When All Else Fails - Shoot Your MC

Ever think your plotline is getting dull? Yeah. Me too. It's sort of like being on a water slide, getting halfway down and your skin starting to stick and squeak as your behind lodges on the plastic ramp and you stay there, lodged, like an oversized, wet walrus.

Plot lines can be difficult -- hard to conquer and still keep a reader's interest. I've learned a few key elements to keeping your plot line moving and also getting that walrus the rest of the way down the slide.

1. Conflict. C'mon. We've all heard this. It's not a new idea. But consider making it unrealistic conflict. The type of conflict that sounds ridiculous when you say it out loud. It usually translates well to the written page. Sort of like actors who wear gaudy stage make up and up close look clownish but on stage look amazing. Example: Your heroine struggles with honesty to herself and her love interest -- what if you make her lie about a past relationship where her boyfriend abused her and in retaliation she killed him? Hmmm... or your heroine is mourning the loss of her mother -- what if she begins to consider suicide so she can join her mother and not live such a lonely life?
2. Pace. Again, not a novel idea (pun intended). Pacing is important. Once you reach the climactic point of your story you don't want to slow it down. Like a rollercoaster -- there ain't no long topped off hills. It's up and then - weeeee!!! - it's down. Keep things moving. Hack out your lengthy scene descriptions, unnecessary dialogues, and delete scenes when the story loses nothing if you get rid of them. 
3. When all else fails ... shoot your main character. Seriously. In my last book, my MC is abducted. In my current WIP, she's almost drowned and burned alive. (No I do not write horror - it's called a shipwreck and a burning house). In another novel I wrote, she was so damaged emotionally by the rejection of her birth father that she almost walked away from everyone else who loved her. 

Drama. That's what it takes. Drama of all styles and extremes. Talk your plot out loud to someone. See if they yawn in boredom or a spark enters their eyes. When you see that spark, then you know you're on to something!

Writing When You Can't

It's obvious things are going bad with writing when your word count for the previous month is 0. ZERO. It's emblazoned on the frontal lobe with the fervor of a tattoo artist inking a biker. A permanent mark on my performance that sags as I get older until it's flabby, unnattractive and ... green.

I have a newborn. I was awake at 1 AM & 4 AM - not too bad for a newborn, but nonetheless, words don't flow from my brain like Niagara Falls right now. More often than not, it resembles the desert. We all have moments of wandering through sand dunes and seeing mirages that look like great plot ideas and then our mouth fills with sand as we face dive into nothing by dryness.

Ok -- so enough word pictures for today. Here's my steps to writing when you can't:

1. Don't sweat it. Sometimes life throws other priorities your way. Of course, I can talk -- I'm not on a deadline to turn in a masterpiece manuscript. But, I'm also never going to be willing to sacrifice my family for the sake of my dream. Baby Cole needs my attention right now -- denying him his bottle at 1 AM is akin to denying me coffee at 7 AM. Not. Good. So, relax. Realize, God may have you in a different spot with a different priority. It doesn't mean you won't return to Author Avenue, it just means you took a detour.
2. Don't Forget it. So you're on a detour? Maybe it's writer's block, maybe it's a newborn, maybe it's family schedules, a move, a death, a financial crisis ... when you take time out, don't lag there. Be looking for opportunity to return to Author Avenue. It will come eventually, so be on the lookout. Maybe it's one sentence. One chapter. But as someone once said to me, one page a day equals one book a year. I'm looking for my opportunity -- I'm sensing it's coming sooner rather than later. So I won't forget my goals.
3. Don't Lose it. Please don't allow discouragement to steal your passion. I could even go so far as to resent my new son -- really? Where's MY personal time? Where's MY peace and quiet? Where's MY coffee? Discouragement sets in and soon I'm throwing my dreams in the air to get blown away into someone else's back yard. NO. no. no. Discouragement steals - everything. I love my new son. I love my coffee. I love my me time. I won't get discouraged because in a few months, that 1 AM feeding will be exchanged for a little guy who sleeps in 5-7 hr stretches (hopefully!), and that 1 AM time might just become my moment to shine -- or sleep. Either way, don't lose the dream ... don't be discouraged ... there is always hope for a new day, a new word, and a new cup of hot coffee.

