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Book Review - Story Trumps Structure by Steven James

8/8/2015

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I have read many resources on the craft of writing. From these I have gleaned, and I’m sure missed much valuable information. However, I do not believe I have read anything as valuable to the development of a quality story as the book Story Trumps Structure by Steven James. I’ve read several of this author’s novels, a couple of which I've reviewed previously in this blog. I absolutely love Steven's engaging and suspenseful writing. This book brings an under-the-hood look at his thought process while creating those enthralling stories.

So much has been written about plotting, outlining, creating backstory, point of view (POV), grammatical good and bad, and on and on it goes. As its title suggests, this isn’t that book. Instead, Story Trumps Structure is a guide to really thinking through your story. How do you escalate tension? How do you create it in the first place? And, why do you need it? It guides you to think through your plot twists, overall and in each scene. There are many other valuable story considerations presented, such as cause-effect, story progression, and the value of organic writing, just to name a few.

The book also examines character development. This is the best, if not only, book I’ve read on character status, and the value varying status between characters. There are other character considerations, which I have observed in other resources, such as quirks, transformation, uniqueness, and attitude. But, even in these more common considerations, his approach is fresh and effective. I also really enjoyed his discussion of character intention.

I read this book, as I often do, between the first draft of my next novel and the rewrite process. I believe Steven’s insights will prove invaluable in taking my own writing to the next level. I only wish I had read this book before writing my first novel. Yes, I have much to learn about my craft, as I believe we all do.

This book will remain on my writing desk for years to come and I give it a “14 dog-eared pages” rating!

‘Till next time.


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Creating Relatable Characters

8/1/2015

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PictureSarah McIntyre - Unseen Dominion Series
If you’ve read my book reviews, you know that I usually comment on the quality of the characters in a story. In my opinion, the ability to develop characters that are both believable and relatable is paramount to an engaging story. As a writer, it is my job to develop characters to the point that the reader cares about what happens to them. Whether they are lovable, or easy to hate, they need to feel like real people. Even if they aren’t people, as may be the case in speculative and fantasy novels.

So how does one go about creating jump-off-the-page characters? I’ll admit, I am not a recognized expert on the subject. I haven’t been writing best sellers for decades. But, I am a student of people and I believe that is key to creating realistic characters. When we attempt to describe someone, our first instinct is to address physical characteristics—tall, short, lanky, not, blond, curly, bald, blue-eyed, green skin, fangs, talons, on and on and on. While these can be important to help the reader establish a frame of reference, just a little detail will allow the reader’s imagination to fill in the rest.

More important are the personality, past experiences, and goals of the individual. While these won’t necessarily make their way directly into the story, they shape everything about the character—how they dress, walk, talk, think, react, solve problems, and relate to other characters. If a writer doesn’t work through the details of a character’s personality, past, and plans, the characters will begin to look and act an awful lot like the author. Let’s face it, most of us just aren’t that interesting.

I’ve personally found that the ability to flesh out the details of my characters is helped by studying people. This involves more than just watching people to see how they act, though I certainly do enough of that. It means reading about people. How do introverts and extroverts differ? How do creativity and logic shape a person’s responses? I read an article earlier this week which looked at autistic traits in IT personnel. How might someone over-sensitive to sounds or smells respond in my story? Or, how might someone under-sensitive to touch play out as my antagonist?

There are hundreds of ways that studying what makes us unique can enhance a writer’s ability to create relatable characters. But, I’ll leave you with one more that came to me today. As I read an article about what your Facebook posts say about your personality, I began to ponder, “what would the Facebook or Twitter posts of my characters look like?” One more unique way of adding dimension to those flat characters that first step onto the page.

‘Till next time!


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Angelic Christmas - Eldwyn joins Zechariah

12/14/2014

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Eldwyn escorted Zechariah into the outer sanctuary of the Lord. Such an honor to be charged with the protection of the priestly division of Abijah, at a time when so many angels daily encountered the enemy in a spiritual Senet match. Eldwyn blessed the Lord for his assignment with Zechariah. He enjoyed the presence of the priest and his dear wife Elizabeth. But nothing compared to the joy of having Zechariah selected by lot to burn incense in the sanctuary.

