tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62960412761406351682024-03-01T18:05:47.790-07:00Write Like a Pro! A Free Online Writing WorkshopChris Eboch, writing teacher, critiquer, and author of books for children and adults, shares articles on the craft of writing plus occasional guest posts or industry topics. AsKris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.comBlogger324125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-45856191804273893212024-01-11T10:43:00.007-07:002024-01-11T10:43:56.163-07:00Cliffhangers: Keep the Pages Turning! A workshop for writers, via @SavvyAuthors #writing #amwriting #writerslife #writingworkshop<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeNOaTa776P5FZiA1N7lHp6s0do5bC-EangvoqrtaJdG6EzVDo4dJcBnDucUr3bs1Y1iD_MbpAFoORjfDwxL6svLe5pZimNQROXMvlHNHYMt5CrN4hZC81n626_koVV60BQkmKexBw5QR8kijPeRL5DB82ZBrf-GY29VY8ZElXLEA3WigK3-orJUsSQmy/s1600/Cliffhangers%20workshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeNOaTa776P5FZiA1N7lHp6s0do5bC-EangvoqrtaJdG6EzVDo4dJcBnDucUr3bs1Y1iD_MbpAFoORjfDwxL6svLe5pZimNQROXMvlHNHYMt5CrN4hZC81n626_koVV60BQkmKexBw5QR8kijPeRL5DB82ZBrf-GY29VY8ZElXLEA3WigK3-orJUsSQmy/s320/Cliffhangers%20workshop.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Cliffhangers: Keep the Pages Turning! </span></b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">A cliffhanger chapter ending can add impact to a dramatic scene and leave the reader desperate to find out what happens next. Learn how to identify your best cliffhanger moments and make them even more dramatic through pacing and paragraphing. Even when you have to end at a quieter moment, you can drive the story forward by leaving your character—and the reader—with a sense of anticipation or worry.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>This online forum workshop runs April 1-15. Register by March 25th and save $5.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">All types of writing can use cliffhanger chapter/scene endings. Learn how to:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">· Focus on suspense, not surprise</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">· Slow the pace for a cliffhanger chapter endings</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">· Use sensory details with an emotional impact</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">· Cliffhangers work even in quiet moments</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">· Review your chapters and ask if you’re stopping in the right place</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">· Use short paragraphs and sentences for impact</span></p><p><b><a href="https://savvyauthors.com/community/classes/cliffhangers-keep-the-pages-turning-with-kris-bock.2160/"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Sign up at SavvyAuthors</span></a></b></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Iwll0lBhNJlJGYTGRwZFXPNIEDP1hI7-FP9eZ8zotrpd1WXKWSVWhJ9GmJkhPjh3JCyIfDeY_Yrl5itNkUgr_BlaPg6N8M79eCsO6gAeBU3a2npbBdTb2JOZnjwRlmgEGADDr_1NlNkSpWSBbFeeB9LPgne2IDZ3aY-a_VcvQ0YcMaPn921nC660hfao/s1080/Kris%20Bock%20books-Instagram%20Post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Iwll0lBhNJlJGYTGRwZFXPNIEDP1hI7-FP9eZ8zotrpd1WXKWSVWhJ9GmJkhPjh3JCyIfDeY_Yrl5itNkUgr_BlaPg6N8M79eCsO6gAeBU3a2npbBdTb2JOZnjwRlmgEGADDr_1NlNkSpWSBbFeeB9LPgne2IDZ3aY-a_VcvQ0YcMaPn921nC660hfao/s320/Kris%20Bock%20books-Instagram%20Post.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Kris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance novels, many with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. In <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/&source=gmail&ust=1705078922819000&usg=AOvVaw0m1ezes869XzxQl9eX5ZqH" href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b>The Accidental Detective humorous mystery series</b></a>, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty.<b> </b>Kris’s romantic suspense novels include stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue in the Southwest. Readers have called these novels "Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel" and novels “Like Nancy Drew for grown-ups.” </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://storyoriginapp.com/collections/6eb320a9-c5ab-45f9-ba44-46a902be614e&source=gmail&ust=1705078922819000&usg=AOvVaw0KUoRUbcCMZFv7t8Cl1jAY" href="https://storyoriginapp.com/collections/6eb320a9-c5ab-45f9-ba44-46a902be614e" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b></b></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KnCxMyzstNx75CsetEJ1neqQFZjDYfaWpNAPkeVLRKmOi-05eSWdOn6xpsSkiHV0vk5SbWwyrBO6Cxz1EUsI9oKLf1Pvn9wC1g2xvwT1A0jCMMtM-Zq2FII2zUIG5RcrEELJtFxldUAh1I6uDSiHEaFDBii6vX0FlbVu8EMFTTbpfgTK2Z5Mly0do_wT/s1080/1-cats%20and%205-cowboys%20inta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KnCxMyzstNx75CsetEJ1neqQFZjDYfaWpNAPkeVLRKmOi-05eSWdOn6xpsSkiHV0vk5SbWwyrBO6Cxz1EUsI9oKLf1Pvn9wC1g2xvwT1A0jCMMtM-Zq2FII2zUIG5RcrEELJtFxldUAh1I6uDSiHEaFDBii6vX0FlbVu8EMFTTbpfgTK2Z5Mly0do_wT/w200-h200/1-cats%20and%205-cowboys%20inta.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://storyoriginapp.com/collections/6eb320a9-c5ab-45f9-ba44-46a902be614e " target="_blank">The Furrever Friends Cat Café Sweet Romance series</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b> </b>features the employees and customers at a cat café.