tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post8791483074563339847..comments2024-01-12T00:48:48.031-06:00Comments on Go Teen Writers: Shannon's Journey to PublicationStephanie Morrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128389560727867719noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-33162909630419361182017-04-21T20:18:13.566-05:002017-04-21T20:18:13.566-05:00I know! xD Ooh! Thanx! What's it called?
I hav...I know! xD Ooh! Thanx! What's it called?<br />I have about 20 WIP's (no joke), so.... I have no idea which one I'll finish first. <br />Hunter's character is doing GREAT! I love my baby. <3 xDGJEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-24048070158800298562017-04-21T15:51:08.941-05:002017-04-21T15:51:08.941-05:00That's so cool you do that too! Well, I'll...That's so cool you do that too! Well, I'll make sure to let you know about my book when/if it comes out. :D And I'd love to hear what happens to Hunter someday too!Hannah Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01031092213110279579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-21110639078716405762017-04-21T10:07:06.582-05:002017-04-21T10:07:06.582-05:00@Hannah K, I've definitely tried these. I make...@Hannah K, I've definitely tried these. I make up scenarios and place my characters in them all the time. They don't always work out, but I get a feel for how my characters would react to certain things... :D<br />This is really strange, but I once wrote like... five pages in my head (word for word) while I was lying in bed. lol! xD<br />If someone (my sister or someone else on GoTeenWriters) talks about their characters, I am immediately drawn to the book! :D There's something about characters that never fail to catch my attention... :DGJEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-30666532722556525832017-04-20T21:46:53.149-05:002017-04-20T21:46:53.149-05:00@GJE, I tried interviews too, they can be helpful!...@GJE, I tried interviews too, they can be helpful! I think I go a little further though, because like you I LOVE characters. And I LOVE my characters. I spend so much time with them (in my head), it seems I get to know them inside and out (at least my hero). Maybe this is because I have trouble sleeping and will spend hours at night putting my characters in different situations and seeing how they respond. (Actually I pretty much write my stories in the middle of the night, and write them down the next day.) This is really fun, like interviews, only more real if you can imagine it like a movie. Close your eyes, walk up to your character, and say, "Hey." See how they respond. Pretend you see them in the hall at school. Pretend they're meeting for counseling with your pastor. What do they say? What are their facial expressions like? What are they feeling inside?<br />Is this totally weird, or have any of you tried these kind of interviews?Hannah Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01031092213110279579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-2746038821545860972017-04-20T21:26:50.820-05:002017-04-20T21:26:50.820-05:00Congrats on the progress you've made! And yes!...Congrats on the progress you've made! And yes! Maybe it'll be your turn soon. I hope good things for you, friend! KEEP WRITING!Shannon Dittemorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-79289925793211907792017-04-20T21:25:58.848-05:002017-04-20T21:25:58.848-05:00Absolutely! DARE TO HOPE!Absolutely! DARE TO HOPE!Shannon Dittemorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-53015996498353828282017-04-20T12:33:13.389-05:002017-04-20T12:33:13.389-05:00You're very welcome, LHE! xD
THANK YOU!!! Hunt...You're very welcome, LHE! xD<br />THANK YOU!!! Hunter is doing very nicely.GJEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-3277075736462998342017-04-20T12:27:58.558-05:002017-04-20T12:27:58.558-05:00Great idea, GJE. Thanks!
I wish you luck.Great idea, GJE. Thanks!<br />I wish you luck.LHEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-37099536204989899832017-04-20T12:27:17.177-05:002017-04-20T12:27:17.177-05:00And if you don't know how to answer the questi...And if you don't know how to answer the questions, that means that there probably needs to be more brainstorming. The results of my first few tries were very disappointing (most questions were not answered), but after a while, I started thinking about the questions as I wrote. And it helped A LOT! xD<br />Here is a list of some interviews:<br /><br />http://www.furtherupfurtherin.net/p/beautiful-people-archive.htmlGJEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-5958684091386424502017-04-20T12:25:16.331-05:002017-04-20T12:25:16.331-05:00I sent you an email. :)
Thanks for answering my ma...I sent you an email. :)<br />Thanks for answering my many questions! LHEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-14632164814572202202017-04-20T12:20:03.798-05:002017-04-20T12:20:03.798-05:00Hey! I couldn't help notice that ya'll wer...Hey! I couldn't help notice that ya'll were talking about characters, so I wanted to say something. Characters are my absolute FAVORITE parts of books, so I have been trying my best to make the characters in my books live up to my very high expectations. I had been struggling with making my main character, Hunter, believable because he is like one of those stereotypical guys with bad parents that become hard-hearted. And that's all. So I have been coming up with (and copying other) interviews and using them with my characters. They answer for themselves (like a real interview - lol), and it really helps. The questions range from easy ones, like What's your favorite color?, to deeper ones, like Who is the most important role model in your life? or What is the thing you most regret in life?