His wings shuddered with reverence in the presence of the Shekinah glory of the Almighty Creator. By the time they reached the altar of incense, Eldwyn’s very nature drew him to the ground. He fell prostrate before the curtain of the Holy of Holies. Though to the humans the curtain separated the priest from the manifest presence of God within the inner sanctuary, in the spiritual domain nothing contained His glory. In the brilliance of the Creator, Eldwyn’s snow-white robe, with its red blazoned cross on the front, appeared as black as his fallen brothers that followed Lucifer in his rebellion.

The fragrant aroma of the incense rose from the altar and brought joy to Eldwyn. Soon he sensed another presence in the sanctuary with them. A towering angelic form bowed prostrate next to him. He glanced to his left and shock rippled through him. “General? What brings you here today?”

“I have a message to deliver to your charge,” said Gabriel, General of the Heavenly Host.

“Good news, I pray.”

“Yes, I believe he will find it so.” Gabriel stood and faced Zechariah. The air chilled briefly as he took physical form.

Zechariah saw him standing next to him and nearly fell into the curtain. Eldwyn stabilized him with a wing over his shoulder.

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah,” said Gabriel, “because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth.” Gabriel went on to give instruction and insight about the child to Zechariah.

Eldwyn felt both exuberant joy and unexplained sorrow at the declaration that the prophecies long foretold by Isaiah regarding the coming Messiah were at last coming to pass. Soon there would be no need for this building. The True Sacrifice would enter the world and Zechariah’s son would have the honor of proclaiming his coming.

“How can I know this?” asked Zechariah. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

Eldwyn looked up at his General. “They have heard the stories passed down through generations. He has even taught them. Yet, it is so difficult to accept that God would do the miraculous for oneself.”

Gabriel looked back to Zechariah. “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. Now listen!” His voice resonated within the sanctuary. “You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

Zechariah’s eyes sheened over as he simply nodded his acceptance of the judgment.

Gabriel transitioned back to the unseen domain. “He is a good man.” Gabriel placed his hands on Eldwyn’s shoulders. “As you no doubt suspect, this is just the first of my proclamations. These are exciting times. Protect Zechariah and Elizabeth. The enemy will be intent on disrupting His will.” Gabriel walked to the entrance of the sanctuary and turned before walking out the door. “Eldwyn, remove Elizabeth’s bonds. When the child comes, untie Zechariah’s tongue. That one day his child, ‘John’ may proclaim His coming.”

That day when Zechariah left the sanctuary, the people were abuzz with excitement because he had seen a vision. Though he was unable to proclaim the good news to the masses, when he saw Elizabeth he just looked at her and wept.

Pain filled her eyes as she approached her husband. Eldwyn suspected that she wanted to run to him, to take him in her arms, to share in his experience. But, she would not touch him. Had she done anything to make him unclean? It was a risk they were unwilling to take, for reverence of his remaining service at the temple. Yet, he did manage to explain, through much non-verbal communication, the message of Gabriel. Her expression filled with awe, but not disbelief.

After Zechariah completed his service at the temple, Eldwyn accompanied him home. Elizabeth met them at the door to the home and embraced her husband. Joy overflowed from her as she welcomed her best friend home. She had waited in faith and expectation for him to return. His inability to speak fueled her belief in God’s promise.

That night Eldwyn laid his hand on Elizabeth’s abdomen and blessed the Great Physician for His promise of restoration to this wonderful woman. Eldwyn rose to the roof of their home to stand guard and ensure that their time together would pass without interference.

All Scripture from Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) - Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

You can read more about Eldwyn and the rest of the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

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    Author -
    Robert Roush

    I've been a husband for 28 years and am the father of five children, three boys and two girls, ages 24 and under.

    My vocational years have been an eclectic mix of software developer, electrical and manufacturing engineer, manager, and even five years as a worship pastor. So, I guess it only stands to reason that my aspirations as an author are equally unique. As an author it is my desire to challenge one's mind with what ifs, one's heart with if only, and one's sense of justice with if not me.

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