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Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Story Shift

January 17, 2024 By D'Ann Mateer

There are two kinds of writers in this world. Well, perhaps three.  Plotters Pantsers Hybrids Plotters plan the story before writing. They know where it’s going and what comes next.  Pantsers are those who write "by the seat of their pants." They have an idea, sometimes very detailed, but they simply start writing and let the story play out on the page.  Hybrids are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: pantsing, plotting, writing

When Life Throws a Curveball & Giveaway

October 13, 2022 By Cara Putman

I'm not a baseball fan, but sometimes life throws a curveball and you get to decide how to handle it. Last week, I was ready to write the next chapter in the book due December 1st, when and event happened locally that mirrored the plot. Almost exactly. Like too much. The next morning I texted my editor and then spent 20 minutes brainstorming with her what we needed to do. This book will get … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Assorted & Sundry Tagged With: cara putman, giveaway, plot twist, plotting, reading, writing, Writing Life

Help Me Plot My Next Novella

August 20, 2015 By Karen Witemeyer

Last week I turned in my latest manuscript. Whew! Meeting a deadline is always stressful but feels so good after it's accomplished. This one was no different. Unfortunately, I can't take much time off to celebrate because I need to get started on a follow-up novella. You see, this book is the beginning of a new series that will encompass two novels alternating with two novellas. And since I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Reading, Writing Tagged With: Brainstorming, Ladies of Harper's Station, plotting

Novelist Retreat: 11 Heads Are Better Than 1

August 6, 2014 By Tricia Goyer

  Last week I got back from a very special retreat. Every year, for a dozen years, a group of writers have gotten together to Plot, Pray, and Play. Here is our group photo:   … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Assorted & Sundry, Friendship, Writing Tagged With: author, novels, plotting, prayer, retreat, writing

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