Adding Humor

I attended an seminar on adding humor to your manuscript. Guess what? Although I thought I could be funny, at least have a little humor...it's harder than you think to put it down on paper. It loses something in the translation, so to speak. I decided to take notes on the things I read that make me snicker and start from there. When you write romantic suspense, you usually don't include prat-falls, but your heroine can certainly trip over a pair of shoes left in the middle of the room when she's late for a date, or dress in her best only to be caught in a downpour. Maybe when the hero leans down for that romantic kiss, she could sneeze. I'm going to work on it, because a little humor goes a long way.

Secondly, in order to be a good writer, you must read. Read every genre. Read non-fiction as well as fiction. Every year there are new words (slang) added to our vocabulary, and have you noticed that companys are changing their names to initials? Treasure Island Casino in Las Vegas is now called, "T" Other casinos are following suit. As a writer you want to keep up with the times, but be careful that you don't date your manuscript.

I went to the Desert Hearts Reading Group this afternoon. The leader, Linda Cutler-Smith, chooses the romance books we will read and discuss, also giving us an alternate in case we don't care to read a specific genre. What a great group. We meet in Las Vegas at the Sahara West Library and beside discussing books, we feast on the wonderful treats Linda brings.

Next, I am leading a Memoir group. What fun it is to hear all of the family stories and helping the writers put their thoughts into words. I am blessed to have such good friends.

Last, please go to Snowy Creek  Books and read the wonderful reviews I've received on, "Unexpected Gifts." I am so pleased with the input my readers give me. The book is on their catalog page and on Amazon. 

   

Drama in a Small Town: Memoirs

Drama in a Small Town: Memoirs: I have started a class on writing MEMIORS. The interesting thing about my research is that the information can be used for Creative Writing ...

Memoirs

I have started a class on writing MEMIORS. The interesting thing about my research is that the information can be used for Creative Writing as well as Memiors.
Does this sound familiar?
Create an outline.
Do a character interview.
Incorporate the five senses.
Keep a timeline.
Show conflicts and tension.
Reveal the inner struggles.
Relate how you (your character) and other family members (minor characters) have changed.
I've discovered that all writing is related. Many of my fictional characters possess traits of my family or my friends. The events I write about in fiction can be plucked from the pages or any newspaper. Sometimes fact is stranger than fiction. Keep writing. Joyce 

 

UNEXPECTED GIFTS

UNEXPECTED GIFTS

It's a great feeling when someone reads your novel and gives you a good feedback. One of the best is: "I couldn't put it down." Every writer needs a little TLC after working months to create a new novel. Now "Driftwood Springs," is cited to become the location of a series. I look forward to adding texture to the small community and it's residents. Look for,"Christmas at Driftwood Springs," in the future. Meanwhile, "Olivia," the first of The Women of Rexford, should come out later this month. I've already written the second and third of that series. I hope you come to know Olivia, Victoria and Jade in the following months, and maybe I'll add Kristen's and Robyn's story. Keep writing and keep reading. Joyce Brennan

Drama in a Small Town: UNEXPECTED GIFTS

Drama in a Small Town: UNEXPECTED GIFTS: Now that the holidays are over, we can all relate to unexpected gifts. You know, the one, the surprise you didn't anticipate or the visitor ...

UNEXPECTED GIFTS

Now that the holidays are over, we can all relate to unexpected gifts. You know, the one, the surprise you didn't anticipate or the visitor you haven't seen or heard from in a long time. In my latest book, "Unexpected Gifts," Elizabeth's life is full of surprises, but the one gift she really wants doesn't seem to be within her reach. Follow her adventure in Driftwood Springs, a bedroom community near a ski resort and join her in all of her new ventures. You can download the first two chapters by going to:
http://catalog.snowycreekbooks.com/ProductDisplay.cfm?id=200102&cid=572
 Happy New Year to everyone. Joyce Brennan