<br />I find that these are really fun to do and are also VERY helpful. I get to know my characters, and their personalities really become more one-of-a-kind... :D<br />I hope my ramblings helped with either of your writings. lol xDGJEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-68914832333922279752017-04-19T22:11:26.940-05:002017-04-19T22:11:26.940-05:00Ahh, the science of creating amazing characters......Ahh, the science of creating amazing characters... :) There are probably a billion books that will tell you a billion different things. For me, it's actually one of those things that seems to come naturally (I guess, cause people are always saying they love my characters). I don't know what I 'expect', per se. It's kind of like with real people, we're just going to like some more than others. But think about people you like--what makes you like them. Maybe they're smart, kind, and unselfish. Maybe they smile no matter how hard their day was. That's the kind of thing that always draws me--how they respond to difficulties. I knew a guy who was half-grinning while he told me how he lost his job. His overseer was jealous of his standing in the company and had basically slandered him until he was fired. But he kept a positive attitude, he wasn't going to let this or anything else stop him from enjoying his life. So the hero of any book is going to face a lot of problems. If their response to these trials surprises me, makes me admire them, makes me want to cheer for them, maybe even encourages me in my faith... That's a huge thing going for that character right there. But also they need to be human--I'm sure you know that. If they're too perfect we won't empathize with them. If they have a big 'wound' (some kind of past trauma, disability, etc.), we want to see past that. Sure, about anybody is going to feel bad for an abused kid. But we also want to get to like this kid, just for who they are, and not just be feeling sorry for them the whole book. I think pity can really be a tool you can use, but you have to use it sparingly. <br />So as far as creating believable characters, although I really don't know how I do it myself, I would say first observe real people. Watch them. Listen. Imagine what kind of person they are--at home, in church, on the playground at school. Everybody is unique, even the most boring people, and when you start seeing 'characters' in real people, it will help your characters come alive.<br />I hope that answer your questions! Some questions of my own... What draws YOU to a character? What are your strengths when it comes to writing them? And what do you think is the biggest thing about your characters now that needs improvement?<br />I'd be interested in chatting some more with you and maybe sharing some work in progress. :) Feel free to contact me with the e-mail at my site, parisoflondon.com.Hannah Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01031092213110279579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-25623295312007731102017-04-19T12:55:42.807-05:002017-04-19T12:55:42.807-05:00I agree with you. For me, realistic fiction is wha...I agree with you. For me, realistic fiction is what draws me in. I like to know stories that could very much be real. If the character is boring or the plot is just too confusing then I'll probably put the book down. I really need to work on my characters. <br />I LOVE your long answers. They're really insightful and excite me every time I see them in the comments. <br />Here's another question : What do you expect from a character? What will make you drawn to the book because of them? :)<br />Peter Pan is a very well, laid out character. You will definitely remember him. Though, the plot kind of bored me (that's just me). LHEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-57810817658951855962017-04-18T23:07:43.008-05:002017-04-18T23:07:43.008-05:00No, it's not bothering me. :)
Me personally, ...No, it's not bothering me. :) <br />Me personally, I'm not into fantasy, sci-fi, or anything weird. Anything that feels like the only reason I'd read the story is because of some new weird or wacky idea. I want to be drawn to a story by the characters, the creative writing, the interesting plot idea at the very least. What catches my attention is usually the characters, though. If the back says it's about a girl who's cousin has a mother who disappeared without a trace (Belle Prater's Boy), I'm immediately thinking, what would that be like for her? For him? How is this character going to respond to that? That would be hard, how are they going to find out what really happened?<br />So I'm already wondering what kind of intrigue the author has woven into these people. If I start reading the book, and the characters aren't as mysterious and 3-D as I hoped, I'll probably put it down, or at least kind of zone-out. Lord Jim, by Joseph Conrad, is in my opinion hard to follow, poorly paced, and does way too much 'showing' rather than 'telling'. But the hero is a startling, mysterious, 3-D character, and that guy held me all the way through the book. <br />Of course, that's just me. Some people (especially boys, I'm guessing), are more drawn by plot--danger, adventure, fighting. Still, the most roaring action-adventure book would be no good without good characters. Read the original Peter Pan. Besides hilarious dialogue and incredible writing, the author weaves an exciting story with characters you'll never forget. Character and plot go hand in hand. But Peter Pan is who people remember. He's cocky, he's cute, but he has a mystery about him too. (I would say don't try to find out everything about your characters. Everyone has a mysterious side, and if you discover and surprise yourself as you write, your readers will too.) Back to the original question, though--look how much I like Peter Pan. And that's about the very definition of fantasy! But I don't care because the character caught my attention, and the story held up to my expectations. So I guess for me, I'd have to say an intriguing hero is what makes me pick up a book.<br />Feel free to ask any more questions (if I didn't put you to sleep with my terribly long answer!) Btw, I am not a professional--just figuring these things out myself and enjoy sharing what I'm learning. ;)Hannah Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01031092213110279579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-2354958221768339382017-04-18T07:49:29.276-05:002017-04-18T07:49:29.276-05:00Oh man. Thanks for sharing this, Shannon. It encou...Oh man. Thanks for sharing this, Shannon. It encouraged me a lot. <br />I'm in the middle of writing a YA Christian Dystopian trilogy (well, it's written. 2/3 of the books are just in their first drafts. XD) and it was great to hear how things went with agents and houses and queries and such. I'll (hopefully) be in that boat soon. :)<br />jeniquablog.wordpress.comwelcome to hellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07219265620491689459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-83554178911842112622017-04-17T06:49:35.554-05:002017-04-17T06:49:35.554-05:00NICE BLOG..
