Storytelling is an art. It’s a profession we writers feel called to engage, and yet the story that we tell has to connect with someone other than ourselves. What an irony! How do we engage an audience we’ve never met? What makes some stories flop and others become bestsellers? These are questions every serious writer… Continue reading Connecting with Your Audience (Part 1)
Last week, we discussed the basic development of tension in our novels. Today, we’re diving deeper. What strengthens the existent tension? I think the answer is really two-fold. 1.) The cost. Great novels force readers to invest. Have you ever heard someone say make your characters likable? They’re saying that to help increase your tension. When a… Continue reading Increase Your Novel’s Tension (Part 2)
This year at ACFW, I met with agents to present my book proposal. During my appointment, the agent wanted to know how my story developed–What roadblocks stood between the two main characters? In light of this, over the next three weeks, we’re discussing tension. How can we develop rising tension in our stories? What makes for… Continue reading Increase Your Novel’s Tension
***If you wish to read a previous chapter, click the teal “Wednesdays in Whippercreek” above.*** A gavel knocked against the wooden table. “Court’s in session.” “We call Mr. Rivers to the stand.” Barton paced the room with an all too eager smile smacking across his rounded lips. Loud laughter and murmurs filled the space. In… Continue reading Ch. 28: A Tender Moment
Ella’s heart ached within her. She was to be Mrs. Cade Stevens, but after all this time, she hadn’t even known the man’s true name. How could she trust anything he’d told her? But a soft spot in her heart, pierced through the anger. He had come for her after all—come for her when she… Continue reading Ch. 27: A Tortuous Memory
***Click the teal “Wednesdays in Whippercreek” above to make a chapter selection.*** Ella stuffed all she could inside the trunk that had once held her mother’s most priceless possessions. She intended to leave Whippercreek for good. Remaining only caused painful memories. Folding the last of her clothing articles into the truck, she shoved the lid… Continue reading Ch. 24: A Timid Traveler
***Need previous chapters? Click the teal “Wednesdays in Whippercreek” above to make a selection.*** Cade paced with nervous movements outside the cabin behind the church. He had come to speak with Ella’s father, but the words escaped him at present. I love Ella.–Far too brazen. Sir, may I court your daughter? No, you may not,… Continue reading Ch. 19: A Take on Love