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/&source=gmail&ust=1705078922819000&usg=AOvVaw0gjPEmvkxq9Bpv5PCXSq8y" href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b>the Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series</b></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, which causes as many problems as it solves. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://books2read.com/Pageant-Pandemonium" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://books2read.com/Pageant-Pandemonium" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJahNXT-iP7sfN3IRBeM8mm6CVOOlUB_XWYsoq5a0Hv-QjikUbxLStNBNzszsZ8wItNeDAtsBHzlbzdCSFK1Yf8MDGFErki46RtTVOINsOwUJnAeBu8cyzLlAVE73wAMpSjhiYm1L5Af-h5pkaPMi1E759gy8ufOhQRoRCufx8aszzZRQ9UIzwTUNs4Fwj/s940/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJahNXT-iP7sfN3IRBeM8mm6CVOOlUB_XWYsoq5a0Hv-QjikUbxLStNBNzszsZ8wItNeDAtsBHzlbzdCSFK1Yf8MDGFErki46RtTVOINsOwUJnAeBu8cyzLlAVE73wAMpSjhiYm1L5Af-h5pkaPMi1E759gy8ufOhQRoRCufx8aszzZRQ9UIzwTUNs4Fwj/w200-h168/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />The Felony Melanie: <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i> romantic comedy novels</b>, written with scriptwriter Douglas Eboch, star the characters from the movie <span style="color: #222222;"><i>Sweet Home Alabama</i> as teenagers.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span>Learn more at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.krisbock.com&source=gmail&ust=1705078922819000&usg=AOvVaw2kxokhPIR6wm9sCyA9E71n" href="http://www.krisbock.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b>www.krisbock.com</b></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. </span><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIQtVfbhYDlwCVajbqPvP640YrcVgcLc2MBEA_2QiO9tf-f6EAMMOS8b_T7bfmpgDCjb41-r4DzwzPw1cABCDK_5chvXidMIEijl8fHrWLsVBPly12R4V-XA89Zfp7houW7rPdCyhWLMP8OL4Sev9W7KZcpI0wtjkQQb3oklQnwL_tnsjTJOnIj3J8Ym2/s940/Writing%20books%20FB%20post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIQtVfbhYDlwCVajbqPvP640YrcVgcLc2MBEA_2QiO9tf-f6EAMMOS8b_T7bfmpgDCjb41-r4DzwzPw1cABCDK_5chvXidMIEijl8fHrWLsVBPly12R4V-XA89Zfp7houW7rPdCyhWLMP8OL4Sev9W7KZcpI0wtjkQQb3oklQnwL_tnsjTJOnIj3J8Ym2/w200-h168/Writing%20books%20FB%20post.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Kris also writes for young people as Chris Eboch, with over 100 published books: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://chriseboch.com/&source=gmail&ust=1705078922819000&usg=AOvVaw0r8O6N5WoqLX9nSNDuUk03" href="http://chriseboch.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b>chriseboch.com/</b></a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Her
writing craft books include<i> <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FMBI18">Advanced Plotting</a></b> </i>and <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YVNM8PC"><i>You
Can Write for Children</i></a></b><i>: How
to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers</i>.</span></p></div>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-66203042531187442372023-12-08T03:00:00.001-07:002023-12-08T03:00:00.138-07:00Writer and Reader Comfort: tools to make writing time easier (part 4) #amwriting #writinglife #reader #booklover #christmasgift #holidaygiftguide <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKse8zCdifmGmVGSsVUE5X8Buvbw8xoiA1So3MLxVht3_DACB1e6gs9_-junAh7G8zSVsQfFdUpvTeQ0jPurdwA_Flg7RA5ML-9utc0CA9x_1GQIUUyQwYkILK7LamMuYuz1oLET65Ev1bopSG0oaAp8x0nxmQu5jc5BSgNN3gI6qdJG7Utw40GCikg/s1600/Writer%20and%20Reader%20Comfort.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKse8zCdifmGmVGSsVUE5X8Buvbw8xoiA1So3MLxVht3_DACB1e6gs9_-junAh7G8zSVsQfFdUpvTeQ0jPurdwA_Flg7RA5ML-9utc0CA9x_1GQIUUyQwYkILK7LamMuYuz1oLET65Ev1bopSG0oaAp8x0nxmQu5jc5BSgNN3gI6qdJG7Utw40GCikg/s320/Writer%20and%20Reader%20Comfort.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><div>I wrote this post in April but thought it could be helpful as people look for holiday gifts. Get these for the writers or readers in your life!</div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>If you are a writer – or if you work at any job that keeps
you at a desk all day – you may be dealing with pain in the spine. I’ve been
collecting and sharing items my writer friends and I use for managing,
soothing, or eliminating that pain.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_WsOL7EquDd_TRd15faMlwvj06xBJIrpwVOHsH_YW3ILagRmg7PoZx05tFZMJVRPylRCalM-ZKe1bqs9xVeu22H3FJ8WT8ri8Lr4oL0wYmrQuuVn4P-dyT4BzGRzW3VFJO0jmNBnV8hY7En_9RybXb731goDQcRSlbJVNlLU0dTPKeW3ZNzXFalNHg/s1396/Roost%20V3%20Laptop%20Stand.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1396" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_WsOL7EquDd_TRd15faMlwvj06xBJIrpwVOHsH_YW3ILagRmg7PoZx05tFZMJVRPylRCalM-ZKe1bqs9xVeu22H3FJ8WT8ri8Lr4oL0wYmrQuuVn4P-dyT4BzGRzW3VFJO0jmNBnV8hY7En_9RybXb731goDQcRSlbJVNlLU0dTPKeW3ZNzXFalNHg/w200-h196/Roost%20V3%20Laptop%20Stand.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">My friend Teresa says, "I can work only at a
table—doesn’t have to be big but it must be a table which makes the laptop
monitor low and that hurts my neck… so for at least eight years I’ve used a
roost laptop holder—collapses down to about four 12 inch sticks stuck together,
