Tag: BeginningWriter

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

  1. 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
  1. Create Your Space
  • A corner desk
  • A favorite chair
  • A morning coffee shop
  • A quiet library nook
  1. 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.

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:

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

Setting Up for Multiple Endings

Create a clear organization system:

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

Using Snapshots Effectively

Comparing Versions

  1. Click the Snapshots button in the Inspector
  2. Select two versions to compare
  3. Use the comparison tools to see changes
  4. 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:

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

Best Practices

  1. Always snapshot before major changes
  2. Use clear, descriptive names
  3. Add detailed notes to each version
  4. Keep your comparison notes in the project
  5. 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.

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

  1. Lower Your Word Count Goals
  • Normal day: 1,000 words
  • Holiday version: 250 words
  • Even 50 words keep your story alive
  1. Embrace the Fragments
  • Write scenes out of order
  • Capture dialogue snippets
  • Jot down setting details
  • Note character insights
  1. 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.

Creation Edge—Setting Up Your Back Matter in Scrivener: A Professional Approach

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.

Back matter can make or break your book’s professional polish. Today, we’ll explore how to use Scrivener to create and manage the essential elements that follow “The End.”

Creating Your Back Matter Folder

First, in your Binder:

  1. Right-click below your manuscript folder
  2. Select “Add → New Folder”
  3. Name it “Back Matter”
  4. Position it after your main manuscript

Essential Back Matter Elements

Create separate text documents within your Back Matter folder for:

About the Author

  • Create a new text document
  • Use Scrivener’s formatting tools for consistent styling
  • Include your brief bio
  • Add social media and website links
  • Pro tip: Create multiple versions (short/long) using document notes

Acknowledgments

  • Set up with proper heading styles
  • Use Scrivener’s name lookup feature to ensure consistency
  • Create subdivisions for different types of acknowledgments
  • Include placeholder text for last-minute additions

Also By This Author

  • Maintain as a live document
  • Use Scrivener’s list tools for easy updates
  • Include series information
  • Add placeholder links for future books

Advanced Features

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Create a compelling call to action
  • Use Scrivener’s hyperlink feature for digital editions
  • Design alternate versions for print/digital
  • Include preview text for your next book

Series Information

  • Set up a template for series details
  • Use metadata for consistent series naming
  • Create reading order lists
  • Include series-specific promotional material

Compilation Settings

Configure your compilation settings to:

  • Include/exclude specific back matter for different formats
  • Maintain consistent formatting across elements
  • Adjust page breaks appropriately
  • Handle different requirements for print/ebook

Quick Tips for Success

  1. Use folders within Back Matter for organization
  2. Create templates for future books
  3. Maintain updated versions
  4. Use consistent formatting
  5. Keep separate configurations for different formats

Time-Saving Shortcuts

  • Save your back matter as a template
  • Use document templates for recurring elements
  • Create compilation presets
  • Maintain a master back matter collection

Remember: Professional back matter enhances your book’s credibility and creates connections with readers. Take time to set it up right in Scrivener.

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

Craft Edge—Using Character Arc Progression Tools in One Stop for Writers

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.

Character arcs transform your story from a series of events into a journey of growth. Today, we’ll explore how One Stop for Writers’ Character Arc Progression Tool can help you craft compelling character development that engages readers from page one to “The End.”

Understanding the Character Arc Dashboard

One Stop’s Character Arc tool breaks character development into clear, manageable segments:

  • The Initial State (who your character is when we meet them)
  • The Inner Journey (the emotional/psychological path)
  • Growth Milestones (key moments of change)
  • The Final State (who they become)

Setting Up Your Character’s Journey

First, identify your character’s primary needs and emotional wounds. One Stop provides extensive lists to help you choose realistic combinations. For instance, a character might:

  • Need: Recognition and validation
  • Wound: Childhood abandonment
  • Resulting False Belief: “I must be perfect to be loved”

Mapping Key Progression Points

The tool helps you plan specific story moments where your character:

  1. Faces their fears
  2. Questions their false beliefs
  3. Makes mistakes and learns
  4. Takes emotional risks
  5. Grows through challenge

Using the Emotional Range Feature

One Stop’s emotional tracking helps ensure your character’s responses remain consistent yet show growth. Track:

  • Initial emotional responses
  • Growing emotional awareness
  • New coping mechanisms
  • Breakthrough moments

