Tag: WritingCraft

Pacing and Atmosphere: Keeping Readers Hooked in Your Settings

STORY INSIGHTS – FRIDAYS

This post will weave together elements from Sharpening the Edge, The Pencil's Philosophy, and Edge of Reality. You'll find real-time insights from my writing desk, transformational aspects of the writing journey, and exploration of how current events can enrich our fiction. This post helps you connect craft with creativity, reality with imagination.

Last week, we explored how to craft settings that reflect your story’s themes and amplify its emotional impact. This week, we’re focusing on two essential elements that keep readers engaged with your settings: pacing and atmosphere.

A beautifully described setting is meaningless if it slows the story to a crawl or fails to evoke the right mood. Pacing and atmosphere ensure your settings not only serve the plot but also deepen the reader’s immersion in the story.

Pacing: Keeping the Story Moving

Pacing refers to the speed at which your story unfolds. In terms of settings, it’s about knowing how much detail to include and when to include it.

Tips for Managing Pacing in Settings:

  1. Match the Pace to the Scene’s Purpose:
    • In action-packed or suspenseful scenes, use short, punchy descriptions to maintain tension. Example: The forest closed in around her, branches clawing at her skin as she ran.
    • In slower, introspective moments, allow for richer, more detailed descriptions to let readers linger. Example: The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the meadow in hues of gold and crimson.
  2. Avoid Overloading with Details:
    • Resist the urge to describe every aspect of the setting at once. Sprinkle details throughout the scene to keep the narrative moving.
  3. Use Dialogue and Action to Break Up Descriptions:
    • Let characters interact with the environment instead of relying solely on exposition. Example: Instead of saying, “The room was cluttered,” show a character tripping over a pile of books.
  4. Vary Sentence Length:
    • Short sentences create urgency, while longer sentences encourage reflection. Adjust sentence length to control the rhythm of your descriptions.

Atmosphere: Evoking Emotion Through Setting

Atmosphere is the mood or emotional tone of a scene. It’s what makes a setting feel eerie, romantic, hopeful, or foreboding.

Tips for Building Atmosphere in Settings:

  1. Use Sensory Details:
    • Engage all five senses to draw readers into the scene. What does the air smell like? Is it damp or dry? Are there distant sounds adding to the mood?
  2. Leverage Weather and Lighting:
    • Weather and lighting are powerful tools for creating atmosphere. A sudden downpour can heighten tension, while soft candlelight might evoke intimacy.
  3. Let Characters React to the Setting:
    • Show how your characters perceive and respond to their surroundings. A character feeling trapped in a small, cluttered room conveys claustrophobia without needing to state it outright.
  4. Use Symbolism:
    • Details in your setting can symbolically reinforce the mood. For example, a crumbling building might symbolize decay or despair.

Blending Pacing and Atmosphere

The real magic happens when pacing and atmosphere work together. A tense chase scene through a dark forest combines rapid pacing with an ominous atmosphere to keep readers on edge. Conversely, a slow, reflective scene on a quiet beach might pair deliberate pacing with a calming, nostalgic atmosphere.

Practical Exercise:

Write a scene that takes place in a storm. Focus on using pacing and atmosphere to heighten the tension. Experiment with sentence length, sensory details, and your character’s reactions to make the setting come alive.

Next Friday, we’ll explore how to write immersive settings for speculative fiction, diving into worldbuilding techniques that balance creativity with clarity.

Happy writing!

– Your StoryCoach

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.

The Role of Secondary Characters: Amplifying Your Protagonist’s Journey

WRITER'S EDGE – TUESDAYS

Welcome to Writer's Edge, your weekly resource for mastering the art and craft of storytelling. Every Tuesday, I'll share insights drawn from my experience as a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, blending the best elements of Edge Coach, First Edge, and Craft Edge. Whether you're staring at a blank page, wrestling with revisions, or fine-tuning your final draft, you'll find actionable advice, proven techniques, and encouragement tailored to your stage of the writing journey. Let Writer's Edge sharpen your skills, spark your creativity, and guide you toward building stories that captivate readers.

Secondary characters are the unsung heroes of storytelling. While the protagonist takes center stage, secondary characters add richness to the narrative, deepen themes, and push the protagonist toward growth. Today, we’ll explore how to craft impactful secondary characters who elevate your story.

Why Secondary Characters Matter

Secondary characters serve as mirrors, foils, and catalysts for your protagonist. They:

  • Reflect the protagonist’s qualities, helping readers understand them better.
  • Challenge the protagonist’s beliefs or decisions, driving internal and external conflict.
  • Embody themes, reinforcing the story’s core message.

