Category Archives: Writing: Plotting

The Unexpected Traveler: Background on the Story

Posted on July 22, 2012 by dave

Continuing my “behind the scenes” story, in this video I discuss basic themes in the book and a little more about the story. I also introduce some of the drawings from the book. You can visit the book’s page here, … Continue reading →

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My Thoughts on What Makes a Novel

Posted on July 22, 2012 by dave

As part of a larger interview about The Unexpected Traveler, I muse on what makes a novel.

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Whence Conflict?

Posted on January 21, 2009 by dave

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 … Continue reading →

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Imagine Your Scene

Posted on January 14, 2009 by dave

When I write a scene, I’m writing down what I’ve already imagined. In fact, I live my novels! I’ve thought through the scene as though I were there as one of the participants. I see it, feel it, smell it, … Continue reading →

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Conflict is Essential

Posted on January 8, 2009 by dave

Don and Sally met, fell in love at first sight, married, and lived happily ever after. Their children were tall, smart, bronzed, and talented. They all married happily. And their children…. How boring. So what? It’s human nature that we … Continue reading →

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So Where Does the Plot Come From, Anyway?

Posted on January 1, 2009 by dave

What to write about? How to approach it? Do I have to think of the entire plot in advance? What’s the right amount of plot versus the right amount of character development? Do I even need a plot? Of course … Continue reading →

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