Integration with Story Structure

The Character Arc tool aligns character growth with plot points:

  • Inciting Incident: Emotional stake in the ground
  • First Plot Point: Challenge to false beliefs
  • Midpoint: Major truth revelation
  • Third Plot Point: Crisis of faith
  • Climax: Truth embraced or rejected

Real-Time Progress Tracking

As you write, use the tool to:

  • Monitor character growth pace
  • Ensure emotional logic
  • Track breakthrough scenes
  • Balance internal/external conflict

Tips for Maximum Impact

  1. Link emotional growth to plot events
  2. Create resistance to change
  3. Show both progress and setbacks
  4. Make growth hard-earned
  5. Connect inner change to story resolution

Character arcs make your story memorable. One Stop’s tools help you craft that journey with intention and skill. Your readers will thank you.

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

The Pencil’s Philosophy—The Power of Asking Why

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.

The Power of Asking Why

Every compelling story begins with a question. As someone who spent sixty years accepting answers, I’ve discovered that asking “why” transforms not just our writing, but our understanding.

Questions That Transform Stories

Character Motivation

Don’t just accept what your characters do—ask why:

  • Why does she stay in that relationship?
  • Why does he risk everything for this goal?
  • Why does this matter so deeply?

Each “why” leads to deeper character truth.

Character Motivation Example:

Initial Character: Sarah returns to her hometown.

First Why: Why now?

– Because her mother is ill.

Second Why: Why does this matter?

– Because they haven’t spoken in ten years.

Third Why: Why the silence?

– Because Sarah chose career over family expectations.

Fourth Why: Why was that choice so devastating?

– Because it exposed the family’s generational pattern of sacrificing dreams.

Result: A story not just about coming home, but about breaking cycles.

Plot Development

Question every turn:

  • Why does this happen now?
  • Why does the character choose this path?
  • Why are the stakes so high?

The answers often reveal surprising story directions.

Plot Development Example:

Simple Plot: Tom finds a mysterious letter.

First Why: Why does he open it?

– Because it’s addressed to his late wife.

Second Why: Why does this matter now?

– Because he’s about to sell their house.

Third Why: Why is selling significant?

– Because the letter reveals she never wanted to live there.

Fourth Why: Why did she stay?

– Because Tom’s entire identity was wrapped in this house.

Result: A story about identity, compromise, and hidden truths.

Theme Exploration Example:

Basic Theme: Forgiveness

First Why: Why can’t Mary forgive her sister?

– Because the betrayal changed her life path.

Second Why: Why did this change matter so much?

– Because she lost her chance at her dream career.

Third Why: Why was this dream so important?

– Because it was her escape from family patterns.

Fourth Why: Why does she need escape?

– Because she’s becoming what she feared most—her mother.

Result: A story about breaking free while learning to forgive yourself.

Story Truth

Dig deeper:

  • Why do readers need this story?
  • Why does this theme resonate?
  • Why are you the one to tell it?

From Questions to Story

Example: Weak Scene: John leaves his job.

  • Why? Because he’s unhappy.
  • Why unhappy? Because it’s not fulfilling.
  • Why not fulfilling? Because he’s living someone else’s dream.
  • Why someone else’s dream? Because he never questioned his father’s expectations.

Strong Scene: John packs his desk, each item a weight lifting as he finally chooses his own path, his father’s disappointment a price worth paying for truth.

Today’s Exercise

Take your current scene and ask:

  1. Why does this matter to your character?
  2. Why now?
  3. Why this choice?
  4. Why these consequences?

Let each answer lead to another question.

Remember: Story depth comes not from having all the answers, but from asking better questions.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

  • Albert Einstein

Need help developing your story’s deeper questions? Schedule a consultation to explore your novel’s potential.

Book a 30-minute appointment
Pay for your appointment

Note: If this is your first appointment, you do not have to pay. I offer a FREE—initial consultation.

First Edge—Making Time to Write: Starting Your Novel in Real Life

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.

Making Time to Write: Starting Your Novel in Real Life

“I don’t have time to write.” I hear this often from beginning novelists, and I understand. At 60, with a full-time law practice, I said the same thing. Then I wrote my first novel. Here’s how you can too.

