"Shut Up!" He Explained by William Noble

Debra posted last month on an old book. Tis the season because the book I wish to tell you about this month was first published in 1987. For we boomers, that's not long, but for young writers, it's a lifetime ago.

Good books never lose their power. As a writer, that thought excites me. One lesson I've learned the last few years is that white space on a page beckons readers.

My eyes jump to a page filled with white space or, as writers call it, dialogue.

This has been my week to dwell on writing dynamic dialogue. The 4RV Publishing newsletter welcomed an article from me on Friday, March 1. I wrote about 8 Tips to Dynamic Dialogue. The URL for that article is http://4rvreading-writingnewsletter.blogspot.com/2013/03/8-tips-to-dynamic-dialogue.html?spref=tw in case you'd like copy and paste it into your browser and read.

No doubt, writing those words brought an old book to my attention. It's called "Shut Up!" He Explained.



I awoke last night wondering if I had reviewed that book on our books to write by blog. I checked. I hadn't. I am. I purchased this book from Writers Digest years ago before I ever heard of a writing group or a writing conference. It was just me, writing books, and a blank piece of paper.

I rush to this book whenever I struggle to ramp up the emotion in character conversations. When I taught a workshop on dialogue, I searched out this book for help. When I wrote my 8 Tips article Friday, again, I consulted this book. It's my go-to reference on this topic.

I perused the book, opening it on pages where I had sticky notes. I didn't get far. On page 5, I read, "Conversation, then, is not dialogue." Here's the example given: (Yes, I thrive on examples.)
"Where do you live?"
250 State Street
That's conversation.
"You live around here?"
"If you want to call it living."
That's dialogue.

Enough said.

Then, comes page 98 and 99. Yes, there's another sticky-note and tons of underlining and circling. I put my mark on this book. Here Noble compares fiction writing with screen plays. "On the stage, characters rarely speak their lines without doing something--sitting or walking, or drinking or making a face...." This is a good reminder. How long has it been since you went to a live play? Actors study their position on the stage along with their movements and coordination with others on the stage at least as much as their memorized wording. Should our characters not do the same?

Chapter 13 of this book explores beginning a short story or a novel with dialogue. How could that idea pump up the emotion and pull the reader into the main character's plight?

If you haven't added "SHUT UP!" He Ezplained, now might be a good time. The book has been released in paperback and is available on Kindle.

Goal, Motivation, and Conflict

Recently, I re-read the book entitled, Goal, Motivation, and Conflict by Debra Dixon. My writing friend, Kay had given the book to me and I remember reading it years ago, thinking I had already blogged about it. However, a quick search through this blog's archive had me surprised that this book has never been reviewed on here. I find this amazing since this book has helped a lot of beginning novelists out there in writing land. 

Pros:

To begin this review, I first have to say that it is an easy read. I've read some pretty tough reads in the past that made me feel like I was swimming through a murky swamp. Not this one. Ms. Dixon writes in a fashion that is engaging and simple to understand.

Goal, Motivation, & Conflict is filled with interesting information in which all writers should take time to learn. She covers in the first few chapters the reasoning behind a good book and what it takes to engage the reader. The book covers the who, what, why, and why not by using references to movies. It then becomes clear how these parts are invaluable to a story. Another wonderful aspect of this book, is how the author teaches the novelist to write a tagline. Taglines can be so difficult for the author who is so close to the story. With this teaching on taglines, the task seems less daunting. The book also covers scenes and how to write the perfect query letter.

I really love this book. I am so glad I decided to re-read it. After reading books by Swain, I feel Goal, Motivation, & Conflict covers a lot of his teaching in an easy to read vernacular. Because let's face it...Swain is no easy read.

Cons:

Let me use the technique of G, M, & C to describe the cons of this book. Goal - the reader wants to read this book. Motivation - the reader wants to become a better writer. Conflict -  I believe I last saw it on Amazon.com for $134. Buying this book used is probably the best and only option to obtain this book. However, the publisher might be able to provide some help, "Our books are either new, used, ex-library, or out-of-print. The condition of the book is described at the end of each description." ~http://www.gryphonbooksforwriters.com/

Here is what the publisher said about this book:

http://www.gryphonbooksforwriters.com/home/gmc.htm

Goal, motivation, and conflict are the foundation of everything that happens in the story world.  Using charts, examples, and movies, the author breaks these key elements down into understandable components and walks the reader through the process of laying this foundation in his or her own work. 