comes with a small bag carrying case." This <a href="file:///C:/Users/Chris/OneDrive/Documents/writing%20business/AMS%20ads,%20FB%20ads,%20%20tiktok/Amazon%20Associates/a%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22https:/www.amazon.com/Roost-Laptop-Stand-Adjustable-Portable/dp/B01C9KG8IG/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=9043e6fd0004645dab81616212385a9c&camp=1789&creative=9325%22%3eRoost%20Laptop%20Stand%3c/a"><b>Roost
Laptop Stand</b></a> is well rated, but you can also find cheaper versions, and
I think the <span style="background: white;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019TTJ7ZQ?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=6cc8e2663d327e981dcbcb907a5765ff&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; color: #007cbb;">Adjustable Laptop Table</span></b></a><span style="background: white;"> I mentioned a previous post would
also work for this.</span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9CV4qZYtom_r6VU6VWi60jLA80s21qyr5P2MD8ckOSbjGW89C9kdPC2vMRj6dxel-UbY9tD4541B6hagGkNqzYpIBkCTRp5ff0jhLLuSSxRZoQMK6tXPG9hAK2aBoiAWCcbFGzbwAZYM6qgzafbyVFkDl8VOlUmoULxlYi9COAHijPULWE2grLTr-w/s1255/Massage%20Gun.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="1255" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9CV4qZYtom_r6VU6VWi60jLA80s21qyr5P2MD8ckOSbjGW89C9kdPC2vMRj6dxel-UbY9tD4541B6hagGkNqzYpIBkCTRp5ff0jhLLuSSxRZoQMK6tXPG9hAK2aBoiAWCcbFGzbwAZYM6qgzafbyVFkDl8VOlUmoULxlYi9COAHijPULWE2grLTr-w/w200-h197/Massage%20Gun.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, my friend Kimberly has been dealing with severe
hip pain. She says, “<span style="background: white;">I bought a
Naipo hand-held electric cord massager about 5 years ago that really helps if I
use it for at least 10 minutes, the tight muscles will relax enough so that I
can sleep.” I didn’t find the Naipo, but Amazon has tons of </span><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=17d1545cfb8394d788c92bf6f10ae9b6&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=office-products&keywords=Massage%20Guns" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #007185;">Massage Guns</span></a></b><span style="background: white;"> at various prices. Be sure to check out
the reviews! Kimberly recommends using a </span><span style="color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=2c669a66301352156179af1d2d216827&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=misc&keywords=heating%20pad" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #007185;">heating pad</span></a> to warm your muscles </span><span style="background: white;">before using the massager.</span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Siting at a desk can contribute to <b><a href="https://www.autonomous.ai/ourblog/how-to-prevent-circulation-problems-while-working-a-desk-job">Circulation
Problems While Working</a></b>, as this article shows. Be sure you get up and
move every hour! You might also find some ways to reduce the strain on your
body at your desk.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=89654f5c62ae7f29be8630c4c343882b&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=office-products&keywords=Standing%20desks" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #007185;"></span></a></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUI2CeH6OATfbZyaeuKhBxrwH1ePs4gK9tRlNnXdCDTfKVgS7IfREUK1GY0VBK6zTwH56plByBe7iwgWI7WRiIwU--vQPW3ab3zNyYE8qkTK1jqpBB5hV1tp6OlGnWDQHMQAGrMLW1VEDz1HfOE6lkdiYFn0PYr6YDY2I2WcQDiuw8k5KC3NTKIhj8Q/s1500/Standing%20Desk.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1487" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUI2CeH6OATfbZyaeuKhBxrwH1ePs4gK9tRlNnXdCDTfKVgS7IfREUK1GY0VBK6zTwH56plByBe7iwgWI7WRiIwU--vQPW3ab3zNyYE8qkTK1jqpBB5hV1tp6OlGnWDQHMQAGrMLW1VEDz1HfOE6lkdiYFn0PYr6YDY2I2WcQDiuw8k5KC3NTKIhj8Q/w198-h200/Standing%20Desk.jpg" width="198" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Standing desks</b> let you switch
between standing and sitting without even leaving your desk. You can schedule
an alarm to remind you to switch – or do some stretches. While there are very
expensive options, some of these are around $100.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxnHrvujNv70j-mwHx3jE_mcU1aEj_fRAjbz3ktOAno5zKbDyvFrITonnCm-7bKp102kferQq0VND4menoY7tS-0DsJytjZDxvd6VO8sS0RxqgRrvJ0DknnWa2IzpqbIh4fF9P86vtno8jLPy6fCOUGTLEwoGQiOEu9CZK3EmzcTxTkkbI7v2ycrzCw/s1318/Anti%20Fatigue%20Standing%20Mat.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="1145" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxnHrvujNv70j-mwHx3jE_mcU1aEj_fRAjbz3ktOAno5zKbDyvFrITonnCm-7bKp102kferQq0VND4menoY7tS-0DsJytjZDxvd6VO8sS0RxqgRrvJ0DknnWa2IzpqbIh4fF9P86vtno8jLPy6fCOUGTLEwoGQiOEu9CZK3EmzcTxTkkbI7v2ycrzCw/w174-h200/Anti%20Fatigue%20Standing%20Mat.jpg" width="174" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">If you’re standing while you work, you probably want an <b><span style="color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=150b3cfb29fa47039d4ae56d142b472f&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=office-products&keywords=Anti-Fatigue%20Mat" target="_blank"><span style="color: #007185;">Anti-Fatigue Mat</span></a></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Chris/OneDrive/Documents/writing%20business/AMS%20ads,%20FB%20ads,%20%20tiktok/Amazon%20Associates/a%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22https:/www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=150b3cfb29fa47039d4ae56d142b472f&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=office-products&keywords=Anti-Fatigue%20Mat%22%3eAnti-Fatigue%20Mat%3c/a"></a></b>.
