In Writer's Digest February issue there is an article - 25 Ways To Improve Your Writing in 30 Minutes a Day. Several writers contributed to the article but it was the first way by David Morrell, author of First Blood that helped the most.
Basically he said that the flow of our story will be 'impeded in two main ways - if we try to make the story do something that it doesn't want to do, or if something in us isn't ready to face the full implications of the work's theme and emotions.
He says to 'literally ask your work in progress , "What do you want me to do? Where do you want me to go with you?" There was more - but you get the idea.
So I decided to do this with my wip - Love By Design - here is how the conversation went... (and if you've forgotten Russ is based on Josh Holloway from LOST)
LIZ : So Russ - what happens next?
RUSS: You have to ask?
LIZ: Yeah, that's what the article said.
RUSS: S - E - X
LIZ: Again?
RUSS: Don't see what the problem is.
LIZ: You were in bed with Victoria for 2 chapters!
RUSS: I can go 3 or 4.
LIZ: Sigh. What do you think Victoria?
VICTORIA: It's not rocket science.
LIZ: Yeah, more like chemistry.
VICTORIA: That's pretty lame. Russ can you believe she calls herself a writer?
RUSS: Well, she created you.
LIZ: Awwww....
VICTORIA: Listen, woman - he's mine.
LIZ: I know. But a girl can dream.
Adorable post - but with great ideas - I WILL ask my hero and heroine what they want to happen next. BRILLIANT!
ReplyDeleteFun post, Liz! Made me smile.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Guess I shouldn't been too surprised that Russ' answer was sex!
ReplyDeleteThis was a fantastic post! So funny. Thanks for sharing your intimate conversation with us. I'm going to use this trick on my next project and see if I get the same answer! Oh, and thank you for the pic of Sawyer...I might just hang out here a little while if that's okay. I'll try not to drool on my keyboard.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome, especially for a first time writer like me, who's been stuck half way through for a couple of weeks now!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! :)
Heh. I remember what fun this is. I have to start doing it with Cole & Lara on my blog again.
ReplyDelete(Although sometimes I hate the way they gang up on me.)
Liz, Made me chuckle. I have a hero who is being very reluctant. Guess what he wants, You've got it. S E X
ReplyDelete@heather - sawyer is so yummy!
ReplyDelete@renaebell -glad it helped
@taryn - yes I miss those too
@ janet - that seems to be answer for most men - lol
A hoot! And having read your pages, I'm glad you've had this sit down. You're in the home stretch and must finish!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm stealing this idea - although I don't think my YA ghost will answer SEX but who knows.
LOL very cute. And my oh my that's a nice pic of Sawyer *fans self*
ReplyDeleteI Love this post! Love the photo too - yum!
ReplyDeleteFun!! :)
ReplyDelete