Learn what causes sagging middles and how to fix them, which goals are important and which aren’t and why, how to get your characters to do what they need for your plot in a believable manner, and how to use conflict to create a good story. GMC can be used not only in plotting, but in character development, sharpening scenes, pitching ideas to an editor, and evaluating whether an idea will work.

	Be confident your idea will work before you write 200 pages
	Plan a road map to keep your story on track
	Discover why your scenes aren’t working and what to do about it
	Create characters that editors and readers will care about
	Write a dynamite query letter to an editor Table of Contents Introduction If Writing Were Easy, Everyone Would Be Writing Chapter One Who, What, Why, and Why Not Chapter Two Goal:  What Your Character Wants Chapter Three Motivation:  “The Why” Chapter Four Conflict:  Caution!  Roadblock Ahead! Chapter Five Conflict Mascots Chapter Six A Closer Look at the GMC Chart Chapter Seven Big Black Moments Need GMC Chapter Eight Go Ahead, Make a Scene Chapter Nine GMC Brainstorming Chapter Ten Twenty-Five Words or Less Chapter Eleven This and That Appendix A Recommended Reading and Reference Appendix B GMC Charts

Janet Brown's book Divine Dining: 365 Devotions to Guide You to Healthier Weight and Abundant Wellness is a great way to start the new year and be successful with that yearly resolution to lose weight. Each day has a new scripture and thoughts on how that scripture applies to weight loss.

Don't worry if you pick up the book and the year has already started. You could either just start when you receive the book on the first page or skip over to the current date. The good thing is you can use the book over and over each year.

 I have known Janet for at least twenty years. When I first met her she was overweight. We lost contact for a few years. When I saw her again, I was amazed at the change in her. She told me she had lost ninety-five pounds by following the Weight Watcher diet. In fact, I ran into her again at a Weight Watcher meeting. Since that time, we have renewed our friendship and eaten many meals together.

She practices healthy eating and has maintained her new lifestyle for twenty years. When she said she felt led to write this book, I was excited and offered to read over her rough draft. I was even more excited when I learned that her book would be published. I can guarantee her book will help anyone struggling with weight loss.

I was encouraged as I read each entry and amazed at the fact she could compile 365 entries. I suggest that you do yourself a favor and buy this book. You won't be sorry you did.

Her book is available on Amazon or at Pen-L Publishing: http://pen-l.com/DivineDining.html


Janet's website is www.janetkbrown.com.

I purchased Janet's book for myself and one for a friend as a gift.

PLATFORM by Michael Hyatt

If you're wondering about the how-to of marketing an existing or upcoming book or just yourself as an author, the expert to check out is Michael Hyatt.

He was the keynote speaker for the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in September and shared many of his ideas from his latest book. Eager to market my first book, I purchased one immediately and dug into it as soon as I got home.

Wow, was it worth the money. I love his sub-title "Get Noticed in a Noisy World." None of us doubt, social media has taken over our computers. Many sites vie for our time and attention. My friend, Sue Watson, recently told me that mine was the only blog she looked at because she just didn't have time for them. Another friend, Mary Beth Lee, indicated that if she wasn't careful, reading all the blogs kept her from her writing. Others, like two of my comrades on this group blog, Debra Calloway and Stephanie Gallentine find themselves pressured by job and family obligations with no time to keep up online. Michael Hyatt called it correctly, a "noisy world."

How do we stand out? Hyatt answered many of my questions. I will be referring back to the book for further advice from time to time which makes it imperative to possess our own copies to keep on hand.

As a brand new tweeter, my first question was how often should I post on Twitter. Hyatt answers me on page. 174 of Platform. He explains not with just a number, but with personal examples and experiences. Second, how can I increase my blog traffic? Chapter 35 of Platform gives specifics.

