In-depth characterization, thoughtful Christianity, and an authentic teenage voice help set this story apart from the other books about lost children and teens finding their way. Continue reading
Meet My NaNoWriMo “Persona”
Get to Know (Part of) Me
Image credit: swshinn.com
There’s a problem with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). And I don’t mean the write-50,000-words-in-30-days thing.
You’re not allowed to start until November 1. So you spend October outlining, planning, brainstorming, world-building. And being frustrated because you love your book so much but you can’t write a word YET.
In preparation for NaNoWriMo, I did something I haven’t done a lot: interview my characters. I had fun with this one, and I’m sharing it as an example (because who doesn’t love free examples?). Continue reading
Class Your Character
What Would Your Character Be?
I came up with a cool way to explore your characters. It’s all about archetypes (which are like stereotypes, but good).
Here it is: what role-playing class would they be? Not just in their fighting styles, but in their essential method of dealing with life.
Maybe you’ve already thought of something similar, but it sounded like fun to me. I’ll use some examples from popular fiction, and from my own works to show the brainstorming in action. Warning: major geek alert! If you’re not up on the World of Warcraft/DnD field, here’s a quick crash course (with pictures!). Continue reading
“The Road to Dar Rodon” by Nat Russo
Too Short a Story for a Big World
Step into a fantasy world of mystic powers. Although the characters didn’t speak to me very well, the dirt under their feet, the towns on the horizon, and the “mythology” above their heads made me feel like Mr. Russo could just sign up a developer and Neverwinter Nights might have competition.
Continue reading
Dead Men Talking
More Powerful In His Death
Photo credit: PopOptic.com
Ratatouille‘s Gusteau, though dead, still towers over the movie. Arguably, he’s a more powerful figure than he might have been had the moviemakers kept their original plan of keeping him alive. Warning: thematic spoilers. Continue reading
“Falcon” by Ronie Kendig
From the desert night combat zones of Afghanistan to the intricacies of interpersonal interaction, come on an adventure where the international stakes run high and the emotions run higher. Continue reading
“Rules of Murder” by Julianna Deering
Entertaining Tribute
Rich, well-dressed English gentlemen, indefatigably discreet butlers, coy yet conspiratorial society girls, and plenty of fresh corpses populate this period piece where no one is as they seem. Continue reading
“Blind Dates Can Be Murder” by Mindy Starns Clark
I wasn’t really raised reading “romance” novels, so even though Blind Dates Can Be Murder contained mystery elements this book proved to be a new genre experience for me. When read in the context of the other “Smart Chick” books, it’s my least favorite of the three.
In the first book, The Trouble With Tulip, photographer Danny Watkins realized he was in love with his childhood friend Jo Tulip. However, when she decided to set romantic relationships aside to focus on God, he secretly consented to wait for her.
Now, though, he’s going to take the plunge: he’s going to tell her he loves her! Jo, however, has no idea. Continue reading
Let’s Get Personalized!
A Case Study in Voice
Image credit: Disney.wikia
Our dashing, masked hero karate-chops in the door and strikes a pose. “Aha! Launchpad, we’ve got them now. You head to the roof to cover their retreat!” Continue reading
“Kate Walden Directs: Bride of Slug Man” by Julie Mata
This story about a middle-grader with a passion for making movies is accessible to people of any age or any interest, and is an engaging, fun read.
Kate Walden is a seventh grader with dreams of a Hollywood director career. She’s already made one movie, and is determined to make a second. However, a new boy moves into her school and decides to make a movie, too. From there, the complications mount as she strives to show up the newcomer while scrounging for actors, props, and locations…and dealing with bullies and friend-issues. Ah, the simplicity of middle school. Continue reading