WRITE TIME AND AGAIN

Character Richness

Posted on May 25, 2022 by L. M. Montes

Have you ever read a book, and you liked the characters so much that you didn’t want the book to end? Oh yes, I’ve been down that road myself. That means the author did their job of creating characters that stand out and touch your heart. But, how did they do that?

Their characters displayed emotion to the point that the reader ‘felt’ right along with them.
The character displayed a habit or two. This personalizes the character, makes them human.
The character was relatable. We as a reader could identify with that character. We may have understood what they were experiencing. If not, then we could at least feel for them and/or root for them.
The dialogue sounded real and not mechanical or robotic. Maybe they made you laugh or cry.

These are just some of the elements a writer uses in order to bring a richness to their characters. Take your time developing them. Observe people around you and jot down notes of things you see or hear them say or do.

Writing

When You Get Discouraged

Posted on May 24, 2022 by L. M. Montes

Not everything you do when writing is going to work out the first time around. I think you know this already, but sometimes we can still get discouraged and still need reminding. There are times when something in your daily life can bring you down. It can affect your writing whether you might think so or not. For some people it won’t, but not everyone is the same. Let it add to your writing instead of distract you.

So how can you use that negative situation to strengthen your writing? Use it. Jot down how you’re feeling, then later, when you’re writing a scene that calls for those emotions, you can refer to your notes.
Take a deep breath, relax, and focus on your story. When your mind tries to veer back to the problem that’s bothering you. Refocus on your story and take another deep breath.
Surround yourself with someone who will uplift you. Talk to them about how your feeling. You’d be surprised the good this can do. Then your getting it out of your system.
At times we get discouraged about our writing. Don’t get yourself down about that. Look at your previous writings that brought in a lot of praise. What did others like about it? Focus on that.

Writing

Story Tracks

Posted on May 23, 2022May 23, 2022 by L. M. Montes

Keeping track of your story as you’re writing it can be daunting the lengthier it gets. You have to remember from one chapter and scene to the next what happens where. How does a writer track their stories information so that they can refer back? Story tracks, or at least that’s what I call them. In other words, note cards.

For each chapter take a few note cards and jot down a brief summary of the chapter or scene, or jot down the main ideas about what is going on. By doing this, if you need to refer back to a previous scene or chapter in your manuscript, you can refer to your note cards for each chapter first before scrolling back through all those pages worth of text in your manuscript. Trust me, it will save you lots of time.

Poetry

The Weed by L. M. Montes

Posted on May 23, 2022 by L. M. Montes

In walked a woman who sat with the rest,
her clothes of silk and makeup smooth,
she had to look her best,
smile she did
and greetings pure,
who would have guessed that underneath
she seethed with vengeance sure.
The others were impressed
as they spoke with her aright,
and never did they see her
in any such different light,
it wasn’t till she dropped a word
with innocence so bright,
that shuttered and shook the others
against themselves with all their might.
Now, she was truly happy
with malice that brought delight
of having caused a killing ruckus
so scathing and impolite.

Characterization

List of Character Flaws

Posted on May 22, 2022May 22, 2022 by L. M. Montes

Below is a list of character flaws you might find helpful when creating characters for your story. It always helps to consult a reference when the mind goes blank and you can’t think of enough possible ideas. My article I published on January 18, 2021 called Character Flaws goes into more detail about this topic.

stubborn
vain
lazy
headstrong
cowardice
cruelty
selfishness
manipulative
dishonest
unfair
paranoid
hypocrisy
negative
entitlement
cynical
petty
assertive
wrathful
violent
player
user of others
superstitious
shy
sensitive
jealous

Poetry

Courage by L. M. Montes

Posted on May 22, 2022 by L. M. Montes

The door to courage is not locked
but fear stands in the way
of any who must walk through now,
not wait for another day.

Then you take a second glance
and see a gateway open
to anyone who sidesteps fear
with courage and now hoping.

Emotions

The Tension Factor

Posted on May 21, 2022 by L. M. Montes

Components of creating tension:

An opposing force
Unanswered question or questions created by the situation or by other characters within the story and keeps readers asking more questions thereby raising their curiosity
Danger, fear, or conflict
Increased danger, fear, or conflict that ebbs and flows as the story moves along
Engaging characters with opposing goals

If you’re having difficulty coming up with specific ideas that will create tension/suspense, think of it this way, play on your main character’s fears. Make them as uncomfortable and fearful as possible. Throw the works at them. Just don’t forget to give them the courage to work through that fear and accomplish the story’s goals.

Poetry

Vacillation by L. M. Montes

Posted on May 19, 2022May 21, 2022 by L. M. Montes

Where is goodness anymore–
around the corner–
alas, no–
such dread and sorrow–
push them back–
open the door of your heart–
joy enters in–
yanked back out–
dwell on peace–
if only for a little while–
life droops–
and picks up speed–
joy and peace–
or knocked to your knees.