## Real-Life Writing Scenarios

### The Early Riser

Sarah, working mother of two:

5:30 AM: Coffee brewing (set up night before)

5:35 AM: Writing corner, laptop open

5:40-6:00 AM: One scene, no editing

Result: 20 minutes = 300 words = novel in one year

“`

### The Lunch Break Writer

James, office worker:

12:00 PM: Eat at desk while reading yesterday’s work

12:15 PM: Write new scene

12:45 PM: Save and close

Result: 30 minutes = first draft of scene

“`

### The Night Owl

Maria, retail manager:

9:30 PM: Kids in bed

9:35 PM: Writing space ready

9:40-10:00 PM: Focus on story

Result: 20 minutes of uninterrupted creation

“`

## Making Minutes Count

### Small Sessions Add Up

Monday: 15 minutes = one paragraph

Tuesday: 15 minutes = scene continuation

Wednesday: 15 minutes = scene completion

Thursday: 15 minutes = new scene begins

Friday: 15 minutes = scene development

Result: One complete scene per week

“`

### Weekend Bonus Time

Saturday morning:

7:00-7:45 AM: Extended writing time

– Review week’s work

– Expand scenes

– Plan next week

Result: Momentum maintained

“`

## Creative Time-Finding

### Hidden Moments

– Doctor’s waiting room: Character sketch

– Kid’s practice: Scene outline

– Morning commute: Plot brainstorming (voice notes)

– Walking dog: Mental scene planning

### Time-Stack Method

6:00-6:15 AM: Story outline

Lunch break: Quick scene

8:00-8:15 PM: Scene revision

Result: Three touch points with your story daily

“`

## Start Today

Your First Week Plan:

Day 1: Set up writing space

Day 2: Write opening line

Day 3: Complete first paragraph

Day 4: Continue scene

Day 5: Finish scene

Weekend: Review and plan

“`

Remember: My first novel began with 15 minutes before my law practice opened. Today, twelve novels later, I still believe in the power of small beginnings.

“Time isn’t found, it’s made. Make time for your story.”

– Richard L. Fricks

Ready to find your writing time? Schedule a free consultation to create your personal writing schedule.

Tags: FirstEdge, BeginningWriter, WritingTime, WritingHabits, StartWriting

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Edge Coach—Scene Structure: A Story Coach’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.

As a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, I often find scene structure at the heart of story problems. Let’s explore what makes a scene work with specific examples.

The Core Elements (with Examples)

1. Character Goal

Weak Example:

Sarah goes to the coffee shop to think about her problems.

Strong Example:

Sarah rushes to the coffee shop to confront her brother before he leaves town with her inheritance.

2. Conflict

Weak Example:

The coffee shop is crowded and Sarah has to wait in line.

Strong Example:

Sarah’s brother sits with their mother, who doesn’t know about the stolen money. Any confrontation will shatter their mother’s already fragile health.

3. Outcome

Weak Example:

Sarah decides to leave and try again tomorrow.

Strong Example:

Sarah chooses protecting her mother over confronting her brother, but photographs him meeting his accomplice—evidence she’ll use after their mother’s recovery.

Common Problems and Solutions

1. Missing Goals

Weak Scene:

John walks through the park, noticing flowers and thinking about life.

Revised Scene:

John searches the park for his daughter’s lost medical alert bracelet, knowing her severe allergy could turn deadly any moment.

2. Insufficient Conflict

Weak Scene:

Mary asks her boss for a raise and gets it.

Revised Scene:

Mary asks for a raise, knowing her boss just lost two major clients and is considering layoffs, but her son’s surgery can’t wait.

3. Unimpactful Endings

Weak Scene:

Tom finishes his homework and goes to bed.

Revised Scene:

Tom completes the forged admission essay, torn between his father’s expectations and his own integrity, then sees his father’s proud smile—making tomorrow’s confession even harder.

Today’s Exercise

Take your current scene and map it:

1. Goal: What does your character want RIGHT NOW?

Example: “To get the damning letter before his wife finds it”

2. Conflict: What stands in the way?

Example: “The letter is in his wife’s office, where she’s currently meeting with clients”

3. Outcome: How does it change things?

Example: “He fails to get the letter but discovers his wife already knows—and has evidence of much worse”

Remember: Every scene should raise questions even as it answers others.

Need help strengthening your scenes? Schedule a Story Discovery Session to discuss your novel’s structure.

You’re invited to schedule a consultation.

Book a 30-minute appointment
Pay for your appointment

Note: If this is your first appointment, you do not have to pay. I offer a FREE—initial consultation.

