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Guest Post
Exploration and You: Advice for Pantsters
If you’re a panster writer dealing with writer’s block, try exploring your characters’ motives and agendas
While I’m on injured reserve Molly Martin has agreed to step up to the plate. My goal is to see you on Friday. Fingers Crossed.
Until then…..Molly, take it away!!!
Congratulations! You are in your favorite writing spot, a fresh page ready, waiting, aching for your words to cast the magic spell that brings life to a whole new world.
In a breathless flurry of inspiration and caffeine, you write. And write. And write. Hours pass by in a bliss known to few but runners, writers, and junkies. Let’s be honest, there are few highs as good as a writer’s high.
But then…you crash. The words stop flowing. Your characters turn against you. They refuse to be interesting, spontaneous, or even interactive. The dialog stumbles along with banal banter.
“How’s the weather?”
“Oh, fine.”
“Great.”
“Well, so nice to see you.”
“You, too.”
You don’t want to write this. No…
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Thumbscrews: How and When to Ratchet up the Tension in Stories
Thrilled to have a chance to share some insights on writing and interrogation – keep reading. It’ll all make sense.
A long time ago I was taught an excellent lesson: Surround yourself with smart people and listen.
My Wednesday guest blogger is such a person. We met a few years ago when I was a stumbling bumbling writer. In that time I have listened and I have learned.
I am really happy that she found the time to be a guest on my blog.
Molly, take it way…..
Thumbscrews: How and When to Ratchet up the Tension in Stories
by M. K. Martin
How many times have you gotten feedback along these lines: “I liked it, but it needed more tension.”?
Yeah, we all have.
So what do you do? Add some gunfights, maybe a car-chase or a natural disaster. When in doubt, call in the ninjas…
….ah, not that one. She’s busy writing.
But here’s the thing – you don’t always need tension in every scene. At least, not…
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M. K. Martin 