Think of Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes. He’s not only Holmes’s loyal companion but also the everyman who grounds the narrative, making Holmes’s brilliance accessible to readers.

Types of Secondary Characters

  1. Mentors:
    • Provide wisdom or guidance, often tied to the protagonist’s growth.
    • Example: Haymitch in The Hunger Games challenges Katniss to confront her fears and trust her instincts.
  2. Foils:
    • Highlight the protagonist’s traits by offering a contrasting personality.
    • Example: Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter emphasizes Harry’s moral integrity through his oppositional actions.
  3. Allies:
    • Support the protagonist in achieving their goals, offering camaraderie and perspective.
    • Example: Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings exemplifies loyalty and perseverance, themes central to Frodo’s journey.
  4. Antagonistic Figures:
    • These aren’t always the main antagonist but provide obstacles or differing viewpoints.
    • Example: Javert in Les Misérables challenges Jean Valjean’s path to redemption.

Crafting Memorable Secondary Characters

  1. Give Them Their Own Goals:
    • Secondary characters shouldn’t exist solely to serve the protagonist. Give them desires, flaws, and arcs of their own.
    • Example: In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch’s fight for justice isn’t just Scout’s story; it’s his deeply personal mission.
  2. Tie Them to the Theme:
    • Let secondary characters embody different facets of your story’s themes. Their perspectives can enrich the narrative and deepen the message.
  3. Balance Their Presence:
    • Secondary characters should enhance the story, not overshadow the protagonist. Keep their arcs meaningful but focused.

Practical Exercise: The Secondary Character Web

Take a moment to map out your secondary characters:

  • How does each relate to the protagonist?
  • What role do they play in the plot?
  • How do they contribute to the story’s themes?

Use this exercise to identify underdeveloped characters or opportunities to strengthen their impact.

Edge Coaching Tip:

Avoid stereotypes. Give your secondary characters complexity, even if they only appear briefly. A well-rounded side character can leave a lasting impression on readers.

Your Challenge This Week:

Choose one secondary character in your story and write a short scene from their perspective. Explore their goals, motivations, and conflicts to deepen their role in the narrative.

Next Tuesday, we’ll tackle how to balance backstory and action to keep your story engaging.

Happy writing!

– Your StoryCoach

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.

Crafting Settings That Reflect Themes and Amplify Emotional Impact

STORY INSIGHTS – FRIDAYS

This post will weave together elements from Sharpening the Edge, The Pencil's Philosophy, and Edge of Reality. You'll find real-time insights from my writing desk, transformational aspects of the writing journey, and exploration of how current events can enrich our fiction. This post helps you connect craft with creativity, reality with imagination.

A compelling setting does more than paint a picture; it deepens your story’s themes and heightens its emotional resonance. Today, we’re delving into how to craft settings that align with your story’s core message and evoke the emotions you want readers to feel.

Why Theme and Setting Should Align

Themes are the underlying truths or messages your story conveys, while the setting is the world where your characters live and act. When these two elements harmonize, they create a cohesive and immersive experience for readers.

For example:

In The Great Gatsby, the lavish mansions and decadent parties reflect themes of excess, illusion, and moral decay.

In The Road, the desolate, ash-covered landscape underscores themes of survival, despair, and fleeting hope.

Steps to Create Theme-Driven Settings

Identify Your Core Themes:

Start by clarifying the central themes of your story. Are you exploring love and loss? Redemption? The clash between tradition and progress?

Match Themes with Setting:

Choose a setting that naturally embodies or contrasts with your themes. For example, a crumbling estate might symbolize a character’s fading legacy, while a bustling city can highlight themes of isolation amidst crowds.

Use Symbolism:

Infuse your setting with symbolic details that reflect your themes. A withering tree might symbolize a dying relationship, or a river could represent change and renewal.

Let Setting Amplify Emotion:

Use the environment to mirror or heighten your characters’ emotional states. A storm can reflect inner turmoil, while a serene meadow might offer a moment of peace before chaos.

Practical Example: Theme of Isolation

Imagine a story centered on a character grappling with loneliness and disconnection. How can the setting reinforce this theme?

Urban Setting: The protagonist lives in a densely populated city but feels invisible, surrounded by indifferent crowds and towering skyscrapers that seem to close in on them.

Rural Setting: The character resides in a remote cabin, where the vast silence of the wilderness amplifies their solitude.

Current Events as Inspiration

Consider how contemporary issues can inform your settings and themes. For instance:

A town grappling with environmental destruction might serve as the backdrop for a story about human resilience.

A community divided by political ideologies could deepen themes of conflict and reconciliation.