These help cushion your feet to reduce foot and joint pain. They’re good if you
do a lot of standing in the kitchen as well!<span style="background: white; color: #0f1111;"> They come in several designs and some fun styles. </span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tlVSfgOBgH6tW41piqQnr3diLCeCyZW91ONNIwSOvTEOO62RGLx4fm3GV-nRcx1lXPRd8Y4vCnmjFjLHSXoXLR8xirE6nXSTt-eFkOM8ea7wwx_UcHlXtGnrc1a47nlqeIy_KsLCmAx3asMCGoaIhkmYi6Sux6jeo-ZNlh3trqBlP4AD7GIThdNwfw/s995/Active%20Sitting%20Chair.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="995" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tlVSfgOBgH6tW41piqQnr3diLCeCyZW91ONNIwSOvTEOO62RGLx4fm3GV-nRcx1lXPRd8Y4vCnmjFjLHSXoXLR8xirE6nXSTt-eFkOM8ea7wwx_UcHlXtGnrc1a47nlqeIy_KsLCmAx3asMCGoaIhkmYi6Sux6jeo-ZNlh3trqBlP4AD7GIThdNwfw/s320/Active%20Sitting%20Chair.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">You can also try changing your chair. I mentioned some options in a previous post, but you might try a kneeling chair, balance ball chair, or
ergonomic stool for “active sitting,” which engages your muscles more to
promote core muscle strength, good posture, and blood circulation. Here are some<b>
</b><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=a444ddf646dca3f5a13b0200f7e77e4c&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=office-products&keywords=active%20sitting%20chair" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #007185;">Active Sitting Chair</span></a> </b>options.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ielZvaaGOYgUNhr_HDO546h3TW62IMki4440jQ5HjX1e07H2xOLFC5Kn61nBbo4INw6kFerpkjYXP6FsY1c6gH5tWDrr8WRmO_6Zriz0yct2wxi5Pn0H_hwfS3AE_bYSqRO8WJvny1HkN2zEM3iOrok2ROUMOhEL0zVDob3WFSrkkkHoSaQYCWV00g/s1500/DeskCycle%20Ellipse.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ielZvaaGOYgUNhr_HDO546h3TW62IMki4440jQ5HjX1e07H2xOLFC5Kn61nBbo4INw6kFerpkjYXP6FsY1c6gH5tWDrr8WRmO_6Zriz0yct2wxi5Pn0H_hwfS3AE_bYSqRO8WJvny1HkN2zEM3iOrok2ROUMOhEL0zVDob3WFSrkkkHoSaQYCWV00g/w200-h200/DeskCycle%20Ellipse.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Teresa also recommended the <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=cb7138e6944c181bd113a2360c49de2a&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=office-products&keywords=Desk%20Cycle%20Ellipse" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #007185;">Desk Cycle Ellipse</span></a></b>, which sits
under your desk so you can peddle while you work. What a great way to burn
calories, build up leg strength, and keep your blood moving! It has great
reviews, with almost 1800 ratings and a 4.7-star average.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I
hope you find something here that makes your life easier. Check out the previous posts
on “Writer and Reader Comfort” and “Comfort at Your Desk” as well. I may have more as I discover useful tools for writers
and readers! Feel free to drop your favorites in the comments. As an Amazon
Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="border: none;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVeELIAnxBtNHpO-bnWEir6eQ0VEAxmP-G9yN_rZd3hnKgemZhodedmIIe337dmmWgsWfWItcy1pjUcozu_0YjGDy4Vzujf-dVqvzIOgqefoQlaifMX4yKoJYV82yFZLvWBU4jjq3fbCpeX-9uLIxPyylvR_rt7tUBcLws17Zx51ssQ6OgKj5Gd54OA/s387/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVeELIAnxBtNHpO-bnWEir6eQ0VEAxmP-G9yN_rZd3hnKgemZhodedmIIe337dmmWgsWfWItcy1pjUcozu_0YjGDy4Vzujf-dVqvzIOgqefoQlaifMX4yKoJYV82yFZLvWBU4jjq3fbCpeX-9uLIxPyylvR_rt7tUBcLws17Zx51ssQ6OgKj5Gd54OA/s320/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" width="245" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Kris Bock
writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance. In <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/">the
Accidental Detective series</a>, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the
challenges of turning fifty. <span style="border: none;">Kris’s </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC">Furrever Friends Sweet Romance
series</a> <span style="border: none;">features the employees
and customers at a cat café. </span>In <span style="background: white;">the </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/">Accidental
Billionaire Cowboys series</a>, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, which
causes as many problems as it solves. <a href="https://sendfox.com/KrisBock">Sign up for the Kris Bock Mystery and Romance newsletter</a><span class="jsgrdq"> and get a free </span><span style="background: white;">Accidental
Detective</span><span class="jsgrdq"> short story and bonus material, </span>a free
30-page sweet romance set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café, and a
