People talk and talk and talk

At least they talk to me. I've been accused of being a freak magnet even though I'm pretty sure that I'm just a good listener.

For instance, just by listening I've learned:

• No less than three theories about where Elvis is currently living.
• A really good reason never to eat frog legs.
• How to subframe a car.
• Three really good reasons not to drink tequila.
• What to say to your ex that will constitute terroristic threatening.
• All about french drains
• Why artificial sweeteners will kill you
• The merits of implants versus real boobs

I could go on and on but you'd probably rather I didn't. The cool thing is that all of these things will surface somewhere in my writing one day. Even if it's just something that I know about a character that no one else does.

If you're not a natural freak magnent like me then you may have to be a little sneaky about it. I'd suggest sitting on a bench in your local box store. You'd be amazed at what you can learn in just half an hour.

Evan Marshall's Template Generator Saves the Day!

I was doing some revision work on my romantic suspense novel last night and came across a scene that just wasn't working. I wrangled with it for a couple of hours and seriously considered pitching the whole thing.

Why was it there anyway? Should I just cut it out and paste it into my junk file? Today I had the brilliant idea of looking back at my Marshall Template Generator. I'd filled it out faithfully and was pretty sure that I didn't put anything in that wasn't necessary for furthering the plot.

Sure enough there it was and it was necessary. I must have been having one of those days at the keyboard because my template told me exactly what my conflict was and I'd even typed in some notes as to how I'd accomplish it.

Those notes allowed me to fix the scene to make my novel stronger.

Thanks Evan:)

Learn Character Driven Plotting in Two Days!!

Here's another workshop that sounds great. I wish I could attend them all. I hope some of you are able to make it there.

Our 2008 classes were filled with writers not-yet-published and multi-published authors.
This program is great for Plotters and Pantsers – what?!

It’s true. Plotters learn how to organize their story so that conflict doesn’t break down and pacing stays strong. Pantsers leave with a way to flush out weak spots in a story – PLOT HOLES – and fix the problems. Getting published just got harder with budget tightening…but publishers are always looking for good books.

More so than ever before – your story has to be the very best.

Instructors for Break Into Fiction® Power Plotting Retreat:

Award-winning author Mary Buckham
& NYT best selling author Dianna Love.

Retreat has limited seating to assure time to work with every attendee on their story throughout the 2 days. And…attendees receive 5 bonus templates.

"...I used to think I was good at plotting – but this past (retreat) weekend made me realize I’ve been guilty of a more complicated version of the ‘one damned thing after another’ plot. I’m stunned at how well an entire story arc came together in just two days.” Marcella Burnard

“Break into Fiction is solidly grounded in storytelling fundamentals but then goes much farther into the practical detail that determines whether your book will bring a check or a rejection slip.” ~~ Jon Franklin, author of Writing for Story and a Pulitzer Prize winner

Break Into Fiction® 2008 Attendees…

4 attendees from 2008 have sold
2 more have books with editors who have “recommended a buy”
15 have had agent requests, 10 finally finished their books
Many have finaled and won contests that put them in front of editors & agents
Published author feedback shows they are thrilled with their new level of production and writing quality

What about you?


LAST LIVE RETREAT IN 2009 -

St. LOUIS – April 4-5th



www.BreakIntoFiction.com



P.S. Also be sure and visit the website www.BreakIntoFiction.com to enter a Contest for great writing-related prizes.

Cave Region Review: Submission Guidelines Change

Coffee and Critique is reporting that Cave Region Review have changed their submission guidelines.


"Please pass the following information along to your members. I am co-editor of a new literary journal, Cave Region Review, published at North Arkansas College. This journal is dedicated to highlighting the best literature and art being produced in the Ozarks.

We have extended our deadline to Feb. 15 and have broadened our submission guidelines to welcome submissions from all writers and artists living in the Ozark region. Please visit our website, ttp://www.caveregionreview.com/ for complete submission guidelines.

This is going to be a quality journal in both content and format. It will be 75-100 pages, full color, and professionally bound."

Phil Howerton
English Instructor
North Arkansas College