Richard L. Fricks

First Edge—Starting Your Writing Journey in the New Year

FIRST EDGE - WEDNESDAYS
Welcome to First Edge, my Wednesday focus on beginning novelists. Here you'll find practical guidance, encouragement, and permission to start your writing journey. Whether you're thinking about writing or ready to begin, First Edge offers the support you need to take your first steps.

Merry Christmas!

So you want to write a novel in 2025. That dream has been waiting, hasn’t it? Waiting while you read craft books, watched writing videos, followed author blogs. Waiting while you thought about characters, imagined scenes, planned someday. Today, let’s turn someday into Day One.

Your Permission Slip

Dear Writer,

You have permission to:

Write badly
Start in the middle
Not know the ending
Change your mind
Make mistakes
Begin again
Call yourself a writer

Signed,
A Fellow Beginner

Your First Steps

Choose Your Starting Point

A character who won’t leave you alone
A scene you can’t stop thinking about
A question you need to explore
A story that demands telling

Create Your Space

A corner desk
A favorite chair
A morning coffee shop
A quiet library nook

Set Your Schedule

Early morning words
Lunch break paragraphs
Evening chapters
Weekend writing

Simple Truths for Beginners

All first drafts are messy
Every published author started exactly where you are
Your voice matters because it’s yours
There’s no single “right” way to write
You learn by doing

Your Writing Foundation

Start with:

One dedicated writing hour
One notebook or document
One story idea
One commitment to yourself

Build from there.

Practical First Week Plan

Day 1: Write character notes
Day 2: Sketch a scene
Day 3: Explore setting
Day 4: Draft dialogue
Day 5: Connect ideas
Day 6: Review and plan
Day 7: Begin your story

When Doubt Creeps In

Remember:

Every writer starts as a beginner
Perfect is the enemy of written
Progress beats perfection
Small steps create novels
Today is always the right day to start

Moving Forward

Your novel begins with one word, then another. It grows sentence by sentence, scene by scene. The only magic is in starting, in putting words on the page, in giving yourself permission to begin.

2025 is your year to write. Not because you’re ready—no one ever feels completely ready. But because your story matters, and it’s time to tell it.

What will you write first?

Use the Contact form to schedule a phone call or a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.

Edge Coach—Three-Point Scene Analysis for Stronger Endings

EDGE COACH - TUESDAYS
Welcome to Edge Coach, my Tuesday focus on professional story development. As a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, I share techniques to strengthen your writing and engage your readers. Whether you're revising your first draft or polishing your final one, Edge Coach offers practical guidance for your story.

The Three Points Every Scene Needs

Character Change

Entry state vs. exit state
Emotional transformation
Knowledge gained or lost

Story Movement

Plot advancement
New complications
Stakes escalation

Reader Experience

Question answered
New question raised
Emotional impact

Applying the Three Points to Scene Elements

Entry Hook

Establishes character’s initial state
Sets scene tension
Poses story question

POV Goal

Drives character movement
Creates story momentum
Raises stakes

Scene Middle

Develops complications
Shows character agency
Builds tension

Scene Climax

Forces character change
Answers scene question
Creates consequences

Exit Hook

Shows transformation
Plants next scene’s seeds
Maintains momentum

Scene Name

Reflects main change
Highlights key element
Aids revision tracking

Analysis in Practice

When analyzing your scene, ask:

What changes for the character?
How does the story advance?
What does the reader gain?

If any point is missing, your scene needs strengthening.

StoryCoach Tips

Track all three points in your scene outline
Verify each element serves multiple points
Ensure changes ripple forward
Connect points to your story’s theme
Build each scene’s points toward your ending

Remember: Strong scenes need more than structure—they need meaningful change on multiple levels.

#SceneStructure #WritingCraft #StoryEditing #ThreePointAnalysis #WritingTips #StoryCoaching #SceneWriting #RevisionStrategy

Use the Contact form to schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.