printable copy of the recipes mentioned in the cat café novels.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kQ8gdtMNXAfgz1R1mci_ai7t1nf00xnVdt4gePM4R_wksNIuviHwtpCmDTS-H6Ry-odKaqZ1bfp2O8NQ7XjVshVDvNZyLcFtp5wlZ7ZQ6YzNtNcN5iTuMIpBWjnQb1cHoFQcnTQNlf8hReuGLTbK1op0_qJDGdPGmg3jTcF8sDPZY-8hP6t9yttitA/s940/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kQ8gdtMNXAfgz1R1mci_ai7t1nf00xnVdt4gePM4R_wksNIuviHwtpCmDTS-H6Ry-odKaqZ1bfp2O8NQ7XjVshVDvNZyLcFtp5wlZ7ZQ6YzNtNcN5iTuMIpBWjnQb1cHoFQcnTQNlf8hReuGLTbK1op0_qJDGdPGmg3jTcF8sDPZY-8hP6t9yttitA/s320/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Kris
also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote
the original screenplay for the movie <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>. The Felony
Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a
decade before the events of the movie. <a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1rpny3">Sign up for the romantic comedy newsletter</a> to get a
short story preview, or find the books at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881KGDGW">Amazon US</a> or <a href="https://books2read.com/Pageant-Pandemonium">All E-book retailers</a><u>.<o:p></o:p></u></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ4xV44Mawj6SGMwEKoal1ubyqlW8TLytNQO1IroZ7uahdpiuQ9WH9Z6W9L5ygTvUMMOEL5TL3Q6YgAOYqk22qL6ZHSn-9jAZbSEVh7RzsW8gcLphI49qhoB1uix6NfAXghV4PKXzmNmrj72UaMWRO6uOyWS0EL-A8496LdT_CAKvfFOYiBLUqPhCtQ/s800/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ4xV44Mawj6SGMwEKoal1ubyqlW8TLytNQO1IroZ7uahdpiuQ9WH9Z6W9L5ygTvUMMOEL5TL3Q6YgAOYqk22qL6ZHSn-9jAZbSEVh7RzsW8gcLphI49qhoB1uix6NfAXghV4PKXzmNmrj72UaMWRO6uOyWS0EL-A8496LdT_CAKvfFOYiBLUqPhCtQ/s320/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Kris has over 100 books for children published under the names
Chris Eboch and M. M. Eboch. Her novels for ages nine and up include <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure
used in many schools; and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Genie’s
Gift</i>, a middle eastern fantasy<span style="color: black;">. J<i>esse Owens:
Young Record Breaker</i> and <i>Milton Hershey: Young Chocolatier</i> are
inspiring biographies focused on them as children and young men.</span></span><p></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-57731677448391487082023-12-01T03:00:00.001-07:002023-12-01T03:00:00.135-07:00Writer and Reader Comfort: Easing Neck Pain- tools to make writing and reading time easier. #amwriting #writinglife #reader #booklover #christmasgift #holidaygiftguide <p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcu22jKf8PPLF4Lno-yDGJpEhr_-T1y_iegkj4RHu71SDeq-emKCGAsugKxeK3H0lqidtjeyvNYfXrTTg5CcQ0eKIkCMgVtXo-_B2Ars3-LUg088PyZkeQ2oYKaKSDwd7CwTE799uIcdLPWppSrMEDP46ttjS8Ug4Iaqhe8FdeSw1fwTEho4VgkUmlw/s1600/Writer%20and%20Reader%20Comfort.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcu22jKf8PPLF4Lno-yDGJpEhr_-T1y_iegkj4RHu71SDeq-emKCGAsugKxeK3H0lqidtjeyvNYfXrTTg5CcQ0eKIkCMgVtXo-_B2Ars3-LUg088PyZkeQ2oYKaKSDwd7CwTE799uIcdLPWppSrMEDP46ttjS8Ug4Iaqhe8FdeSw1fwTEho4VgkUmlw/s320/Writer%20and%20Reader%20Comfort.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><div>I wrote this post in April but thought it could be helpful as people look for holiday gifts. Get these for the writers or readers in your life!</div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>At a recent writer’s retreat, we all shared the tools we used to make our writing and reading time more comfortable. It’s amazing all the things you never knew existed that you desperately need! It’s not mere shopping mania though – these tools can help keep you comfortable so you can write your next masterpiece or simply read for hours. </span><p></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I
made previous posts on “<b><a href="https://chriseboch.blogspot.com/2023/04/writer-and-reader-comfort-tools-to-make.html">Writer
and Reader Comfort</a></b>” and “<b><a href="https://chriseboch.blogspot.com/2023/04/writer-and-reader-comfort-part-2.html">Comfort
at Your Desk</a>.</b>” Today I’m covering items that can relieve or prevent
neck pain.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWatwVjPabVYTlVr60HzIK545R3fJv511ROkoyafeOJybkmiR63HDsKBcjgqn9v2ptfIJMTwCYE10B-wn6aSXiy0Sq7Mi7w3kCK_KtUnfYQkVGtruNd4XclsKkJUMSFkiumy1gG5N4bN5_jtPE-HtzSq2fcFOMX4B7uYcgMdy_dR8jpG3zs2QXaislQ/s259/Cervical%20Neck%20Roll%20Memory%20Foam%20Pillow.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="259" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWatwVjPabVYTlVr60HzIK545R3fJv511ROkoyafeOJybkmiR63HDsKBcjgqn9v2ptfIJMTwCYE10B-wn6aSXiy0Sq7Mi7w3kCK_KtUnfYQkVGtruNd4XclsKkJUMSFkiumy1gG5N4bN5_jtPE-HtzSq2fcFOMX4B7uYcgMdy_dR8jpG3zs2QXaislQ/s1600/Cervical%20Neck%20Roll%20Memory%20Foam%20Pillow.jpg" width="259" /></a></div></span></span><h2>Easing Neck Pain<o:p></o:p></h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">You
