The New Face Of WordPress
Nice to see you again! Join in the discussion!Faithful readers will have noticed a change in my blog, namely that I am on my own domain using WordPress rather than Blogger. I made the change because I wanted more flexibility and control over my blog. WordPress delivers those options.
Now speaking of WordPress, a big change is in the wings with the release of v2.5. The look is changing as well as the navigation. The preview I saw tells me these changes are welcome. I thought so, anyway.
This was a good move for me. I adore this theme. It’s just the mood I wanted. Having WordPress made it possible for me, and for that, I am grateful.
Character
Back at the desk, working on revisions. I’m very pleased with how my novel is fleshing out. My next task is to make sure that a reader can picture my characters as well as I have. I’ve lost my perspective, you see. I’ve been with these characters day in and day out. I know them, but do the readers know them?
As a guide to my writing, I’ve consulted this character advice article. From Writing World, the article gives some very clear advice on creating memorable, recognizable characters. I wanted to be especially careful with three female characters. They are all blond, but their personalities are strikingly different, at least I hope that is obvious on paper. So now the dissection begins to make sure that they are distinct and that a clear picture exists of them. I’m enjoying this. This is truly the fun part for me.
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Learning From the Masters
It’s that time of year again. I adore Halloween. I love being scared–in the safety of my own home of course, as I watch scary movies and shows on TV. I don’t buy into the ghost thing; it’s all just for fun. Halloween though, will have me reaching on the shelves for ghost stories. Nothing better than a rattling good ghost story on a windy night.
My particular favorites are the older, Victorian era stories. The genre was in the height of its form and popularity then. I find this genre a particular interesting one. Unless you’re writing to a confirmed believer in the supernatural, you have to sell this amazing idea that a haunting has occurred. More likely than not, you’re writing for skeptics. The story can’t be lame. It can’t be so fantastic as to be laughable. I can’t think of a greater challenge for a writer.
Of course, part of the appeal of these stories is how they are interwoven into everyday life. It’s a life that I don’t claim to know, but one which I have researched to some degree as to recognize certain customs, etiquette, and morals of the day. If I can read a story of this time period and truly be frightened or surprised, I consider the author successful. The stories of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu and other now forgotten masters of their craft mesmerize me. I read these stories to learn how to create atmosphere, how to create suspense. I consider “The Monkey’s Paw”, a true ghost story. The final scene in the story is masterful. To be able to create such tension.
So, while I’m shuddering and making sure all the lights are on, I’m taking this opportunity to learn from the masters.
Writing Software
Different software programs have helped me stay organized and on track with my writing. There’s the spreadsheet I use to organize my scenes. For this task, I rely on Microsoft Excel. I also used Excel to do time lines on my characters, noting important dates in their lives.
For my writing, I use Word Perfect. I know, it’s not as popular as Word, but having grown up with Word Perfect, I prefer its logic, its set up. Besides, the Reveal Codes feature is priceless in my thinking. Sure, if need be, I’ll export as a Word file, but for the writing part, I prefer WP.
I came across another software through an ad in “Writer’s Digest” magazine called WriteWay Pro. Sure, it’s a word processor like the others, but there are some added features that I really liked. The character profile section has the usual prompts for age, interests, eye color, etc., but also the ability to add an image. I have very particular ideas of what my characters look like. Seeing them alongside their name and history was very powerful for me.
Another nice feature is the storyboard section. You can add screen cards with master templates as your model for Plot, Suspense, Setting, among others. A great way to organize the action of your work. Additional tools provide a word count, word count analysis and tracking. Now you can see for sure if you’ve used that favorite word of yours too much.Some may call it a glorified word processor, but for my part it made the last bit of my writing that much easier.
So as I wind down here with the revision of my work, I’ll muse about the next one and where my detective will find himself next.
Editing My Rough Draft
If I can’t say anything else, I can say that I’ve written my book. I completed my rough draft. Overall, the writing came easy. A couple of books were a tremendous help. Robert Ray and Jack Remick’s The Weekend Novelist Writes A Mystery provided a framework with which to plan your own work. Using Agatha Christie’s ,”A Body in the Library”, as a model, the book gave relevant exercises for you to use.
provided a framework with which to plan your own work. Using Agatha Christie’s ,”A Body in the Library”, as a model, the book gave relevant exercises for you to use. However, if you’re looking for more of a book that will “hold your hand” through the process, then Halllie Ephron’s Writing & Selling Your Mystery Novel: How To Knock ‘Em Dead With Style may be more what you’d prefer. The section on character development is outstanding. You’ll know your characters well after completing the series of exercises.
may be more what you’d prefer. The section on character development is outstanding. You’ll know your characters well after completing the series of exercises.Now that I’ve completed the draft, I am in the process of revising. I have to admit being intimidated by the fact that my finished product was far short of the usual word count. I struggled with how I would be able to fill out my mystery without it seeming like fluff. Much to my surprise, by getting to know my characters better, it’s coming easier than I thought. One thing I did was to find images for my characters. Having a face to associate with a name made bringing the characters to life easier, more enjoyable.
Next time, time saver and plotting devices I used.
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