Every novelist reaches a plateau in which the perfect story idea isnโt coming together. The
plot germ is there, but the theme, setting, charac-ters, and storyline seem to spin out of
control.
So our creativity hits the panic button without a plan.
By using the acronym,
BRAINSTORMING, you can halt the whirl-ing and anchor your
writing onto a firm foundation.
Believe in yourself. Youโve been given the gift of writing, and youโre pretty good at
it. You understand the craft, and youโre continuously educating yourself to add more tools
and techniques.
Realistic writing is what sells. No matter the genre, your storyline must be credible
with identifiable characters who react and respond ac-cording to the traits youโve assigned
them.
Analyze your basic idea. How can you grow your characters by making their goals
difficult, perhaps impossible to reach?
Inspire your readers to attempt and achieve great things. Fiction is truth. Donโt
preach your message. Let the reader see who your characters are by the way they tackle
lifeโs challenges.
Name your book and your characters. Why is this important? Because the title of a
book gives the writer passion for the project. Who wants to wake up each morning to the
thrill of working on novel X? In the same way, your characters deserve names that mean
something significant in the novel.
Show donโt tell. Propel your story into action by incorporating body language,
explosive emotion, purposeful dialogue, and unique settings.
Technique is essential to every story. To make sure your plotting is tight, ask
yourself the following four questions before writing each scene.
1. What is the point of view characterโs problem or goal?
2. What does the point of view character learn that he/she didnโt know before?
3. What backstory is revealed? (But not in the first fifty pages.)
4. How are the stakes raised for the point of view character?
Organize your thoughts into a file that contains all of your notes: plotting,
research, characterization, and where you obtained the infor-mation. Go a step further and
write a lengthy synopsis. This doesnโt stifle your creativity! You are the writer, and you
can add, delete, and change whatever is necessary.
Research is vital to every successful novel. If your novel takes place in your
backyard, then research the weeds there. Do your best to visit the setting. Interview those
who have the same careers or experi-ences as your characters. Use the services of a library,
chamber of commerce, Internet exploration, and any other means of research to root your
reader into the story.
Motivation is the key to every successful novel. You were motivated to begin a career
as a writer. You were motivated to read this blog. Your characters are motivated by their
wants and needs. Discover your characterโs drive to see what he/she will do to achieve those
wants and needs.
This list is only the beginning to get your creativity flowing. Once youโve completed the
BRAINSTORM aspect of your novel planning, the passion to write will soon take over.
Youโll be ready to position your nim-ble fingers on the keyboard and speed off on another
adventure!
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an
adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-
packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and
been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readersโ Choice, and Carol
award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in
the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015
president of the Romance Writers of Americaโs Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of
Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to
various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in
sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social
media platforms listed at her website.
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Blog
Two murders have rocked the city of Houston. Are they the work of a serial killer, or
is a copycat trying to get away with murder?
That is the question facing Special Agent Bethany Sanchez, who is eager for her new
assignment in violent crimes but anxious about meeting her new partner. Special Agent
Thatcher Graves once arrested her brother, and he has a reputation for being a maverick.
Plus, their investigative styles couldnโt be more opposite: he operates on instinct, while
she goes by the book.
When hot leads soon fizzle out, their differences threaten to leave them deadlocked. But an
attempt on their lives turns up the heat and brings them closer together, and a third victim
might yield the clue that will help them zero in on a killer. This could be the case of
their careers . . . if they can survive long enough to solve it.
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