Tag: NovelWriting

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:

  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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Sharpening the Edge—Writing Chapter 18: When Characters Take Control

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.

This morning, working on Chapter 18, my protagonist proved yet again that characters often know their story better than we do.

I had the scene perfectly planned. Sarah would follow protocol, file her report, and wait for official channels. That’s what an experienced detective would do, right?

Wrong.

Instead, my character stopped typing mid-report, grabbed her keys, and headed for her informant’s apartment. No backup. No protocol. Just pure character truth.

## What I Learned Today:

1. Character Authenticity

When a character resists your plot, listen. Sarah wasn’t being difficult—she was being true to herself. Her need for justice has always outweighed her respect for rules.

2. Scene Momentum

The moment Sarah veered from my plan, the scene crackled with energy. Her decision created immediate tension, raised stakes, and opened new story possibilities.

3. Story Truth

Sometimes our carefully plotted scenes don’t serve the deeper story. Today’s “detour” revealed more about Sarah’s character than my original plan ever could.

## Writing Insight:

Trust your characters. They live in the story world you’ve created. They understand its rules, its pressures, its consequences. Sometimes they’ll see paths you haven’t considered.

Today’s Writing Tip:

Next time your character balks at your scene plan:

– Pause your plotting

– Write the scene they want

– Follow their lead

– See what emerges

Remember: The best stories often come from characters who refuse to behave.

“The moment comes when a character does or says something you hadn’t thought about. At that moment he’s alive and you leave it to him.”

– Graham Greene

Let your characters surprise you today.

Tags: SharpeningEdge, NovelWriting, CharacterDevelopment, WritingCraft, AmWriting

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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.

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.

Sharpening the Edge—Layering Character Backstory: Scene 13A Revelations

Current progress:

Deep in phase one edits of Novel 12, today I tackled Scene 13A: Doubts in Action. My goal? Adding crucial layers to Alexis’s backstory that drive her current decisions.

Craft Challenge:

Adding backstory without disrupting the scene momentum presents a common writer’s dilemma. Too much explanation kills pacing; too little leaves readers disconnected. The key lies in weaving past details through present action.

Writing Insight:

This morning’s breakthrough came through action-reaction sequencing. Instead of explaining Alexis’s history, I let her reactions to current events reveal her past. Each choice she makes hints at previous experiences, layering her character while maintaining scene tension.

Try this technique:

1. Identify a character decision

2. Link it to past experience

3. Show the connection through reaction, not explanation

4. Keep the story moving forward

For example, when Alexis questioned Pastor Josh and he gave her the standard “God works in mysterious ways” response, her hesitation revealed more about her history than a full paragraph of explanation could.

Remember: Strong characters aren’t built through exposition—they’re revealed through action.

You’re invited to schedule a consultation to discuss your character development challenges.

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.

December 1st: The Pencil’s Edge Begins Its New Chapter

Welcome to the transformed Pencil’s Edge! As someone who wrote his first novel at age 60 and is now working on number twelve, I understand both the courage it takes to begin and the guidance needed to finish. Today marks an exciting evolution in my ability to help others on their writing journey – I’m now a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, focusing exclusively on helping beginning novelists find their voice and strengthen their stories.

Whether you have just a spark of an idea or a complete first draft, The Pencil’s Edge is here to support your journey through five focused categories:

Sharpening the Edge

Join me in real time as I share insights from writing my current novel. You’ll see the challenges, breakthroughs, and solutions as they happen. Currently working through Chapter 17, I’ll show you exactly how I handle scene structure, character development, and plot momentum.

Edge Coach

As a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, I’ll share professional insights into story structure, character development, and scene crafting. From your first scene to your final chapter, learn techniques that will strengthen your writing and engage your readers.

First Edge

Specifically designed for beginning writers, this category offers encouragement, practical guidance, and permission to write imperfectly. Remember, every novelist – even those with dozens of books – had to write their first scene. Let’s start yours.

The Pencil’s Philosophy

Writing is more than a craft – it’s a journey of discovery. Here, we’ll explore how writing connects to deeper understanding, how questioning leads to growth, and how stories can transform both writer and reader.

Edge of Reality

Our monthly feature examines current events through a writer’s lens. We’ll explore how real-world stories can inform our fiction and deepen our understanding of both craft and human nature.

New Content Schedule:

– Monday: Craft and insight posts

– Wednesday: Story coaching and technique

– Friday: Beginning writer focus and encouragement

What This Means for You:

1. Regular, focused content to support your writing journey

2. Professional guidance for your first novel

3. Community support and encouragement

4. Clear path from idea to completion

Ready to Begin?

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your story ideas. Whether you’re just thinking about writing or ready to start your first chapter, let’s talk about how I can help you begin your journey.

Join me in embracing The Pencil Driven Life – where writing becomes a path to discovery, growth, and authentic expression.

Your fellow writer,

Richard