AFL Sports newsNICE BLOG..<br /><a href="http://newsklic.com/category/sports/" rel="nofollow">AFL Sports news </a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15813380386551174680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-10222305134571410362017-04-16T23:25:17.966-05:002017-04-16T23:25:17.966-05:00Yes, I hope I can too! Yes, I've just thought ...Yes, I hope I can too! Yes, I've just thought of my character's desire. I hope this isn't bothering you, but as a reader, what do you expect? You personally. It's so hard to meet the kind of writing everybody wants. Everyone has a different want when it comes to books. If you like fantasy, and then someone puts a realistic fiction book in front of you, then you'll already start to dislike it before you even give it a chance. There has to be something that catches a readers attention. Something that'll spark curiosity and cause a want for more. I need to work on that. :)<br />Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions and helpful advice. I really, really, appreciate it. :DLHEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-18039341668512107782017-04-16T21:52:50.934-05:002017-04-16T21:52:50.934-05:00No problem, I hope you can get the book!
The other...No problem, I hope you can get the book!<br />The other thing I forgot to mention that he talks a lot about is desire. Those questions will only work if your hero has a driving, unmet desire he/she is trying to fulfill. You throw obstacles in the way of that desire, sharpen it, escalate the struggles, listen to your characters, and write from a reader's perspective (what do readers want, how can I meet or exceed their expectations?). All easier said than done, right? But it helps to have someone who understands the way we like to write and help us do it better. ;) I hope you can get the book and find it useful!Hannah Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01031092213110279579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-83855536585066271262017-04-15T22:58:50.511-05:002017-04-15T22:58:50.511-05:00I find that also giving the characters a little tw...I find that also giving the characters a little twist can really add to the story. For example: giving a character ADD, or dyslexia, etc. <br />Seriously?! I NEED that book. Gracious me. Hannah K, thank you tremendously!<br />Ok, if you don't mind, I'm gonna copy and paste your questions to my notes. Those are really going to help me. You are such a blessing. I'm gonna look for it now....LHEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-33054544215049995302017-04-15T21:51:52.523-05:002017-04-15T21:51:52.523-05:00Thanks for sharing! Dare I hope my first book will...Thanks for sharing! Dare I hope my first book will be published too? :-)<br />It was great to hear your story!Hannah Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01031092213110279579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-23938818405374447452017-04-15T21:49:44.960-05:002017-04-15T21:49:44.960-05:00Hey LHE,
I would highly recommend the book Story T...Hey LHE,<br />I would highly recommend the book Story Trumps Structure, by Stephen James. If you have to buy it, do--it's totally worth it. I'm just like you--I hate outlining, and besides, I never get any great stories that way. I like to surprise myself, to follow my characters where they want to go. But then my first book turned out to be a bunch or 'normal' happenings in my character's lives that had no connection to each other. After reading (and re-reading) Story Trumps Structure and applying the ideas to my writing, I all the sudden had plot without even trying! (And NO outlining!) Sure, it took me 3 drafts till I was happy with the plot, but it really transformed the way I write.<br />Here's 'organic' writing in a nutshell. As you write (and if you get stuck), ask these questions:<br />1-What would my characters naturally do in this situation? 2-How can I make things worse? 3-How can I end in a way that's both surprising and inevitable?<br />Hope this helps! Get the book! I think it would help you a lot!!Hannah Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01031092213110279579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-44570864354789566912017-04-15T10:53:29.457-05:002017-04-15T10:53:29.457-05:00I'm glad ya'll are helping me too. Sheesh,...I'm glad ya'll are helping me too. Sheesh, you all are very helpful. I don't know where my my writing would be without these posts or your all's helpful comments. :)<br />I'm so glad Angela Ruth Strong recommended GTW to me. :DLHEnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-83141126833786772722017-04-15T09:56:37.280-05:002017-04-15T09:56:37.280-05:00You're so kind, Julie! Thank you.You're so kind, Julie! Thank you. Shannon Dittemorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-73391634489303755362017-04-15T09:56:24.167-05:002017-04-15T09:56:24.167-05:00Keep writing, Robin! I just came across a Twitter ...Keep writing, Robin! I just came across a Twitter thread on Rae Carson's page that's worth checking out. The gist is that her and a bunch of authors (like 12 or something) met a while back, encouraged, critiqued each other, kept pushing forward, and now, all but 2 of them are published and those 2 threw in the towel a long time ago. The whole not giving up thing is important. Find Rae on Twitter and read it from her. It's a good, encouraging story. I wish you so much luck and peace as you journey. Shannon Dittemorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4024721400572472213.post-39716196166371219062017-04-15T09:52:59.701-05:002017-04-15T09:52:59.701-05:00I'm so glad you're all helping one another...I'm so glad you're all helping one another! Makes my heart happy.Shannon Dittemorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07757781231485815876noreply@blogger.com