can find dozens of pillows designed to relax your neck and keep its natural
curve. There are more expensive versions, but a simple tube works surprisingly
well. One of the retreat attendees sleeps on it, whether sleeping on her back
or on her side. I use mine for a few minutes before bed and a few minutes in
the morning and that’s enough to help work out the knots. </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/AllSett-Health-Cervical-Bolster-Sleeping/dp/B07XGMMXY2/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=5f434aaa44fc38b1688d6395fc59059b&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><b>Cervical Neck Roll Memory Foam Pillow</b></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwspLmaTE5C2D--kkLGYvVS5dL_VzwFiib4Bby7sONUZ4VTlN_EDBy7jMAnl3WBggrkHPE4vs4ehKTH8uQsAsFlJTwtY6nGS1RBFsOiOo50Ofgjv522zpBbPfjnYVGJsswO5SPTsS8fn4JvlywX9w6U3wN_0vwS2hzyFjD-gI3wZE768y0v_AFENASg/s263/restcloud.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="262" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwspLmaTE5C2D--kkLGYvVS5dL_VzwFiib4Bby7sONUZ4VTlN_EDBy7jMAnl3WBggrkHPE4vs4ehKTH8uQsAsFlJTwtY6nGS1RBFsOiOo50Ofgjv522zpBbPfjnYVGJsswO5SPTsS8fn4JvlywX9w6U3wN_0vwS2hzyFjD-gI3wZE768y0v_AFENASg/s1600/restcloud.jpg" width="262" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
one’s more complicated, with a firmer foam to support your neck. It has over
60,000 ratings and a 4.2-star average! At the time of this writing is on sale
for $20, which seems like a great bargain if it might help relieve chronic neck
pain: </span><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shoulder-Cervical-Traction-Alignment-Chiropractic/dp/B07QSFJ8S2/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=0e03c31fd7e259ccd46bc001da23fe30&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">RESTCLOUD Neck and Shoulder Relaxer</a> </b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEkEPHaFItEMPMPu2v00fI5hhjOwYFO3ApKxJPFYKKdsOxbO1lU1i1E77FfPIjYIL1AL8qIw7tSd-_SZ8X6B4FLs0u5rvMpJa1o-GD8cRcD0dYR4wdHdEMhRUADVe0vHl09awQSxEZrKGrKJQwqBM6T34qavbR00vFrqv9wGN5e2KhuRHrtejADPrEA/s1494/Elviros%20Cervical%20Memory%20Foam%20Pillow.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1467" data-original-width="1494" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEkEPHaFItEMPMPu2v00fI5hhjOwYFO3ApKxJPFYKKdsOxbO1lU1i1E77FfPIjYIL1AL8qIw7tSd-_SZ8X6B4FLs0u5rvMpJa1o-GD8cRcD0dYR4wdHdEMhRUADVe0vHl09awQSxEZrKGrKJQwqBM6T34qavbR00vFrqv9wGN5e2KhuRHrtejADPrEA/s320/Elviros%20Cervical%20Memory%20Foam%20Pillow.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>This
one is designed specifically for sleeping. How old is your current pillow? Maybe
it’s time for an upgrade. This claims to work for people who sleep on their
sides, back, or stomach. With over 40,000 ratings, clearly neck pain and
sleeping well are big problems: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elviros-Cervical-Ergonomic-Orthopedic-Contoured/dp/B08CXGDZXD/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=209bcf5405953dc98520cfc2b40003a3&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><b>Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow for Sleeping</b></a>
<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0celKWMvSV4He2gc8BTTwkKO2-IXNITS-w-7cXUl5Ugkn0iZrJDKS_0EVtwihbzkaWGNdEEmHpWn_gTj_iVDTHWfyEAnH46sR43zD5Wdux70zhPLWiv86NGojUtS6AYxwSwEILPU_sd-VioGx3-GtrZu258q0omAXi9kJ2vYEjZRPP93skW5483TAA/s263/Twist%20Memory%20Foam.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="260" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0celKWMvSV4He2gc8BTTwkKO2-IXNITS-w-7cXUl5Ugkn0iZrJDKS_0EVtwihbzkaWGNdEEmHpWn_gTj_iVDTHWfyEAnH46sR43zD5Wdux70zhPLWiv86NGojUtS6AYxwSwEILPU_sd-VioGx3-GtrZu258q0omAXi9kJ2vYEjZRPP93skW5483TAA/s1600/Twist%20Memory%20Foam.jpg" width="260" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">And
here’s a version you can twist into different shapes. You can use it as a
regular cervical pillow at night, wrap it around your neck while napping on a
plane, or bend one side up to cushion your head against the window if you’re a
car passenger. Plus a comes in multiple colors! </span><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Memory-Travel-Pillow-Lumbar-Support/dp/B01IEJHJWK/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=8599dd703efd3c29a8248994da765a56&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow</a> </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="263" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LqO0gYR1Lukq9-ejx3vYo1uqjKSdea2vZdQlpFRY2RcKOmTeFgWZE_f8k--aWDnVL0HkpmnR76KW9I1gFl_KZ5RTsMO2vpVjilMTtM_SR3Hcq1GKj03MHRCewOUvAnwcuquZoAbC0r9tWT0esftb6f_R_1z-M7dSbdtLuCH0Kjki9scaEt5hHjU5eQ/s1600/Voltaren.jpg" width="263" /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span class="a-truncate-cut"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111;">And finally, if you still need some
