students often ask what editors look for in a novel. The information contained in this book are the basic elements the author believes every good novel should include and in no way is meant to be a full-blown writing book. The intent of this book is to present the basic elements of writing a novel in under 60 minutes. Estimated word count is 15,000. In other words, it is a short book. (We keep saying this because some reviewers skim over the book's description and are surprised to find it is a short book.)PITCHING YOUR NOVEL TO LPCIf you want to pitch your novel to Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas have your agent contact us or catch us at the Writers Advance Boot Camp, February 21-23, 2014 at the beautiful Billy Graham Training Center (The Cove), Asheville, NC. writersadvancebootcamp(dot)comBOOK DESCRIPTIONPlotting SimplifiedWe remember characters; we pitch plot. In "Plotting Simplified" you'll learn how to map your story using the "passage markers" that shape every story's journey. From introduction and motivation to your lead's moment of maximum angst, you'll see how easy it is to develop a story line and keep your characters on the path to a compelling climax. Learn how to introduce the Great Disturbance, what four questions you should ask of your plot, how to map out your story, manage your key scenes, the seven keys to every good plot, "whyWorry," conflict and disaster spells success for the writer and how to introduce your major dramatic question. Been There, "Scene" That!Making a scene is as easy as ABCD. A good scene reveals information that moves the story forward (new goals, old secrets, hidden motives), shows conflict between characters (adds tension), deepens the character's development and creates suspense (introduces a new wrinkle that leaves the reader hanging). Learn the three keys to scene summary, how to create memorable moments in your story and what four questions you should ask of each scene. Learn professional secrets and begin crafting great scenes in just five minutes. Dramatic DialogueDialogue can breathe life into any fiction or non-fiction story. In this class we cover: scene and space--a scene is: doing (action) thinking (narrative) and talking (dialogue). Tools--a writer has a number of tools for story building: narration, action, description and dialogue stickiness --how dialogue sticks with us. Tags--when to tag, when to skip tags and where to place tags. Types--direct, reflective, misdirected, modulated, descriptive, breathless and compressed tips--when to circle back, go silent and add gestures. Punctuation--where to put those marks and quotes. Creating Compelling Characters Compelling characters are larger than life. They risk more, laugh often and love with passion. In this session you'll learn how to invent both likable and loathsome characters, winners and losers, heroes and villains. In this class you'll learn how to build motivation, focus flaws and and explore the feelings or your characters. You'll see how conflict, crisis and consequences shape your characters. We'll show you how to find the right character for your story, motivate your hero and heroin and how the "off-beat sidekick" can provide comic relief for your story.

Genre: No Category (fancy, right?)