We're baaaack!
Today we're bringing you Go Teen Writers LIVE: Episode Three in which we discuss how to hook readers and create a story that stands out from the crowd. Enjoy the video! (And forgive me for being so quiet! I'll have to double check my microphone next time...)
If you'd like to ask us a question that we will answer LIVE in the future, simply participate in the writing exercises as they become available on this blog and be sure to enter on the Rafflecopter entry form below each exercise.
If you missed the other two episodes of Go Teen Writers: LIVE, the links are below. While you're watching, be sure to click "like" and to subscribe to Stephanie's YouTube channel. Also, leave us a comment and/or feel free to ask further questions about the talk. We love talking with you guys!
Go Teen Writers Live: Episode One
Go Teen Writers Live: Episode Two
Another interesting video. Thanks so much. I'm going to have to check out those book recommendations, and I look forward to the next video! :)
ReplyDelete-Ann
Thanks, Ann!
DeleteThank you for this video. This really makes me want to get into character for my protagonist(s) and my antagonist(s). Readers will definitely enjoy a book they can relate to. Do you have any more recommendations of craft books for writing? I'm about to enter the editing stages and would really like ideas on books to read that will help make my writing great. Thanks again! :)
ReplyDelete~PT
Here is a link to my recommended book list: http://jillwilliamson.com/teenage-authors/suggested-books/
DeleteIt's been a while since I updated it, though, so I'll have to give some thought as to what I might add top the list. Off the top of my head, I'd add Save the Cat, which is for screenwriters, but it really helps me in terms of overall plot. Our GTW book is specifically for those who are in the editing stages. Another book I like for editing is Self Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King. It really helped me a lot.
Thank you so much! I actually have the GTW book on my kindle already. I really like how it was written. Thanks for the link. I'll definitely be checking that out. Thank you for the recommendations. I really appreciate it. Have a wonderful day. :)
Delete~PT
I have a question. The project I'm working on I split into four parts, each in fist person and focusing on a different character. Is that good idea, or will reader only read the first part and skip the rest?
ReplyDelete-Emily D
I think it could work, but it depends on how you execute it and that you both create enough curiosity in each story to propel readers into the next one, then make each POV engaging. Are you telling the same story from four POVs? Or is it one big story and you switch POVs four times?
DeleteIt's going to be one big story told four different ways, and each character has different subplots based on what's happening in their lives at the time the story takes place.
Delete-Emily D
That was a really great question, LHE! I've been asking myself the same about my first science fiction WIP. The two things I find most compelling and memorable in books are unique character voices and surprising plots. Finding a solid but fresh motivation for my main character has been a struggle for me. Thank you, ladies, for your insight!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm so glad I got to ask it. :)
DeleteI've been trying to make my characters better, so this was really nice.
Yes, unique characters are the best. I love when I can relate to them in some way, so I'll also work on that. :D
We're goofballs. That's all I can say.
ReplyDeleteThat's why we get along so well :)
DeleteThank you so much for doing these episodes. They're so helpful.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering: If a story grabs you when you're in the middle of a couple of other projects (at the moment, I'm editing one and drafting another... *gulp*) should you just write it down nicely and then go back to whatever you were writing? Thank you so much again for the tips!
~Faith
thefloridsword.blogspot.com
Hopefully it's okay that I comment on this because I relate to this so much. I get inspiration from literally anything. During the time I was writing my WIP, I kept getting hit with other story ideas. I start them, letting the thoughts flow, then when I finish with all I can think of for that, I go back to my WIP. Sometimes, it helps me to take a break from my main project to refresh my mind and focus on other ideas. Full disclosure, I have more than twenty other ideas all on my computer. Honestly, I can get frustrated with myself.
DeleteIf you feel the idea is one that you want to pursue after the other ones you're focusing on, then you probably should write it down or at least a brief summary of it. I tried to discipline myself to only write the main idea and keep focus on my main project, but that failed after a while. :)
Sorry if that was long winded. Hopefully this helps. Keep up the good work. :)
~PT
I'm with PT. If I'm hit with a fun idea, I have to write it down. Then I can file it away and be at peace to return to my WIP. I rarely drop my WIP to write something completely new, though. Books get hard, and that's often when the new ideas start coming. But every new idea will someday get to that same hard place, so that's why I write it down, then get back to work.
DeleteThank you all SO MUCH!!! I took so much notes, and I'll try to check out those books. I really appreciate you all answering my question.
ReplyDeleteOkay, Mrs. Williamson, this is SO weird. It's like you ALWAYS read my mind. You were talking about creating a powerful, emotional experience, and I have been thinking of the same exact thing! I've been trying to work on that.
Deepen my character. Deepen his world. Those are really helpful tips, ya'll!
Again, thank you so much, guys. You all have been a wonderful help. :D
I do the same thing. I read a book, and the writing strikes a creative part of my brain, and I rush off to go and write in my WIP. I do that during movies to. They both seem to help me. :)
Oh, and I act my scenes and characters out all the time. It helps so much. I mean if you were that character, what would you say in his\her situation?
DeleteHow would you react to what's going on around you? So, yeah that really helps too. :)
(I would highly suggest it.)
I'm so glad the video was helpful, LHE! Hooray! ;-)
Deletei just love this episode, one of my favorite..thank you for this link..appreciable post..
ReplyDelete