Tuesdays with Story

Writer’s Mail
Tuesday, August 5, 2014

“You’ve got to keep trying. If you’re a sky diver and you fail, it’s not good. But if you’re a writer and you fail, you don’t die. You just live to write another day.” –Todd Strasser, YA author

First and Third met at Barnes and Noble.

Amber talked way too much about the Writer’s Digest conference that she attended in New York, then read from Chapter Twelve of her urban fantasy, Stone. Jerry wanted to know how the guys knew the doctor was dead on the other side of the door. Andy would like to get to this chapter earlier. Pat doesn’t dislike the main protagonist, but she likes the other characters better. Kashmira is looking for more of an emotional response from the main character who learns she’s been gone for more than what she has at the moment. Pat is looking for the character to be more frustrated about getting answers.

Andy read from one of two chapters submitted from his novel, The Void. Judith suggested shortening an altercation between two characters. Kashmira agreed there were parts that went on. Also she was looking for an older character to have a little different voice, more unique. Jerry thought there were times when six people were speaking and he wasn’t sure who was talking. Pat thinks since he names the chapters, the titles should be some description of what’s in the chapter.

Millie read from Chapter Fifty-Six of Life on Hold. Andy loved how Millie hooked him with the ending of the chapter, but there are a few minor issues he had about doors opening and in which direction. He also thought there were a few too many coincidences happening in one chapter. Pat thought they could make a comment about perfect timing and laugh about it. Jerry wants Millie to consider having something happen to one character in uniform at the time when the Vietnam War has soured people against the military. In another sequence Jerry thinks the main character might consider erupting because of her Irish temper.

Kashmira shared a synopsis with the group. Pat really liked it. Millie would like to see it posted to the website.

Jerry read from his novella, Rubbed Out. Pat had a question about the mating of the troll doll with the brush and had a question about maybe being able to tell how old the deceased is from a tooth. Andy wondered about the telephone number. Amber wondered why Cindy got everyone gifts when it’s her going away party and suggested adding a line about wanting to give people something to remember her by.

Who’s Up Next:
August 12: Rebecca (Chapter 3, Lookout), Liam (Chapter, Prisoner of the Gods), Jen (end of Chapter 1, untitled novel)

August 19: Lisa McDougal (chapter, Tebow Family Secret), Andy Brown (chapter, Man Before the Fall), Cindi Dyke (chapter, North Road), Pat Edwards (???), Amber Boudreau (chapters, Stone), and Judith McNeil (chapter 16 My Mother, Savior of Men).

Newsletter Editors – Sign up for September!
We need someone to edit the Writer’s Mail weekly newsletter in September. Could it be you? Email Katelin to take on the job.

Fifth Tuesday
The July 29 Fifth Tuesday was a great time! Mark your calendar for the next Fifth Tuesday on September 30th. First and Third will host. Watch for more information in future newsletters!

Writing 201: What’s Your Angle?
They say that there are no new stories. In fact, author Christopher Booker suggests that every story ever told is a variation on seven basic plots. So, how do you differentiate your story from every other comedy, tragedy, memoir, quest, or rebirth? The answer is in the specific angle you use to tell your tale.

Read more… http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_assignment/whats-your-angle/