Your Challenge This Week:

Think of a theme in your story. Write a short paragraph describing a setting that reflects or amplifies that theme. Consider how the environment might affect your characters’ emotions and actions.

Next Friday, we’ll explore how to use pacing and atmosphere to sustain reader engagement in your settings.

Happy writing!

– Your StoryCoach

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.

Creating Dynamic Characters: The Art of Internal and External Conflict

Welcome to Writer's Edge, your weekly resource for mastering the art and craft of storytelling. Every Tuesday, I'll share insights drawn from my experience as a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, blending the best elements of Edge Coach, First Edge, and Craft Edge. Whether you're staring at a blank page, wrestling with revisions, or fine-tuning your final draft, you'll find actionable advice, proven techniques, and encouragement tailored to your stage of the writing journey. Let Writer's Edge sharpen your skills, spark your creativity, and guide you toward building stories that captivate readers.

Characters are the beating heart of any story. While a gripping plot can draw readers in, it’s the characters—flawed, complex, and relatable—that keep them turning pages. Today, we’re exploring how internal and external conflicts shape your characters and make your story unforgettable.

What is Internal Conflict?

Internal conflict is the struggle that takes place within your character. It’s their inner demons, fears, desires, or doubts. This type of conflict drives emotional depth and creates a character readers can connect with on a personal level.

Examples of internal conflict:

  • A young woman torn between loyalty to her family and pursuing her dreams.
  • A detective haunted by guilt over a past mistake that affects their current case.
  • A hero questioning their ability to live up to the expectations of others.

What is External Conflict?

External conflict arises from outside forces that challenge your character. It can be another character, society, nature, or even a ticking clock. External conflict drives the plot and forces your character to act.

Examples of external conflict:

  • A group of survivors trying to escape a zombie apocalypse.
  • A lawyer fighting a corrupt system to save an innocent client.
  • A family stranded in a snowstorm, battling the elements to survive.

The Power of Combining Conflicts

The most memorable stories blend internal and external conflicts seamlessly. When your protagonist’s internal struggle impacts how they handle external challenges, it creates a rich, layered narrative.

For example:

  • A firefighter afraid of heights must confront this fear to save someone from a burning building. The external conflict (the rescue) mirrors the internal conflict (overcoming fear), creating a compelling arc.

Practical Steps to Develop Dynamic Characters

  1. Start with a Core Conflict: Decide on the primary internal and external conflicts for your protagonist. Ensure they’re interconnected.
  2. Explore Their Past: What experiences or traumas shaped your character’s internal struggles? Use these to inform their decisions.
  3. Build Tension: Show how external pressures exacerbate internal struggles. Let readers see your character’s growth as they face these challenges.
  4. Allow Imperfection: Flaws make characters relatable. Let them make mistakes and learn from them.

Edge Coaching Tip:

When crafting internal conflict, use subtext and subtlety. Show, don’t tell. For example, instead of stating, “John was afraid of failing,” show his hesitation, fidgeting, or avoidance when faced with a challenging task.

Your Challenge This Week:

Write a scene where your protagonist’s internal conflict directly impacts how they respond to an external challenge. Experiment with subtext to reveal their inner turmoil.

Next Tuesday, we’ll delve into how secondary characters can amplify your protagonist’s journey and reinforce the story’s themes.

Happy writing!

– Your StoryCoach

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.

The Power of Place: Infusing Fiction with a Sense of Home

STORY INSIDGHTS--FRIDAYS 
This post will weave together elements from Sharpening the Edge, The Pencil's Philosophy, and Edge of Reality. You'll find real-time insights from my writing desk, transformational aspects of the writing journey, and exploration of how current events can enrich our fiction. This post helps you connect craft with creativity, reality with imagination.

One of the most compelling ways to draw readers into a story is to create a vivid and evocative sense of place. Whether it’s a bustling city, a sleepy small town, or a desolate wilderness, setting can shape your characters, inform the plot, and act as a character itself.

Why Place Matters in Fiction

The setting isn’t just the backdrop for your story; it’s the world your characters inhabit. It influences their behavior, motivations, and conflicts. A well-drawn setting:

  • Anchors readers in your story’s reality.
  • Provides opportunities for mood, symbolism, and thematic depth.
  • Adds authenticity to your narrative.

Think of classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, where the town of Maycomb is inseparable from the themes of justice and prejudice, or The Shining, where the Overlook Hotel becomes a living, breathing antagonist.

Drawing Inspiration from Reality

Start with what you know. Your hometown, a favorite vacation spot, or a place that left a deep impression on you can serve as inspiration. For example, my own writing often draws from the landscapes and rhythms of life in Boaz, Alabama. By weaving real-life details into your fiction, you create a world that feels grounded and relatable.