The Reason I'm Brain Dead

This is a good enough reason to be a bit behind, isn't it? 
 

Cole Russell - 7.6 oz, 20.5

"

I'm baaaack!

Stole this from Sherrinda Ketch's blog! Great pic!

I'm back with a vengeance! I have downed three cups of coffee in my first blessed hour back at work, socialized with my Admin Assist. -- who, by the way -- wore the EXACT shade of purple today as me (I?)... that is how connected we are! I have had one meeting with my Manager of Regional Operations who became the HR Director for 5 weeks and bought me coffee and scone in celebration of his return to his old post. My boss still declined my request to paint my office wall red -- not sure why he's so opposed, but hey, I'll get a red sheet and hang it if I have to. AND -- I have not called home to check on the kiddos once. SCORE ONE FOR MOMMY! No tears were shed leaving. My DD practically pushed me out the door so she could play with Nana, and my boy just mowed on his pacifier completely unopposed to the absence of his mother.

ALL IS RIGHT IN THE WORLD!

And Friday is garage sale ... dear, blessed life returning to normalcy.

Book Report: A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island, by Cara C. Putman

Yes, I'm reviewing a NON-Historical novel! :) That's because I love, love, love Cara Putman's novels. She's one of those authors whose writing sucks you in from the first letter and keeps you there until the page turns. Then you feel as though your BFF moved away because the book is over and you have to wait months for the next Putman book to be released. Write faster, Cara! Sheesh. Think of your readers ;)

Fine. I'll stop gushing.

So this novel takes place on Mackinac Island - a place I have been and must say, Cara totally captured the essence that is the island. You will feel like you're really there. It's distinct culture is captivating and the pages capture it well.

The characters nab you right from the beginning. Alanna Stone has avoided coming home but her parent's plea wins and she returns to a place she fears will ruin her privacy and life. Jonathan Covington (how's that for a great surname?) may have been her first love, but he was also her first lesson in betrayal. (I stole that sentence from the back cover because it rocked!).

The book itself is not merely a romance and by no means a women's lit fiction. It's filled with intrigue and suspense.  Murder -- yes -- murder. Love it! Well, I don't really love murder, but in a book ... okay ... you catch my drift. If the characters survive this book it might be a miracle, but of course, I won't tell because that would be considered a spoiler. I don't do spoilers.

Don't be fooled by the title. It's not a simplistic coffee table romance about a cutesy wedding on a fairy tale island. It's more like, a stolen kiss right before the gun goes off.

Here's the formal blurp if my sketchy review doesn't already whett your whistle!

Attorney Alanna Stone has never forgotten Jonathon Covington--or the pain of his betrayal. In fact, he's why she's avoided returning to Mackinac Island. But an exhausting, high profile case and an urgent plea from her parents bring her home. She immediately finds herself thrust into controversy as an unsolved murder once again turns public opinion against her family. Jonathon has been waiting for her return, but the woman he sees now has little in common with the one who left. Will they be able to lay aside the past and let God heal their hearts, or will reconciliation come too late?

Check out this great read!!

Book Report: The Rose of Winslow Street, by Elizabeth Camden

I have been sorely remiss in reviewing some fantastic books largely due to a 7 lb 6 oz baby that made the last few weeks of my life utterly miserable and blessed at the same time! :) But back at it! I owe some fabulous authors the spotlight on my blog this week. The first of which, is Elizabeth Camden.

Can I just say this woman has a handle on her history? You can tell when an author immerses themselves in the annals of time -- their writing is rich with scene, characterization, and culture. All of which comes along with a great plot, solid romance, and an almost creepy quality surrounding an old house whose ownership is contested.



The Rose of Winslow Street is Camden's latest and greatest. Her second novel does not disappoint. Aside from the foreground on its delicate rose hued cover, the misty gate beyond tells the truth behind this novel. Romanian culture smacks Victorian American culture with a fight to lay claim to Libby's family summer home. When her father's precious and sensitive documents go missing, it stands to reason that Michael Dobrescu is behind the theft -- since he's trying to steal her house as well. Mystery shrouds the proud Romanian and Libby is determined not be a victim ... but can she save her future, her home and her heart in the process?