Sharpening the Edge—Mid-Book Crisis: Wrestling with Chapter 15’s Plot Snarl

SHARPENING THE EDGE - MONDAYS
Welcome to Sharpening the Edge, my Monday focus on real-time novel writing. Here you'll find insights from my current work-in-progress, sharing challenges, breakthroughs, and solutions as they happen. Whether you're in the midst of your novel or planning to start, these posts offer practical experience from the writing desk.

In The Boaz Student, Chapter 15 finds Bret Johnson at a crucial turning point. After challenging the mandatory prayer at a school assembly, he faces escalating isolation. The plot threads have tangled: his former youth group friends’ increasing hostility, a surprising ally in his skeptic philosophy club, and mounting pressure from both faculty and family.

## The Current Snarl

– Bret’s private doubts becoming public stands

– The philosophy club’s growing influence vs. administrative resistance

– Former best friend Marcus’s betrayal of confidence

– Family dinner scene that threatens to expose everything

## Working Through It

1. Mapped core conflict: Authentic self vs. Community acceptance

2. Listed consequences: Social isolation, family tension, academic impact

3. Identified subplot connections: Other questioning students

4. Connected to theme: Cost of intellectual honesty

## Today’s Breakthrough

While outlining possible paths, I realized Bret’s crisis parallels his younger sister’s growing curiosity about his changes. Both must navigate between comfortable acceptance and uncomfortable questions. This parallel strengthens the theme and clarifies the plot direction.

## Next Steps

1. Revise confrontation with Marcus

2. Strengthen sister’s subplot

3. Layer in consequences of assembly protest

4. Build tension toward family Christmas dinner

Sometimes plot snarls reveal deeper story truths. What looked like a structural problem was actually a character development opportunity.

Progress today: 847 words

Cumulative draft: 42,316 words

Use the Contact form to schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.

Creation Edge—Mastering Multiple Endings with Scrivener’s Snapshot Feature

CREATION EDGE - SUNDAYS
Welcome to Creation Edge, my Sunday focus on writing technology. Here you'll learn how to use Scrivener to organize, write, and revise your novel. Whether you're setting up your first project or managing your manuscript, Creation Edge helps you make technology serve your creativity.

Not sure which ending best serves your story? Scrivener’s Snapshot feature lets you explore multiple possibilities while keeping all versions safe and accessible. Here’s how to use this powerful tool effectively.

Taking Your First Snapshot

Before creating alternate endings:

Select your ending scene in the Binder
Click the camera icon in the toolbar, or use Documents → Snapshots → Take Snapshot
Name your snapshot (e.g., “Original Ending – Happy”)
Add a brief description of the ending’s key elements

Setting Up for Multiple Endings

Create a clear organization system:

Make a folder called “Alternate Endings”
Create separate documents for each version
Take snapshots of each attempt
Use clear naming conventions (e.g., “Ending_Bittersweet_v1”)

Using Snapshots Effectively

Comparing Versions

Click the Snapshots button in the Inspector
Select two versions to compare
Use the comparison tools to see changes
Make notes about what works in each version

Rolling Back Changes

Select the version you want to restore
Click “Roll Back” to revert to that version
Or use “Roll Back to Selected” for partial changes

Advanced Snapshot Strategies

Version Tracking

Date each snapshot
Add detailed notes about why you made changes
Track emotional impact of different versions
Note connection to various story themes

Mixing and Matching

Use snapshots to combine elements from different endings
Track which elements work best together
Create hybrid versions from successful elements

Organization Tips

Keep your endings manageable:

Create a spreadsheet linking to each version
Track the pros and cons of each ending
Note feedback received on different versions
Document your decision-making process

Best Practices

Always snapshot before major changes
Use clear, descriptive names
Add detailed notes to each version
Keep your comparison notes in the project
Regular backup your entire project

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When to Take New Snapshots

Before significant changes
When trying new directions
After receiving feedback
When combining elements

Managing Multiple Snapshots

Regular cleanup of unused versions
Clear labeling system
Folder organization
Backup important versions

Moving Forward

With Scrivener’s Snapshot feature, you can:

Explore different endings safely
Track your revision process
Compare versions easily
Make informed decisions
Keep all options available

Remember: The perfect ending might combine elements from several versions. Snapshots help you find that ideal combination.

Use the Contact form to schedule a phone call or a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.