Dreaming/goal setting? Platform begins with that.
Inspiration? Platform overflows with that.
Practical advice? Micahel Hyatt knows what he knows by doing it himself.
Means to stay legal? It's in there.
Suggestions? Well, suffice to say, I just discovered something I marked that I'd forgotten about when I read the book the first time. On page 225-227, Hyatt lists super blog ideas. Okay, Michael, I'm starting my who-to-e-mail-to-get-for-a-guest-blog list, thanks to rereading your book.

I recommend all BookstoWriteby viewers, if you haven't purchased this book, rush out and get it now, or go over to Amazon. Hey, you might even want to order it overnight.

Anyone else out there that's used this book?

Will you allow a busy writer to include my own books to this post? I'm trying to build my platorm. Okay?

This is my latest and my only non-fiction. Pen-L Publishing released it 12/1, in time for Christmas presents. It starts with a devotion on January 1.

To purchase, go to http://pen-l.com/zen/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=7

This is my inspirational, paranormal young adult released by 4RV Publishing in July, 2012. This would make a great Christmas present for a 12-17 year old girl.

To purchase it, go to http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/janet-brown.php

Thanks, Moonine Sue, Debra, and Stephanie, my co-authors of this BookstoWriteby blog for allowing me some shameless self promotion. God bless you.

STORYBOARDING

Subplots and extra layers can be dropped and forgotten as writers rush to bring all threads together, especially the main story plot. A dress mentioned in chapter two and brought up again in chapter six must have signficance in chapter twenty-one, or thereabouts. A reader requires satisfaction in bringing together two secondary characters drawn to each other in chapter eight. We want to discover there's a new romance in the works before we close the book.

The picture shows the rough beginnings of my work-in-progress. I purchased an inexpensive poster board and a bunch of different color post-it notes. That's it. I am now going back over it with pastel colors to mark four distinct subplots. Surprise, surprise, I had left two teens hanging with no romantic conclusion, but thanks be to storyboarding, I discovered the error in time to change things.

I remember lessons best by writing acrostics. Here's what I came up with to show the benefits or steps for storyboarding.




S Satisfaction in all subplots

T Threads that we mustn't drop

O Outlines whole manuscript in one swoop

R Rectifys errors in plotting

Y Yardstick to measure how many times something is mentioned.

B Boosts your ability to write an enjoyable read.

O Organizes your millions of notes

A Affixes small forgotten items that should be mentioned again

R Rambling is something we writers don't want to do

D Design blossoms on a big board.

I I love it!

N Novel tracking a new way

G Gallery of story pictures

This can be used when you begin a novel to keep you on target, or when you near
the end, the big board can point out errors or problems in plotting that you can correct.

I first learned about storyboarding when I took an online course from Shayla Black (aka Shelley Bradley). Find an earlier post about the course.

My simple mind couldn't take in everything she taught, but one thing I concluded from her instruction. I'm a visual person. A board with different colors offers me a visual image of what I've included and what's left out of my plot.

HAPPY STORYBOARDING and HAPPY WRITING from the books to write by gang.

"Victoria's Ghost" by Janet K. Brown, Sharing the Journey

I just finished reading Victoria's Ghost written by my friend and fellow blogger, Janet K. Brown. I was privileged, along with other members of this blog, to observe the growth of this book from the germ of an idea to a completed project. Sharing the journey with Janet began with her detailing her ideas for the story. I was excited because some older members of my Bible Study had lived in that community growing up when it was a booming oil-producing town. Debra and Stephanie were excited because it was going to be a Youth Adult, which both of their teenagers like to read. We read each chapter she either posted online or brought to our monthly critique meetings where we share our current works. I was fortunate enough to attend the Oklahoma Federation of Writers Conference in Oklahoma City with her when she was asked to submit her finished manuscript. She has shared her adventures of getting the call, marketing, polishing the final copy after editor suggestions, and the arrival of the actual book in the mail. We've celebrated each step of the way. We are thrilled to share this experience with Janet. It was such a pleasure to read the published copy of the book we had all grown to love as we cheered for Janet on her road to publication. Congratulations seems a hollow word to express my own excitement at Janet's success. Her hard work and perseverance in seeking and securing publication of her first book is a well-earned reward. Way to go, Janet. I'm proud of you. Not one to rest on her laurels, she is hard at work on the story of another teen-ager who lives in the Clara Community. I can't wait to read it. Purchase her book and enjoy Victoria's adventures at Clara Cemetery. You'll be glad you did.