pain relief, this gel offers topical relief. I used to get it from my parents
when they bought it in Mexico or got a prescription. Now you can get it over
the counter! It’s a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel that people use for
arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain. It doesn’t erase the pain but
it quickly knocks it down a couple of notches: </span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Voltaren-Topical-Arthritis-Relief-Ounce/dp/B084ZMMVQS?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=354be50baad5dd6b25af0c58f001b649&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><b>Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel</b> </a></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">
I hope you find something here that makes your life easier. </span><b style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">Check out my previous post on tools for comfort</b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">, and</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"> I have more coming up with useful tools for writers and readers! Feel free to </span><b style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">drop your favorites in the comments</b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="border: none; color: black;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhLQcMHd6FAcKOhDJgRugEVnB6uxlj30RZwOEsQFxoUR8J_yKkFC7kt7fN6V1BQ9Ous7jxcaeGvqSyoUlxeW_3bmx_YR6s3fDBijl4NDyvrv3-pEJTriv7k7F7kH3Y9Lwu5G4d7cQxbWstbXbZGP8c99RiPAMiVa6XvT6rYUDzutJeI_J0jDkcurhtQ/s387/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhLQcMHd6FAcKOhDJgRugEVnB6uxlj30RZwOEsQFxoUR8J_yKkFC7kt7fN6V1BQ9Ous7jxcaeGvqSyoUlxeW_3bmx_YR6s3fDBijl4NDyvrv3-pEJTriv7k7F7kH3Y9Lwu5G4d7cQxbWstbXbZGP8c99RiPAMiVa6XvT6rYUDzutJeI_J0jDkcurhtQ/s320/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" width="245" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Kris Bock
writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance. In <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/">the
Accidental Detective series</a>, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the
challenges of turning fifty. <span style="border: none; color: black;">Kris’s </span><a name="_Hlk54941003"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk54941003;">Furrever
Friends Sweet Romance series</span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk54941003;"></span></a> <span style="border: none; color: black;">features the employees
and customers at a cat café. </span>In <span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">the </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/">Accidental
Billionaire Cowboys series</a>, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, which
causes as many problems as it solves. <a href="https://sendfox.com/KrisBock">Sign up for the Kris Bock Mystery and Romance newsletter</a><span class="jsgrdq"><span style="color: black;"> and get a free </span></span><a name="_Hlk120871492"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Accidental Detective</span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk120871492;"><span class="jsgrdq"><span style="color: black;"> short story </span></span></span><span class="jsgrdq"><span style="color: black;">and bonus material, </span></span>a free 30-page sweet romance set in the world of the Furrever
Friends cat café, and <a name="_Hlk120871502">a printable copy of the recipes
mentioned in the cat café novels.<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span><p></p>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk120871502;"></span>
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYtO0Ue68250Yy9H-2Ee626Wq_b-4I2tliwToRf2flhvKrDk_-1RbpGOKgvBUIOZfiES4pPxshrE-tiF4_CJz9u64ioE9biqu5LpZmxKqls6-GHQ8RHwql6VdBCgTh4H4Fr7NlxeJwYi1P_qX_VoX3b9AuBZnjYqAPB814hmuz2SVHda0IXzyn192yg/s940/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYtO0Ue68250Yy9H-2Ee626Wq_b-4I2tliwToRf2flhvKrDk_-1RbpGOKgvBUIOZfiES4pPxshrE-tiF4_CJz9u64ioE9biqu5LpZmxKqls6-GHQ8RHwql6VdBCgTh4H4Fr7NlxeJwYi1P_qX_VoX3b9AuBZnjYqAPB814hmuz2SVHda0IXzyn192yg/w249-h208/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" width="249" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J
Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>.
