“Jesus said, ‘Let me tell you a story.’ And that’s what entertainment is . . . keeping the attention of people to insert a truth.” ~Bill Gaither, “10 Great Bill Gaither Quotes and Anecdotes,” from Homecoming Magazine, January/February 2013.
Yes, Jesus was a great story-teller. Every truth He wanted to impart He did so through story. Sometimes the things He said while “training” His disciples were over their heads and Jesus would repeat his teaching, once again, through a story.
As a kid, did you ever go to summer camp and sit around the bonfire after dark and see who could tell the scariest story? Making up spooky tales was so much fun, and it seemed to me those stories came easy.
I remember one summer we got so carried away that we managed to terrify one of the younger kids who had nightmares afterwards.
Thinking back on those carefree times, I wonder what happened to my oh-so-vivid imagination.Trying to write and tell a good story now oftentimes feels like torture. Of course, back then, nothing had to really make sense. The scarier the better, never mind facts. Now it takes a bit more than just making up a story.
Isn’t there a saying that goes something like: The difference between fact (or truth) and fiction is that fiction has to make sense. (Anyone who knows the correct phrasing and who said it, please jump in!)
Anyway, in my current WIP (work in progress,) which is supposed to be Book 2 in my Desert Faith series, I’m having a difficult time getting my female lead to talk to me. She’s hiding something, I think, something more than the big secret I’ve already given her, and I can’t even finish the opening scene. It’s just not coming together. Oh for the freedom of childhood fantasy!
My daughter suggested I start on what’s supposed to be Book 3. The female lead there (Larke, for those of you who read Book 1, TO SEE THE SUN) is a fascinating gal. Maybe Heidi (daughter) is right. Who says the planned Book 2 can’t be switched to Book 3 and I can make planned Book 3, Book 2? It’s not as if I’ve submitted a proposal to an editor and have to stick with it. I’m self-publishing and I suppose I can do it in whatever sequence I wish. Heh heh.
Anyway, I have two options. Go with Larke’s story instead, or, pick up parts of a discarded rough draft and see if there’s anything there that will still work for Book 2.
So, I have a thought. If anyone has the answer to the quote above, or has any suggestions to help solve my quandary, I’ll put your name in a drawing for a free book or two. I have a great selection of recent books from excellent authors where I’ve somehow managed to get duplicate copies. These are real books, paperbacks, and I’ll choose one or more winners with a US mailing address.
Oh, yeah . . . if you’ve read TO SEE THE SUN, tell me which character from that book you’d like to see next: Magie or Larke.
I’ll put the list of available books up here tomorrow. Sound like a plan? Can’t wait to hear from you.
Peg,
ReplyDeleteI wonder if asking your character from book two some questions will open the floodgates. With the events in your life recently, you may just feel a little stuck.
How about these for starters...(then we can talk via email for some others)
Ask your character what she is thinking about lately.
What question has been rolling around in her head for the last several weeks?
What favorite activity did she enjoy as achild? Has she done anything with that recently?
God will show you the way,
All good suggestions, Jeanne. I am beginning to wonder if I've started this book at the wrong place. "They" say start with an inciting incident, which is what I've done. Still, it seems wrong. Yeah, I'll get with you via email, soon.
DeleteHugs.
I like Jeanne's answer, but I don't see anything wrong with jumping to Book #3 if it's easier for you. Who will know it?
ReplyDeleteRe: the quote: A search reveals 3 authors: Mark Twain, Tom Clancy, and Leo Rosten. However, since Mark Twain came first, my guess would be that the others borrowed it from him.
Ah, yes, I do remember seeing that quote from Tom Clancy. But I agree, Mark Twain was probably the originator.
DeleteThanks, Donna. I am seriously considering venturing into Book 3 just to see if it flows any easier.
Hi Peg, as for your quote: Tom Clancy said "The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction has to make sense." I don't know if he was the original. That's been said a number of ways.
ReplyDeleteAs for your sequel, you might think about what your daughter said. Sometimes we're too close to our own work to see what would be best and what might really work well and to our advantage. I rely on my daughter so much. She reads across the board and she's my beta reader on all my work. I value all her suggestions. Aren't daughters wonderful?
Amen about daughters! Now that I'm close to her geographically, I do intend to use her insight!
DeleteAm considering taking a stab at the third book, too.
Thanks :)
So as not to stifle your creativity, I'd go with Larke. I really liked her the best, also. If it were me, I'd try that first and see where it leads you, Peg. Who has time to wait for a character to talk? Ha!
ReplyDeletejeanann_w@yahoo.com
Yep, Jean Ann, I loved Larke from the getgo :) And I am starting to work that up a little.
DeleteOn one of my e-mail loops someone just wrote that she has THREE projects open on her computer all at the same time and when she gets stuck, or whatever, she'll switch to a different one. That sounds like something I just might try!
Well, Peg, I like that idea a lot! I've always had several projects going whether it's sewing, baking, cleaning or writing.
DeleteLet me know how it works for you.
Well, Peg, I like that idea a lot! I've always had several projects going whether it's sewing, baking, cleaning or writing.
DeleteLet me know how it works for you.
I forgot to say, I'd like to win Shadowed in Silk. jeanann_w@yahoo.com
DeleteI've got your name on the list, Jean Ann. I did have both ms documents open at the same time most of the day, but worked only on TO TASTE THE RAIN, which is Larke's story. So far, so good!
Delete
ReplyDeletePeggy, if you start on book 3 with Larke maybe the second book girl will get jealous and start a conversation with you. As for the saying Fact has to be true! I would like to win a book or two. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
Interesting thought, Maxie! Hmm...
DeleteThanks for the inspiration, Peg!
ReplyDeleteThis suddenly rings a bell, and causes me to wonder if I might do the same by setting my China memoir and my poetry books aside and work on Beyond Commitment for which I made a layout/outline in 1986.
Recently I wrote a piece about The Will of God (1500 words), sent it to my mentor and have fleshed it out more since I got it back. I decided that this piece would fit in Beyond Commitment, however I will change the title to something like My Life as God sees It. This is something to think seriously about! This morning I was looking through the journal writing I did in January and it seems to fit!
Judith
Let me know how it works for you, Judith. I'm eager to give that multi-writing-project a try. Just as soon as I get a cat off my keyboard.
DeleteSince I'm not a writer I don't really have any advice but I will say that I'm actually more looking forward to Larke's story so I wouldn't be upset if you made #3 #2!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Abbi! Looks like Larke is a favorite. So, I'm working on that one now. I'll keep everyone updated as I go.
DeleteFiction books are those books where at least some of the storyline and content has been created by the author, and is not based on fact. All novels are fiction, as the characters are imaginary.
ReplyDeleteBooks based on fact are non-fiction but may also contain fiction (in the sense of statements that may not be true and are not verifiable).
And I'm not a writer but I second that Larke's story can become number 2.
Rebecca Lewis
Thanks, Rebecca.
DeleteGuess I'll be writing Larke's story next :)
If your character isn't talking to you, I'd go with the one that is. Seems like it might be the time to write her story. Looking forward to reading your book. Blessings, Susan Fryman
ReplyDeletePeg, I look forward to seeing Larke in another book. I loved her in To See the Sun. Listen, your heroine will tell you what her secret is, maybe in the wee morning hours when you're not completely awake. I would love to win Brandilyn's Gone to Ground book. My email is charlesjanATsbcglobalDOTnet
ReplyDeleteI have your name down for that book. I've got to figure out not only how/when to end this, but how to work out the giveaways :)
DeleteStay tuned for further developments. Ha.