Chasing Plot Bunnies
For writers, ideas are prevalent when we open our minds to them. Every time we come into contact with another human being, watch a TV show or movie, read a book, or let our minds wander, ideas pour in whether we realize it or not. And for every story that is told, there are a thousand other ways it could have been told–a thousand more ideas. Sometimes I’ll even sit down with the intention of coming up with an idea that is unique (or as unique as any idea can be in this day and...
Read MoreEditing = Listening to the Story
I’m a few weeks into the editing process and I have to say, it’s slow going. Since this is the second draft and I’m focusing on story structure and adding a subplot, there’s a lot of writing still to do, which requires me to switch back and forth from writing and editing brain. Who knew that could be so hard? For every few chapters that need to be edited, one needs to be written and I have to ground myself in the creative part of my brain again. I’ve read a lot of...
Read MoreThe Day I Decided to Quit Writing
Earlier this week, I decided to quit writing. Things in my personal life had come to a breaking point and trying to find time to write only seemed to be making it worse. A couple of my writing friends blogged about how negative people can be to one another, bringing up those old fears of publishing. And, worst of all, my story was falling apart. Have you ever gotten to that point when everything you thought you knew about your novel seemed completely wrong? I’m sure everyone who has...
Read MoreTV Shows: A Writer’s Teaching Tool
I think it takes a writer to truly appreciate a good story. Or at least, to appreciate what goes into creating a good story. There are so many working parts that when they lock together flawlessly we shouldn’t see the pieces of the puzzle but a writer’s eye is a trained eye. A typical viewer or reader will know they love a story but a writer will know why. Writers can’t help but analyze every story they read or watch. Sometimes its to our own detriment but other times, this...
Read MoreThe First Chapter
I’ve been working on the first chapter of my new book this week and I have to admit, it’s been so long since I’ve written one, I forgot how difficult–and even more, how important–they are. Eventually the first chapter will be the one that gets agents and readers interested in my book but right now, it has to get me interested in writing it! At this point, I don’t know my characters very well yet, and I’ve only just begun to touch the tip of my plot...
Read MoreWhat Comes First–The Character or the Plot?
Brainstorming often seems to be the favorite part of writing for most writers I happen across. This is where the ideas come out, the aha! moments happen and where it feels more like fun than work. Oddly enough, I’m one of those writers who prefers to get down to business and watch all those big ideas come to life in all the little moments. But to get there, I still have to brainstorm. I think the hardest part for me is where to start. I have all these ideas and snippets of information...
Read MoreI Heart a Great Story
I would trade just about anything for a book so good the world stops when I’m reading it…probably something I have in common with most writers (after all, isn’t that what we’re trying to create?). I look back fondly on days spent curled up in a comforter, lost for hours. When Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows came out, I turned off my phone and wouldn’t talk to anyone until I was done! To me, reading a great story is better than any movie, TV show, video...
Read MoreJamie Raintree
Jamie writes what she likes to call everyday fairytale love stories, featuring the little moments in life that are truly magical. She lives in Northern Arizona with her husband and daughter and is currently editing her second novel.
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