A Few Good Points

I'm blogging over at Writer's Rest Today. Would love to see you over there, and learn of your editing woes.

Wishing you all a wonderful day ahead!


Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

It's Frosty Around Here

Quite literally.

I woke up to crystallized grass and roofs, and hugged my fleecy housecoat to me as I shot to the thermostat to figure out why the inside of our house felt like it belonged outside. A balmy 18 degrees greeted me. It's been colder when the furnace has conked, but never in spring.

Hubby says it's something to do with the pilot light and a service call is in order. Yes, I'll get right on that in the midst of baking, cleaning, and trying to edit, as well. Don't you just love the unexpected?

Anyway, once again I'll be a little sparse in the cyber world this week as I continue releasing sweat smells into our house through the fun job of baking treats for my niece's wedding weekend ahead. (Whew, you can take a breath from that sentence now.)

Hey, has anyone else read How To Write A Damn Good Novel by James N. Frey? I'm working through this one now, and I must say, it's motivating me and offers great examples of how to boost your prose. If you're not reading this one, do you have another good writer's manual you'd recommend?


Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

Just have to share this.

T. Anne shared this on her blog, and I just had to keep a link here for future needs. You'll see what I mean if you haven't visited T's blog yet.

Editor's Letter

P.S. I substitute Edit for Critique and tears bubbled out.


Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

Duty Calls

Hey, Everyone:

Over the next couple weeks I'll be a little sparce around here. I'll dabble in the cyber visiting realm, but my posts won't be as frequent, as I'll be busy in the kitchen creating treats for my niece's goodie trays. And I'll be praying 24/7 for strength to not taste test, as I still have a couple more pounds to drop before the wedding on May 15th to get back to goal again.

And, yes, have no fear, when the treats are in the oven, my editing will be going full steam ahead. Hopefully I'll have this round of ANB edits complete by the time Mar and Vishal say "I do". Now that would be an accomplishment considering all the scribbling I'm doing on those pages.

I'm looking forward to reading all your posts, and keeping connected that way.


Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

Ever been told your Characters are flat?

I've always wondered what makes a character three-dimensional, multi-dimensional...alive! I mean, if they're alive in my head, how could they not be on the page?

I'm thinking it all comes back to the dreaded backstory. We're told to cut, cut, cut, all that old stuff out, but what we really should be told is to select, select, select, all that's alive in that backstory and make sure it's present in an entertaining way.

If we look at a three-dimensional character from the perspective of their three dimensions: Physiologically, Sociologically, and Psychologically, then we know backstory plays a huge role in creating a believable, vibrant character. What has happened in their past can affect their appearance (scars, broken nose, and even how they choose to dress). Their social background and present state will also affect how they talk, their mannerisms, intelligence, etc., and those two combined with all that has happened to them in life thus far drives how they think, what they believe in and why they don't value something in particular.

I also believe that to have a well rounded character, they have to have a past, present and future they're striving for (think goals here). If we can weed through all that we know of our characters backstory and draw out the most pertinent elements of their three dimensions and slip them into our story in an entertaining way (think dialogue, beats, short narratives) at exactly the right time, then who lives in our heads will also spring to life on the page for others to empathise with, hate, believe, and even love.

How do you create a multi-dimensional character on your page? Does backstory play a role?


Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

You're Invited...

...to learn more about me over at Romance Writers on the Journey. A huge thank you to Keli Gwyn for featuring me today. She came up with some really thought-provoking questions. I hope you'll take a few minutes to check it out, and let me know how you would end the journey sentence.

Keli is giving away a beautiful bookmark, and I'm offering a copy of Daily Devotions for Writers to one lucky winner. Good luck to everyone!


Surrendering to Him,

Eileen

Review of The Taking of Carly Bradford by Ramona Richards

The Taking of Carly Bradford by Ramona Richards
LIS, May 2009


Back Cover Blurb: A CLUE IN THE WOODS

A blue sundress and white sandals. That's what seven-year-old Carly Bradford was wearing...right before she disappeared. Three months later, Dee Kelley spots the sandals in the woods and knows she's uncovered evidence. Dee lost her husband and child--she won't let another mother suffer as she did. She will help police chief Tyler Madison find Carly, whether he wants her assistance or not. But Tyler isn't the only one determined to keep Dee off he case. And evidence isn't all that she'll find waiting for her in the woods.


My Review: I haven't been a huge fan of many Love Inspired Suspense novels just because the majority that I've read (which are few because of these findings) are really heavy on the suspense, and stingy on the romance. But Ramona Richards didn't disappoint me with The Taking of Carly Bradford. She weaved a suspenseful story with a strong romantic thread throughout. I felt for both Dee and Tyler and routed for them to find their HEA, at the same time as I struggled to figure out who abducted Carly and how the little girl would be found.

If you're like me, and really thirst for a strong romantic thread in these suspense category novels, then this is the book to pick up. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!