Here are some comments I received from Joe over several e-mails. I thought you’d enjoy them too. The free edition of Broom 1 is still available; go to the www.americanflyingbroomstick.com site to subscribe to a free chapter a week.

Since the 1st chapter I’ve been enjoying your book, and thank you for it being free.

This chapter [74], however, I enjoyed very, very much. Being in the aerospace business…and having been to London, today’s chapter was extra fun, great narrative and descriptions.

Randy Cassingham is the reason I signed up for your book, I’ve been a This is True subscriber for many years (the premium edition with this email address, the free edition with another.)

I was actually thinking, less than 5 minutes ago, that I hadn’t received a chapter recently (meaning this week) and that I miss it, and briefly considered buying the book, then quickly realized I just can’t realistically take the time to read a book and will settle for a chapter a week.

At any rate, I do immensely enjoy your writing and story, and thank you very much for providing the free version!

Readers have four options for the first book in the American Flying Broomstick series: buy the book from us ($9.95+S&H), buy the hard copy from Amazon ($9.95+S&H, eligible for free Super Saver shipping if your order totals $25 or more), buy it on Kindle (currently $6.95), or get a free chapter a week. Anyway you do it is fine with me. I’m delighted so many readers are enjoying it.

Writing: Dialog

The Mt. Sneffels Press Catalog is expanding, soon to include Mary Ann Dismant’s memoirs remembering her early years in Denver.

And I’ve added something new. We have many local authors who have put together some pretty cool stuff. I’ve volunteered to do web distribution for them, and am pleased to add an “Extended Catalog” to include these. Although not published under the Mt. Sneffels Press logo, you can purchase them online for Mt. Sneffels Press fulfillment.

Up first on this list is young author Michael Carson with his science fiction parody of science fiction, Extreme C-Sections!

And I’m adding three of Susan Palmer’s handbound and handpainted books of poetry, The Tao of Now, Autumn of the Seeker, and Living in the World. These handcrafted books complement Susan’s lovely poetry.

Writing: Dialog

How do you like to describe events in your novel? By event I mean something that happens to further the plot. Let’s take an example.

Your outline (you do have an outline, don’t you?) says that Jack, Mary, and Jane meet each other at the Post Office. Jane is excited about her new movie role. Mary is upset because she didn’t get the role. Jack is courting Mary, so wants to advocate for her. The scene begins stiffly as Mary offers her grudging congratulations to Jane. Jack tells Mary she should’ve had the role. Mary starts to cry. Jane, embarrassed, tries to leave but Jack starts explaining why Mary should’ve won.

Okay, how can you describe this? I can think of three ways. You may think of several more (if so, please comment and describe them). First, you can play the scene live. You set the scene and record each line of dialog just as it was spoken. Second, you can summarize Read more…

Writing: Characterization, Writing: Dialog, Writing: Style

In previous posts, I’ve talked about a necessary ingredient in your novel (indeed, in all fiction): conflict. So what should the conflict be? Sometimes it’s obvious, for example your novel on star-crossed lovers. Other times it may not be.

When you think about your next novel, you start with a hazy picture in your mind. In fact, the conflict may be the first thing you see: a couple loses their only child because of a doctor’s (perceived) incompetence. With that you can construct characters. Clearly you need a man and a woman. And maybe a boy or girl. Oh, the doctor. Maybe a lawyer or two. Throw in a judge. Starting with the conflict opens up whole new vistas.

Ah, but perhaps you’re writing your next romance novel. The characters are standard: a (few) women and an irresistible man (or two). But hasn’t every possible romance novel been written? Hmph. You’re stumped for an appropriate conflict. After all, the whole point of a novel is to Read more…

Writing: Characterization, Writing: Dialog, Writing: Plotting, Writing: Style

Critiquer 1: “I love it! Delightful characters, beautifully developed scenes, lovely story arc, I cried at the end!”

Critiquer 2: “You’ve got a good idea, but frankly Sam falls flat. Can a man really just think of only one thing all the time? Surely you can add a little depth. And I’d develop the relationship between Susan and her mother a bit more, and tone down Jennie’s attempts at humor—they’re not really relevant.”

Which critique would you rather get? Critique 1? Sure, it makes you feel great! And Critiquer 2 just doesn’t understand what you meant. You’re headed straight for a Pulitzer, right?

I disagree. I think Number 2 is more useful. You’ve got to take into consideration your relationship with Critiquer 2, of course—perhaps he is trying to be hurtful. But the chances of that are slim, assuming you’ve chosen your critiquers carefully. Critiquer 2 gives you real Read more…

Writing: Dialog

Dialog is a tricky thing. I hold to the idea that every bit of dialog must push the story along in some way. It can be used to round out a character, or perhaps reveal some information the hero doesn’t know.

But be careful. Dialog, like everything else in fiction, must be believable. Your readers get to know your characters, so the dialog must sound like something a character would say. For example, if your character were a 15-year-old male, he likely would not say Read more…

Writing: Dialog