Welcome to Creation Edge—Getting Started with Scrivener

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.

Getting Started with Scrivener

First Steps in Scrivener

Creating Your Project

  1. Open Scrivener
  2. Select “New Project”
  3. Choose “Fiction” template
  4. Name your project
  5. Select save location

Unlike traditional word processors, Scrivener creates a complete project environment for your novel. The Fiction template provides pre-built organization specifically designed for novelists, saving you setup time and keeping your work organized from day one.

Understanding the Interface

The Binder (Left Panel)

Think of the Binder as your digital filing cabinet. Here you’ll organize everything related to your novel: chapters, scenes, character notes, research, and more. The beauty of the Binder is its flexibility—you can restructure your novel by simply dragging and dropping elements.

The Editor (Center Panel)

Your primary writing space. The Editor can display single documents or multiple documents at once, perfect for referencing character notes while writing a scene. Format your text using familiar word processing tools while enjoying Scrivener’s distraction-free writing environment.

The Inspector (Right Panel)

Your story’s metadata lives here. Track scene status, add document notes, create character sketches, and maintain version history. The Inspector helps you manage the countless details that make your novel rich and consistent.

Essential Views

Document View

Your standard writing interface. Here you’ll spend most of your time crafting scenes and chapters. Scrivener remembers where you left off, maintaining your focus when you return.

Corkboard View

Visualize your story using virtual index cards. Each card represents a scene or chapter, allowing you to plan and rearrange your narrative visually. Perfect for plotting and restructuring.

Outline View

See your entire story structure at once. Add custom metadata columns to track viewpoint characters, locations, or any other story elements you need to monitor.

Basic Organization

Create these essential folders:

  • Manuscript: Your actual novel
  • Characters: Character profiles and development
  • Settings: World-building and location details
  • Research: Background information and references

Each folder can contain unlimited documents and sub-folders. This structure grows with your story while keeping everything accessible.

Today’s Exercise

  1. Create a new project using the Fiction template
  2. Set up your four basic folders
  3. Write a test scene in the Manuscript folder
  4. Try switching between Document, Corkboard, and Outline views

Next Steps

Explore each view as you work. There’s no “wrong” way to use Scrivener—find what works for your writing style.

Next Sunday: Project Organization Basics – we’ll dive deeper into Scrivener’s folder system and learn advanced organization techniques.

Remember: Your writing environment should support creativity, not hinder it. Take time to make Scrivener yours.

Schedule a consultation for personalized Scrivener guidance.

Book a 30-minute appointment
Pay for your appointment

Note: If this is your first appointment, you do not have to pay. I offer a FREE—initial consultation.

Edge of Reality–Finding Story in Local News: A Writer’s Guide

EDGE OF REALITY - FIRST FRIDAY
Welcome to Edge of Reality, my monthly 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, let’s discover how local stories can spark our novels while maintaining respect for real events and people.

TRANSFORMING NEWS INTO NARRATIVE

Consider this recent local headline: “Community Rallies Around Family After Storm Destroys Historic Farm”

A news story tells us what happened. But as novelists, we ask:

  • What led to this moment?
  • How do people react under sudden pressure?
  • What happens after the cameras leave?
  • Which conflicts emerge from crisis?

FROM FACT TO FICTION:

News Element: “Historic farm, four generations” Story Potential:

  • Family legacy tensions
  • Modern versus traditional values
  • Preservation versus progress
  • Hidden family secrets

News Element: “Community rallies” Story Potential:

  • Unexpected alliances
  • Past conflicts resolved
  • New conflicts emerge
  • Individual versus community needs

WRITING EXERCISE: Choose a local news story and:

  1. List the factual elements
  2. Identify emotional touchpoints
  3. Explore “what if” scenarios
  4. Create fictional characters inspired by (not copied from) real situations

Remember: We’re not reporting news—we’re exploring human nature through story.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Maintain a respectful distance from real events
  • Change significant details
  • Focus on universal themes
  • Consider timing and sensitivity

Join me next month when we’ll explore another local story through a novelist’s lens. Meanwhile, try the exercise with your local news. What stories are waiting to be discovered?

“No story lives unless someone wants to listen.”

  • J.K. Rowling

Remember: Every great story begins with someone paying attention.

Book a 30-minute appointment
Pay for your appointment

Note: If this is your first appointment, you do not have to pay. I offer a FREE—initial consultation.