This book sets itself apart in that it is rich in all aspects of a true novel. I thoroughly enjoyed Michael Dubrescu's character. Lofty, strong, brisque. I enjoyed the intrigue around his past (I won't include any spoilers) and Elizabeth Camden puts the seal of perfection on a great male lead. You come to believe in Libby and her quest. You might even say, you become emotionally involved ... and that is the true success of a good story!

Definitely worth a read, The Rose of Windslow Street deserves a spot on your bookshelves for years to come. It's a reread and a reread, because it's just. that. good.

Book Report: Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top

What do drive-by diaper stores and God have in common? When is blabbing an acceptable habit? Why should you beware of moths and sligs? In her entertaining, uplifting style, award-winning author and humorist Jeanette Levellie weaves 72 amusing stories with affirming Biblical truths. These soul-nourishing examples of God’s favor and grace will help you:

• Laugh when you find cow patties in your field instead of daisies
• Discover the bottomless heart of God
• Grow in your acceptance of yourself and others
• Welcome a vacation from stress as you discover the sweetness of Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top.

You can buy the book here

About Jeanette

A spunky pastor’s wife of thirty-plus years, Jeanette Levellie authors a bi-weekly humor/inspirational column, God is Bigger, a popular feature in the Paris Beacon News since 2001. She has published stories in Guideposts anthologies, stories in Love is a Verb Devotional with Gary Chapman, articles in Christian and secular magazines, greeting card verses, and poems for calendars.  She is also a prolific  speaker for both Christian and secular groups, and loves to make people laugh while sharing her love for God and life.
Jeanette is the mother of two grown children, three grandchildren, and servant to four cats. She lives in Paris (not the French one), IL. with her husband, Kevin. Her hobbies include dining out, talking baby talk to her cats, avoiding housework, reading, and watching old classic movies.
Visit Jeanette on her blog, On Wings of Mirth and Worth, at www.jeanettelevellie.com.

MY REPORT
I love Jeanette. That's not to say this review is biased by any means. But to know Jeanette is to anticipate her writing. Filled with humorous illustrations that make a point, this inspirational read is uplifting, challenging, even daring. Daring you to live above the middle line -- to aspire to experience the fullness of Christ and the joy the comes with it. Knowing God, is to see His sense of humor in life's lessons, grasp His grace in life's trials, and taste the chuckles of extras He sees fit to bless us with.

Jeanette captures reality with a huge dose of Eternal.

Jeanette’s Giveaways

You can win one of ten free downloads of her debut humor devotional, Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top for your eReader. Here are the very simple rules:

• For each share of this post link on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog, you will receive one entry.
• For each like on Jeanette’s Author Page or her Two Scoops Book Page on Facebook, or follow on her Twitter page or this blog, you will receive one entry. If you already like and/or follow her, mention that and she will count it.
• Please send her ONE comment at the end of this post to tell her how many times you shared, liked, or followed, so she can give you the correct amount of entries. Jeanette reserves the right to verify all information given her, and disqualify anyone from the drawing who falsifies information. (Do not leave comments here to be entered, you MUST go to Jeanette’s blog post for the giveaway.)

Contest starts today and ends midnight, May 10, 2012. Jeanette will announce the winners in a blog post Sunday, May 13, 2012.

….and a $100 Gift Card Drawing~~~WOWZA!!!

After you have read/reviewed Two Scoops, check out her blog at www.jeanettelevellie.com for a contest to win a $100 gift card by answering ten easy questions about the book! After Jeanette receives your entry, your name will go into the hat for a $100 gift card to one of the following places (your choice): Amazon, Barnes and Noble, CBD, Hobby Lobby, Chick-fil-A, Wal-Mart, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, or Ruby Tuesday. This giveaway will run until August 10, 2012 so there is PLENTY of time for you to enter!

The author sent me the above book for review purposes. She will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Jeanette Levellie. The entire blog tour can be found here.