Edge Insight Tip: If your setting is based on a real place, change enough details to make it your own. Alter street names, local landmarks, or cultural elements to create a fictional version that suits your story’s needs.

Transforming Place into Story

Here are some ways to infuse your fiction with a strong sense of place:

  1. Use All Five Senses:
    • What does the air smell like? Is it crisp with pine, heavy with exhaust, or salty from the sea?
    • What do characters hear in the background—birdsong, traffic, the distant hum of machinery?
  2. Let Setting Shape Conflict:
    • Could a mountain range isolate your characters and heighten tension?
    • Does a tight-knit community provide both support and stifling expectations?
  3. Let Characters Interact with Their World:
    • Show how your protagonist navigates their environment. Do they cherish it, resent it, or feel trapped by it?

Current Events as a Springboard

The world around us constantly changes, and those changes can spark ideas for your fictional settings. Consider how climate change, urbanization, or shifting cultural landscapes might affect the places you write about. Could a town threatened by rising sea levels provide the backdrop for a tale of resilience? Could gentrification turn a cherished neighborhood into a battleground for identity and belonging?

Your Challenge This Week:

Write a short paragraph describing a setting for your story. Focus on sensory details and how the place shapes your characters’ emotions or decisions. Share your paragraph in the comments or use it as a foundation for your next scene.

Next Friday, we’ll explore how to craft settings that reflect your story’s themes and amplify its emotional impact.

Happy writing!

– Your StoryCoach

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.

The Foundation of Every Great Story: A Strong Story Core

Welcome to Writer's Edge, your weekly resource for mastering the art and craft of storytelling. Every Tuesday, I'll share insights drawn from my experience as a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, blending the best elements of Edge Coach, First Edge, and Craft Edge. Whether you're staring at a blank page, wrestling with revisions, or fine-tuning your final draft, you'll find actionable advice, proven techniques, and encouragement tailored to your stage of the writing journey. Let Writer's Edge sharpen your skills, spark your creativity, and guide you toward building stories that captivate readers.

The Foundation of Every Great Story: A Strong Story Core

Every great novel begins with a solid foundation—a Story Core that holds the entire narrative together. Whether you’re a discovery writer (pantser), a meticulous planner (plotter), or something in between, identifying your Story Core early can save you hours of revision and keep your narrative on track.

What is a Story Core?

At its heart, the Story Core is the central driving force of your novel. It’s made up of three key elements:

  1. Protagonist’s Goal: What does your protagonist want more than anything?
  2. Conflict: What stands in the way of achieving that goal?
  3. Stakes: What happens if the protagonist fails?

Without these elements working in harmony, even the most beautifully written prose can fall flat.

Why Your Story Core Matters

A strong Story Core:

  • Provides focus and direction for your narrative.
  • Keeps your characters’ motivations clear and believable.
  • Gives readers a reason to invest emotionally in the story.

Practical Steps to Identify Your Story Core

  1. Ask the Big Questions:
    • What does my protagonist want?
    • Why can’t they have it?
    • What happens if they don’t succeed?
  2. Refine Your Answers: Be specific. “Save the world” is vague. “Stop the reactor before it melts down and destroys the city” is clear and immediate.
  3. Write It Down: Create a one-sentence summary of your Story Core. Example: A timid librarian must confront her fear of public speaking to save her town’s historic library from demolition.

Edge Coaching Tip:

If you’re struggling to clarify your Story Core, step away from the plot for a moment. Focus on your protagonist—what do they fear, love, or regret the most? Often, your Story Core is buried in their deepest desire or most haunting fear.

Your Challenge This Week:

Write a one-sentence Story Core for your current project. Share it in the comments or keep it as your guiding light for this stage of your draft.

Next Tuesday, we’ll dive into how to align your plot points with your Story Core to create a compelling narrative arc.

Happy writing!

– Your StoryCoach

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

  1. Character Change
  • Entry state vs. exit state
  • Emotional transformation
  • Knowledge gained or lost
  1. Story Movement
  • Plot advancement
  • New complications
  • Stakes escalation
  1. 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:

  1. What changes for the character?
  2. How does the story advance?
  3. 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.

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.

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:

  1. Opening State
  • Establish baseline emotion
  • Show normal behaviors
  • Set emotional stakes
  1. Triggering Event
  • Create emotional catalyst
  • Show immediate reaction
  • Layer in complications
  1. Emotional Progression
  • Build through multiple responses
  • Mix emotional signals
  • Create emotional turning points
  1. 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

  1. Mix emotional categories
  2. Layer responses over time
  3. Connect emotions to backstory
  4. Use setting to amplify feeling
  5. 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 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.