Craft Edge—Emotional Beats in Holiday Scenes: Using the Emotion Thesaurus

CRAFT EDGE - SATURDAYS
Welcome to Craft Edge, my Saturday focus on fiction writing craft. Here you'll find deep dives into writing techniques using One Stop for Writers and Fictionary resources. Whether you're developing characters or structuring scenes, Craft Edge helps you master the tools of storytelling.

Holiday scenes can easily fall into cliché territory. Today, we’ll explore how to use One Stop for Writers’ Emotion Thesaurus to create authentic emotional moments in your seasonal scenes.

Common Holiday Scene Pitfalls

Before diving into solutions, let’s identify what makes holiday scenes feel flat:

Overused physical responses (tears of joy, racing hearts)
Predictable emotional patterns
Surface-level sentimentality
Lack of emotional complexity

Using the Emotion Thesaurus Effectively

The Emotion Thesaurus offers multiple categories for each emotion. Let’s explore them:

Physical Signals

Instead of common responses, consider:

Micro-expressions
Unconscious gestures
Physiological changes
Action tendencies

Internal Sensations

Layer emotion with:

Visceral responses
Body temperature changes
Muscle reactions
Nervous system responses

Mental Responses

Show thought patterns through:

Memory triggers
Focus shifts
Decision-making changes
Perception alterations

Complex Holiday Emotions

Let’s examine some holiday-specific emotional combinations:

Joy + Grief

Physical Signals:

Hands ghosting over old ornaments
Humming carols that break mid-note
Setting an extra place before catching yourself

Anticipation + Anxiety

Internal Sensations:

Stomach butterflies with acid edges
Tingling fingers that can’t quite steady
Heart skipping between excitement and dread

Love + Frustration

Mental Responses:

Counting breaths while wrapping imperfect gifts
Rehearsing responses to familiar criticisms
Finding humor in chaos to avoid explosion

Building Emotional Scenes

Structure your holiday scenes with emotional beats:

Opening State

Establish baseline emotion
Show normal behaviors
Set emotional stakes

Triggering Event

Create emotional catalyst
Show immediate reaction
Layer in complications

Emotional Progression

Build through multiple responses
Mix emotional signals
Create emotional turning points

Resolution

Show emotional impact
Leave room for resonance
Connect to character arc

Example Using the Thesaurus

Let’s transform a basic scene:

Before:
Sarah felt sad as she hung the ornaments on her first Christmas tree alone.

After:
Sarah’s fingers traced the rough edge where last year’s card still clung to the ornament. The glitter had worn away, just like everything else. She hung it anyway, adjusting it three times before letting go, her hand lingering as if the empty apartment might shake it loose.

Tips for Maximum Impact

Mix emotional categories
Layer responses over time
Connect emotions to backstory
Use setting to amplify feeling
Allow emotional complexity

Moving Forward

The Emotion Thesaurus isn’t just a reference—it’s a tool for emotional authenticity. Use it to dig deeper into your holiday scenes, finding fresh ways to express timeless feelings.

Remember: The best holiday scenes don’t just show emotion—they make readers feel it.

Edge of Reality–When Blue Lights Lead to Christmas Magic: A Novelist’s Gold Mine

EDGE OF REALITY - 
Welcome to Edge of Reality, my Friday feature examining current events through a writer's lens. Here you'll discover how real-world stories can inform and enhance your fiction. Whether you're mining life for story ideas or deepening your narrative, Edge of Reality helps you transform truth into compelling fiction.

Today’s Inspiration:**

“Making Christmas Bright” – Sand Mountain Reporter

By Mary Bailey, December 17, 2024

[Story of Marshall County’s 6th annual Shop with a Cop event]

## The Real Story

In Marshall County, Alabama, 106 children experienced Christmas magic when law enforcement officers from across the county came together for their annual Shop with a Cop event. The scene: a parade of police vehicles, sirens blazing down Highway 431, each carrying a child toward a morning of holiday shopping and connection.

