Tag: BeginningWriter

The Pencil’s Philosophy—From Questions to Stories: A Writer’s Journey

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.

My journey from certain answers to courageous questions began with a pencil and a blank page. After sixty years of accepting inherited truths, I discovered that writing fiction opened doors to deeper understanding.

Writing demands honesty. When crafting characters, we can’t hide behind comfortable assumptions. Our characters must face hard truths, make difficult choices, and question everything—just as we must do in our own journey of growth.

Today, working on my twelfth novel, I’ve learned that authentic stories emerge from authentic questioning. Each time my characters face a crisis of belief, confront uncomfortable truths, or challenge accepted wisdom, they’re exploring the same territory I navigated in my transformation from CPA and attorney to novelist and story coach.

Three Truths About Writing and Growth:

1. Questions Lead to Stories

Every powerful story starts with “What if?” When we dare to question our assumptions, we find characters doing the same. Their journeys mirror our own search for truth.

2. Stories Lead to Understanding

Through fiction, we explore different perspectives, challenge our beliefs, and discover new ways of seeing the world. Our characters teach us as much as we teach them.

3. Understanding Leads to Growth

As our characters evolve through their stories, we evolve through our writing. Each draft becomes a step in our own transformation.

Your Story Journey:

Whether you’re writing your first novel or your twelfth, embrace the questions that arise. Let your characters challenge comfortable beliefs. Trust that your story will lead you to deeper understanding.

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.”

– Anaïs Nin

Remember: The truest stories come from the courage to question everything.

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

First Edge—Starting Your Novel: Three Simple Scenes

Think you can’t write a novel? Let’s start with three manageable scenes. No pressure, no rules – just writing.

Scene One: The Mirror Moment

Write a character looking in a mirror, but they’ve just made a decision that will change their life. It could be small (cutting their hair) or significant (leaving their job).

Example:

“Emma traced the new wrinkles around her eyes, wondering if anyone at work had noticed. The resignation letter in her purse felt heavier than two pages should.”

Scene Two: The Coffee Scene

Two people share coffee. Something needs to be said, but neither wants to say it.

Example:

“David stirred his coffee for the third time, watching the cream swirl. Across the table, Sarah shredded her napkin into neat squares, not looking up.”

Scene Three: The Small Decision

Your character makes a seemingly minor choice that feels enormous to them.

Example:

“The red shoes gleamed in the display window. Lisa checked her watch – already late for the meeting. The sensible black pumps sat in her shopping bag, receipt neatly folded. She hadn’t worn red shoes since…”

Writing Tips:

– Set a timer: 15 minutes per scene

– Don’t edit while writing

– Focus on character feelings

– Trust your instincts

Share your scenes in the comments, or schedule a Story Discovery Session to discuss your writing journey.

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.”

– Stephen King

Remember: Every novelist started with a single scene. Today, it’s your turn.

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 Coach—First Pages: What Story Coaches Look For

As a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, I often see beginning novelists struggle with their opening pages. Today, let’s explore what makes those crucial first pages work—and what might be holding yours back.

Let’s start with an example:

Weak Opening: “Sarah Jones had always loved the ocean. Growing up in coastal Maine, she spent summers watching waves crash against rocky shores while dreaming of adventure.” Why it doesn’t work: Background instead of story

Strong Opening: “Sarah’s hand trembled as she gripped the ship’s radio. Three hours into her first solo sailing trip, and the storm warnings changed everything.” Why it works: Character in action, immediate tension

Key Elements Story Coaches Evaluate:

  1. Opening Hook
  • Does your first sentence create curiosity?
  • Are readers immediately engaged?
  • Does something happen or change? Common Issue: Starting with background instead of story momentum
  1. Point of View (POV)
  • Is your viewpoint character clear?
  • Are we grounded in their perspective?
  • Do we experience the scene through their senses? Common Issue: Shifting perspectives or distant narration
  1. Character Introduction
  • Do we meet your protagonist in action?
  • Are they facing a challenge or decision?
  • Do readers have a reason to care? Common Issue: Character descriptions without purpose
  1. Story Question
  • What makes readers wonder what happens next?
  • Which story questions emerge naturally?
  • Is there clear tension or conflict? Common Issue: No compelling reason to turn the page

FICTIONARY KEY ELEMENTS: Using Fictionary’s storytelling elements, I evaluate:

  1. Opening Scene Function
  • Introduces main character
  • Establishes tone
  • Sets story in motion
  • Creates story questions
  1. Scene Entry Point
  • Character doing something
  • Clear setting anchors
  • Immediate conflict
  • Sensory details
  1. Scene Tension
  • External pressure
  • Internal conflict
  • Time constraints
  • Stakes matter
  1. Character Goal
  • Clear motivation
  • Visible actions
  • Specific obstacle
  • Meaningful outcome

EVALUATION EXERCISE:

  1. Read your first page aloud
  2. Mark with different colors:
    • Character actions (blue)
    • Background info (red)
    • Dialogue (green)
    • Setting details (yellow)
    • Internal thoughts (purple)

Analysis Questions:

  • Which color dominates?
  • Where does true story action begin?
  • When do readers first care?
  • What makes them want more?

Coming Soon: Watch for more professional editing insights in future Edge Coach posts, where we’ll explore:

  • Transforming weak openings
  • Layering in background naturally
  • Building organic tension
  • Creating compelling hooks

Need help evaluating your first pages now? Schedule a First Chapter Focus session to get professional guidance on starting your novel strong.

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.