Author Interview with Janet K. Brown

Today, I'd like to welcome our own local "Books To Write By" Blogger, Janet K. Brown. Her young adult novel, Victoria and the Ghost, debuts this month on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and 4RVpublishing.com.

When her mother leaves the family to become a Dallas trophy wife, Victoria's dad moves her and her sister to a North Texas farm to herd cattle and raise chickens. Refusing to believe this is more than a temporary set-back, Victoria tries to make new friends which isn't an easy task. The first one stabs her in the back with gossip and a sharp tongue. Meanwhile, her new stepsister takes Victoria's place in her mother's heart. Rejection and anger stalk Victoria like a rattlesnake in the cemetery. Good thing she makes friends with a ghost and through him, a good-looking teenaged cowboy.

Wow! Sounds like an interesting book. I can't wait to read it!

So, can you tell a little about yourself?

My husband and I live in Wichita Falls, Texas. We love to travel with our RV. He is my sweetheart and my best friend. I have three beautiful grown daughters, two great sons-in-law and three perfect grandchildren. I sing God's praises for the emotional healing He gave me nineteen years ago. I enjoy reading, traveling, line dancing, Bible studies, and lunch with my friends.

Can you share with us a little bit about your writing journey?

Writing has always been a big part of my life, but when I retired from my medical secretary's job six years ago, God led me to see it as a ministry. I first sold short stories for both teens and adults. Though I've completed seven books to date, Victoria and the Ghost is the first to be published. I praise Him for allowing me to do something I love that also, I hope, brings glory to Him.

Seven completed novels? Wow! Sounds like you really persevered as you grew in your writing. Did you ever feel like giving up?

Three years ago, I was obsessed with being published. Since I'm older, I saw my time running out for the opportunity. Rejections came faster than I could file them away. I fell into a pity party with only one guest.

Well, I think we can all relate to that feeling. How did you press through?

God set me down and told me, "I don't want you to write anymore, at all." I obeyed, though my heart broke. I spent three months with no writing, no editing, nothing. During this time, God walked with me. He became more dear—far greater than any by-line that I envisioned on a book.

God spoke to my heart one day of a story He wanted me to write. I started writing again, but the obsession had lifted. God showed me when I put Him first, He gives me the desires of my heart.

Ahh… words we could all live by… So, is that where the idea for this story came, or did God bring to mind an earlier idea?

I moved to Wichita Falls from Dallas where I was born and raised. A few years after we moved, my husband and I came upon the ghost town of Clara, Texas, just northwest of town. We walked among the tombstones. The area captured my interest. I read a lot about it, including the legend of Colonel Specht's ghost.

When my granddaughter, Victoria, (her real name), reached the rebellious teen stage, and her single mom couldn't seem to do anything right, God brought the story to my mind of a girl that really faces rejection and isolation in her teens. What would happen if this poor unhappy teen met a ghost who lived on with a sad heart?

The story floated in and out of my mind for years, but my demanding job gave me little time to get it on paper. I finally did now years later, and it became the first one to sell.

How do you feel this book will encourage young adults /adults, or did you have something in mind like this when you wrote it?

I don't know that I had it in mind when I started the story, but somewhere along the way, I saw the struggles of teenagers around me to make sense of things that happen in their lives. Divorce is a normal factor for many of them. Often, they process that as rejection. Especially in big cities like Dallas, teens fight the superficial aspects of name brand tennis shoes and the latest fad. I wanted to tell them there are more important things.

Thanks so much, Janet, for being with us today. We wish you great success with your book. If anyone would like to connect with Janet Brown below you will find links to her online.

Contact: website http://www.janetkbrown.com

e-mail Janet.hope@att.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Janet-K-Brown-Author/143915285641707

Here is the link where the book can be preordered right now:

http://tinyurl.com/4RVStore

By July 25, you can find Victoria and the Ghost on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and through book stores.