## Mining the Story Elements

### Character Gold

– Trinidy, who dreams of becoming an officer herself

– Lashay Bentley, the 911 dispatcher participating for the first time after 17 years

– Jeremiah Flack, thrilled by his police car ride

– Sheriff Phil Sims, watching relationships build

– Will Isbell, returning for his third year

– The Bartleys, working behind the scenes to organize it all

### Dramatic Moments

– A line of blue lights streaming down Highway 431

– Children experiencing their first police car ride

– A dispatcher and future officer shopping together

– Officers playing basketball with kids after shopping

– A community breakfast bringing everyone together

– The moment a child picks out a gift for their sibling

## Transforming Reality into Fiction

### Perspective Options

1. A veteran officer seeing hope in a child’s eyes

2. A shy child finding courage through connection

3. A dispatcher stepping into direct service

4. A parent watching their child’s fear of police transform

5. A store employee witnessing these moments year after year

### Plot Possibilities

– A holiday romance between two first responders who volunteer

– A coming-of-age story about a child inspired to serve

– A community drama about healing police-community relations

– An ensemble piece following multiple officer-child pairs

– A story of siblings sharing an unexpected Christmas blessing

### Thematic Elements

– Breaking down barriers

– Service beyond duty

– Dreams taking root

– Community healing

– Holiday magic in unexpected places

– The ripple effect of kindness

## Novel Applications

Consider these story frameworks:

1. The Annual Event: How traditions build trust

2. The Reluctant Participant: How connection changes perspective

3. Behind the Scenes: The unseen work of community building

4. The Transformation: How one day can change a life

5. The Legacy: How today’s moments shape tomorrow’s heroes

This Marshall County story reminds us that the best fiction often grows from real moments of human connection. Sometimes the simplest acts—a siren sounding for joy rather than emergency, a shared morning of shopping, a child’s dream taking shape—contain all the elements we need for powerful storytelling.

The Pencil’s Philosophy—Why Stories Matter Most When Times Are Hard

THE PENCIL'S PHILOSOPHY - THURSDAYS
Welcome to The Pencil's Philosophy, my Thursday focus on writing as transformation. Here you'll explore how writing connects to deeper understanding, how questioning leads to growth, and how stories transform both writer and reader. Whether you're seeking truth or finding your voice, these posts guide your journey of discovery.

In times of hardship, whether personal or global, stories become more than entertainment—they become lifelines. Today, let’s explore why the act of writing and reading stories takes on deeper significance when challenges arise.

Stories as Shelter

When the world feels overwhelming, stories provide:

A space to process complex emotions
Distance to examine difficult truths
Safe harbors for healing
Windows into hope and possibility

Writers aren’t just creating entertainment; we’re building refuges.

The Power of Making Meaning

Stories help us make sense of chaos by:

Organizing experience into narrative
Finding patterns in randomness
Creating order from disorder
Discovering purpose in pain

Through story, both writer and reader transform confusion into clarity.

Stories as Bridges

When isolation threatens, stories:

Connect us across distances
Remind us we’re not alone
Share universal experiences
Build empathy and understanding

Your story might be the bridge someone needs to cross from despair to hope.

The Courage to Continue

Writing during difficult times requires:

Facing our fears on the page
Transforming pain into purpose
Finding light in darkness
Creating when destruction looms

Every word written is an act of faith in tomorrow.

Why Your Story Matters Now

Your writing matters most when:

Truth seems uncertain
Hope feels distant
Connection is needed
Understanding is crucial

Your voice might be the one that helps another hold on.

Stories as Resistance

When hardship threatens to overwhelm, stories:

Preserve what matters
Protect what’s precious
Protest what’s wrong
Promote what’s possible

Writing becomes an act of courage, hope, and defiance.

The Responsibility of the Writer

In difficult times, we must:

Write with honesty
Share with courage
Create with purpose
Speak with compassion

Your words might become someone’s compass through the storm.

Moving Forward

Write not despite the hardship, but because of it. Your stories matter now more than ever. They’re not just entertainment—they’re essential survival tools for times like these.

Remember: Stories helped humanity survive every dark age. They’ll help us survive this one too.

Keep writing. Keep sharing. Keep believing in the power of story to light the way forward.

Use the Contact form to schedule a phone call or a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.

