by Stephanie Dethlefs | May 11, 2023 | First Draft, How to write a novel, Planning your book, writing craft
How do we create characters that are nuanced and complex without being stereotypical, flat, or strange caricatures of themselves? The key is to know them. Like, really know them. Recommended reading: How to Plan a Character Arc Transcript: Stephanie (00:07):Hello...
by Stephanie Dethlefs | May 10, 2023 | Character Development, First Draft, How to write a novel, Planning your book, Plot development, writing craft
Who is one of your favorite fictional characters? [I’ll give you a minute to think.] Once you’ve named one, I’d like you to take a minute and think of three ways you would describe the character. Try to only use one of them as a physical descriptor. And…go! (I’ll...
by Stephanie Dethlefs | Apr 5, 2023 | Book Coaching, Books for Writers, First Draft, How to write a novel, Reading for Writers, Revision, writing craft
In this video, I share two of my favorite resource books that directly (or indirectly) solve the “show, don’t tell” dilemma most writers face. The Scene Book: A Primer for the Fiction Writer, by Sandra ScofieldUnderstanding Show, Don’t Tell (And Really Getting It),...
by Stephanie Dethlefs | Mar 29, 2023 | Book Coaching, First Draft, How to write a novel, Planning your book, Plot development, writing craft
In the pilot episode of the television show Lost, which aired in 2004, main character Jack opens his eyes to discover that he has survived a plane crash and is currently surrounded by chaos. He immediately jumps up and into action, helping other survivors. Once things...
by Stephanie Dethlefs | Feb 2, 2023 | Book Coaching, Books for Writers, First Draft, How to write a novel, Planning your book
In this video, I share two of my favorite resource books for clarifying the big picture of what you want to say in – and do with – your novel. What have you read lately? Let me know in the comments! Blueprint for a Book, by Jennie Nash Story Genius: How...
