Comments on: Strengths

By: Jordan Summers

Jordan Summers — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:34:05 +0000

Shiloh, I believe that’s a skill. *ggg*

By: Shiloh Walker

Shiloh Walker — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:31:14 +0000

Does making characters suffer count?

I take great joy in making my characters suffer.

By: Jordan Summers

Jordan Summers — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:37:31 +0000

You and me both, Patrice. *g*

By: Patrice Michelle

Patrice Michelle — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:56:20 +0000

Strengths: Action sequences, fast paced storyline, dialogue, creating tension and plotting. When I go deep in characterization, the emotion usually follows, yet that’s where I think I am right now–learning that delicate balance between taking the characterization another layer or two down AND keeping the plot/storyline fresh and new. Wish there was a magical formula.

By: Jordan Summers

Jordan Summers — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:31:26 +0000

Kerry, That’s an interesting way to do a first draft. I admit that my manuscripts skew on the high side when it comes to dialogue. It’s filling in the other bits that’s more of a challenge. Of course, I love to yap. *ggg*

By: Kerry Allen

Kerry Allen — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:04:13 +0000

Definitely dialogue. My first drafts tend to be 90 percent talking, 10 percent {insert action here}. (Literally—lots of placeholders in that first go-through!) I need what the characters say (and don’t say) to figure out who they are and what happens.

Which is weird, since I’m not a talker myself…

By: Jordan Summers

Jordan Summers — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:23:54 +0000

Caryn, That’s at least two. Nora is the Queen of Head-hopping and it hasn’t hurt her career. Not everyone can make the transition as smoothly as Nora. The key is ‘knowing’ that you’re doing it.

Yes, it’s far easier to zero in on our weaknesses, but not today. Today we celebrate our strengths.

By: Caryn

Caryn — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:09:46 +0000

Excellent idea for a topic! Of course, like you, I’m not sure I could just list my strengths, in writing or otherwise. People have said that my writing is funny and they like my voice, so I suppose that’s one. I’ve only ever head-hopped once, and that was just one line in my first book, before I knew what I was doing. But, really, I’m so much better at pointing out what I could have done better. I annoy myself with that, in fact.

By: Jordan Summers

Jordan Summers — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:21:06 +0000

Amie, The key of this post is to remind everyone to play up what they do well, not dwell on what needs work. So be proud.

By: Jordan Summers

Jordan Summers — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:20:10 +0000

Gennita, Meant to add that you shouldn’t feel alone. All I said was fast pacing. *ggg*