First Edge—Permission to Write Imperfectly During the Holidays

FIRST EDGE - WEDNESDAYS
Welcome to First Edge, my Wednesday focus on beginning novelists. Here you'll find practical guidance, encouragement, and permission to start your writing journey. Whether you're thinking about writing or ready to begin, First Edge offers the support you need to take your first steps.

Dear Beginning Novelist,

The tree needs trimming, cookies need baking, and your novel… well, it’s sitting there, waiting. That blank page seems to mock you with visions of perfect prose while holiday chaos swirls around you. Today, I’m giving you a gift: permission to write imperfectly during the holidays.

The Reality of Holiday Writing

Let’s be honest about what writing looks like right now:

Ten minutes between wrapping presents
Notes on your phone while waiting in shopping lines
Early morning words before the family wakes
Late night paragraphs after the celebrations quiet down

This isn’t your normal writing routine. And that’s okay.

What “Imperfect Writing” Looks Like

Unfinished scenes
Plot holes you’ll fix later
Character names in [brackets]
Notes to yourself in the margins
Dialogue without tags
Description you’ll flesh out later

All of these are perfectly imperfect ways to keep your story moving forward.

Why Imperfect Writing Matters

Your story doesn’t need perfection—it needs existence. Every word you write, no matter how rough, is:

One more brick in your novel’s foundation
Proof that you’re committed to your dream
Progress toward your goal
Practice in your craft

Simple Strategies for Holiday Writing

Lower Your Word Count Goals

Normal day: 1,000 words
Holiday version: 250 words
Even 50 words keep your story alive

Embrace the Fragments

Write scenes out of order
Capture dialogue snippets
Jot down setting details
Note character insights

Use Holiday Moments

Channel family dynamics into character relationships
Turn holiday stress into story conflict
Transform festive settings into scene backgrounds
Convert real conversations into dialogue

Your Permission Slip

Dear Writer,
You have permission to:

Write badly
Write briefly
Write randomly
Write imperfectly
Write differently than usual
Keep your story alive however you can

Signed,
Your Writing Coach

Moving Forward

Your novel doesn’t need your perfection—it needs your presence. Even small, imperfect efforts keep your story breathing during this busy season. Come January, you’ll be grateful for every word you wrote, no matter how messy.

Remember: Imperfect writing can be revised. Unwritten stories remain untold.

Keep writing, dear novelist. Your story matters, even during the holidays.

Use the Contact form to schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.

Edge Coach—Mastering Character Goals in Fictionary: A StoryCoach’s Guide

EDGE COACH - TUESDAYS
Welcome to Edge Coach, my Tuesday focus on professional story development. As a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, I share techniques to strengthen your writing and engage your readers. Whether you're revising your first draft or polishing your final one, Edge Coach offers practical guidance for your story.

Today, we’ll explore how Fictionary’s Character tab helps you track and strengthen your character’s journey through their goals and motivations. This powerful set of tools ensures your characters drive your story forward with purpose and impact.

## The Foundation: Character List and POV

Before diving into goals, establish your story’s framework:

– Use Character List to track every named character

– Mark POV (Point of View) clearly for each scene

– Ensure POV choices serve your story’s purpose

## Goal Tracking: The Heart of Character Development

Fictionary provides multiple layers for tracking goals:

### POV Goal

– What does your POV character want in this scene?

– Is it clearly shown through action or dialogue?

– Does it connect to their larger story arc?

### POV Goal Internal

The emotional driver behind your character’s actions:

– What internal need motivates them?

– How does this goal reflect their wounds or desires?

– Where does internal conflict appear?

### Goal Related to Plot

Connect character desires to story movement:

– How does this scene’s goal advance the main plot?

– Are character and plot goals aligned or in conflict?

– Does each scene goal build toward the story goal?

## Stakes and Consequences

### What if Goal Fails

Fictionary prompts you to consider:

– Immediate consequences of failure

– Long-term impact on character arc

– Ripple effects through the story

### Impact Tracking

Two crucial elements:

1. Impact on POV Character

– Personal consequences

– Character growth opportunities

– Emotional fallout

2. Impact on Protagonist

– How secondary character goals affect your protagonist

– Relationship dynamics

– Story momentum

## Knowledge and Movement

### POV Knowledge Gained

Track your character’s understanding:

– What do they learn in each scene?

– How does new knowledge affect their goals?

– Does information change their motivation?

### Character in Motion

Ensure active character engagement:

– Physical movement that reveals character

– Goal-driven actions

– Dynamic scene presence

## Putting It All Together

When reviewing your manuscript, use these elements to:

1. Verify goal consistency across scenes

2. Strengthen motivation-action connections

3. Ensure satisfying character arcs

4. Track subplot impact on main story

5. Maintain tension through goal conflicts

Remember: Every scene should move your character either toward or away from their goals. Fictionary’s Character tab helps you track this movement with precision.

## StoryCoach Tips

1. Review goals scene by scene first, then look at the larger pattern

2. Check that internal and external goals create tension

3. Verify that knowledge gained affects future goals

4. Ensure character movement serves goal pursuit

5. Track impact ripples through your story

Your characters’ goals drive your story. Use these tools to make every scene count.

Use the Contact form to schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.

Sharpening the Edge—Writing Through Holiday Distractions: Real Solutions from My Writing Desk

SHARPENING THE EDGE - MONDAYS
Welcome to Sharpening the Edge, my Monday focus on real-time novel writing. Here you'll find insights from my current work-in-progress, sharing challenges, breakthroughs, and solutions as they happen. Whether you're in the midst of your novel or planning to start, these posts offer practical experience from the writing desk.

It’s 6 AM, and I’m stealing time before the holiday chaos begins. My protagonist, Sarah, is about to discover a crucial piece of evidence, but the mental list of gifts to wrap and cookies to bake keeps intruding. Welcome to December writing, fellow novelists. Here’s how I’m keeping my WIP alive during the holiday season.

What’s Working (And What Isn’t)

This morning, I managed 750 words despite three false starts. The trick? I’m writing in shorter bursts with more intense focus. Here’s my current chapter challenge and how I’m handling it:

The Scene: Sarah breaks into her father’s study to find proof of corporate fraud
The Holiday Distraction: Mental shopping lists kept replacing my description of the study
The Solution: I wrote the scene backwards. Started with what she finds, then filled in how she got there.

My Current Writing Schedule

I’ve adjusted my usual writing routine to work with, not against, holiday demands:

Early morning: First draft writing (like this morning’s study scene)
Lunch break: Quick scene outlining for tomorrow
Evening: Light editing while watching holiday movies
Weekend: One two-hour block instead of my usual full morning

Real Talk About Progress

Last week’s word count:

Monday: 750 words
Tuesday: 0 (holiday party)
Wednesday: 1,200 words (made up for Tuesday)
Thursday: 600 words
Friday: 900 words
Weekend: 1,500 words total

Not my usual output, but steady progress wins the race.

What’s Actually Working

Scene Cards: I’ve started keeping index cards by my bed. When holiday planning invades my writing time, I jot down the intrusive thoughts and keep writing.
Time Blocking: Instead of my usual three-hour morning session, I’m doing three one-hour blocks throughout the day. More manageable, less guilty when interrupted.
Location Switching: The coffee shop is too festive right now. I’ve moved to the library’s back corner. No holiday music, no peppermint mochas, just focus.

Today’s Breakthrough

This morning’s realization: holiday distractions can actually serve the story. My scattered focus helped me write about Sarah’s anxiety better. Her scattered thoughts mirror my own, making the scene more authentic.

Moving Forward

My plan for this week:

Finish the study scene (target: Wednesday)
Layer in emotional beats during gift-wrapping
Use holiday party small talk to inspire dialogue
Draft next week’s scenes during long shopping lines

Remember, fellow writers: imperfect progress is still progress. Your story will be there, growing slowly but surely, through the season.

So excuse me while I get back to Sarah in that study. I’ve got thirty minutes before the real world needs me, and she’s about to find something that will change everything.

Use the Contact form to schedule a Zoom meeting to discuss any aspect of your first novel. The first thirty-minute appointment is FREE.