The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their
friends a decade before the events of the movie. <a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1rpny3">Sign up for the romantic comedy newsletter</a> to get a
short story preview, or find the books at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881KGDGW">Amazon US</a> or <a href="https://books2read.com/Pageant-Pandemonium">All E-book retailers</a><u>.<o:p></o:p></u></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1GD8YpW6d3XH6Zn2JoMse9yBkLLqQk2Qz3cAM6-FdS0Y25rX5GcmaXAa0pW_boHorgf9koXWnBAF4Zz79u2E067Dw0RkEXeZXM3Ru-xizwuSfFVEK7iLblhwT2VyHF4VrAx9zGyOrTXoZM0AnqRasLikP05snXNsKhRlypLz8-e_2l24lbeB8UogAA/s800/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1GD8YpW6d3XH6Zn2JoMse9yBkLLqQk2Qz3cAM6-FdS0Y25rX5GcmaXAa0pW_boHorgf9koXWnBAF4Zz79u2E067Dw0RkEXeZXM3Ru-xizwuSfFVEK7iLblhwT2VyHF4VrAx9zGyOrTXoZM0AnqRasLikP05snXNsKhRlypLz8-e_2l24lbeB8UogAA/s320/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Kris has over 100 books for children published under the names
Chris Eboch and M. M. Eboch. Her novels for ages nine and up include <i>The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i>The Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure
used in many schools; and <i>The Genie’s
Gift</i>, a middle eastern fantasy<span style="color: black;">. J<i>esse Owens:
Young Record Breaker</i> and <i>Milton Hershey: Young Chocolatier</i> are
inspiring biographies focused on them as children and young men.</span></span><p></p><p></p></div>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-10801830060313247302023-11-27T16:19:00.001-07:002023-11-27T16:19:00.143-07:00Writer and Reader Comfort Part 2: Comfort at Your Desk - tools to make writing and reading time easier. #amwriting #writinglife #reader #booklover #christmasgift #holidaygiftguide <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcu22jKf8PPLF4Lno-yDGJpEhr_-T1y_iegkj4RHu71SDeq-emKCGAsugKxeK3H0lqidtjeyvNYfXrTTg5CcQ0eKIkCMgVtXo-_B2Ars3-LUg088PyZkeQ2oYKaKSDwd7CwTE799uIcdLPWppSrMEDP46ttjS8Ug4Iaqhe8FdeSw1fwTEho4VgkUmlw/s1600/Writer%20and%20Reader%20Comfort.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcu22jKf8PPLF4Lno-yDGJpEhr_-T1y_iegkj4RHu71SDeq-emKCGAsugKxeK3H0lqidtjeyvNYfXrTTg5CcQ0eKIkCMgVtXo-_B2Ars3-LUg088PyZkeQ2oYKaKSDwd7CwTE799uIcdLPWppSrMEDP46ttjS8Ug4Iaqhe8FdeSw1fwTEho4VgkUmlw/s320/Writer%20and%20Reader%20Comfort.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I wrote this post in April but thought it could be helpful as people look for holiday gifts. Get these for the writers or readers in your life!</span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I was recently at a writer’s retreat where we spent an evening sharing the tools we found to make our writing and reading
time easier. I decided others might
appreciate learning about some of these tools. I’ve also added a couple more of
my own favorites. (<b><a href="https://chriseboch.blogspot.com/2023/04/writer-and-reader-comfort-tools-to-make.html" target="_blank">See part 1 of Writer and Reader Comfort here</a></b>.)</span><p></p><h2><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Comfort at Your Desk<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2czTsBwGxaLkmrpOq9uiAEyTtsyJ6zkX5rE1ZG22hBit1rE5uc-vGQJn7INZDhO_zL9JhdFtnq4oMOu6DUm1_N0L1DpOkFjCwNDHWBiV4WWIN3OS-FXx2kwO3pmSgxUzYJcofk5xPyjsC6nx-rRASE0sXblqddKq8-WC59xCnIcRXUefFkHjEGVtkQQ/s373/High-Back%20Gaming%20Office%20Chair.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="217" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2czTsBwGxaLkmrpOq9uiAEyTtsyJ6zkX5rE1ZG22hBit1rE5uc-vGQJn7INZDhO_zL9JhdFtnq4oMOu6DUm1_N0L1DpOkFjCwNDHWBiV4WWIN3OS-FXx2kwO3pmSgxUzYJcofk5xPyjsC6nx-rRASE0sXblqddKq8-WC59xCnIcRXUefFkHjEGVtkQQ/s320/High-Back%20Gaming%20Office%20Chair.jpg" width="186" /></a></span></span></div><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;">If you spend a lot of time
at your desk, a good chair is invaluable. </span>I ordered the OFM ESS Collection Racing Style Bonded Leather Gaming Chair in 2020. I like the padded seat, armrests that can go up out of the way, adjustable height and swivel. It’s “currently unavailable,” but this one is similar:
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09C66W6PT/?th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=140424ce83897e4082e1410997b1c2aa&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Racing Style Gaming Chair</a> </b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: none; color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This version has attached lumbar and neck support </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;">and is surprisingly
affordable (on sale for about $60 as of this writing): </span><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JG74DM7/?th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=911aed49c17658f6d0ff62f03bd82815&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">High-Back Gaming Office Chair</a> </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And here’s the “Executive” version if you're feeling fancy:<b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRZ02TL/?th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=e789a0e814969c2fa06647cc77b76327&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Homall Executive Gaming Chair</a> </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: none; color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: none; color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWA9sXAX2zMj9icl5IBo6-AT2xY2ga_1k8yTpUOkmdvkISqZN1yySFT5RSiCJ-EOwAXy6ZQadOnC8ztWpO9pz98sMrrlQXPojjISJ0k4a-CRkTvE33nqc-wa9PEsdsa-FA_dYXg7-gVOmZycB49dsRgT9xQSWnEtVQ-paiz1bhYEi1cbrIY_5nuxBHg/s250/Left%20Handed%20Keyboard.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="118" data-original-width="250" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWA9sXAX2zMj9icl5IBo6-AT2xY2ga_1k8yTpUOkmdvkISqZN1yySFT5RSiCJ-EOwAXy6ZQadOnC8ztWpO9pz98sMrrlQXPojjISJ0k4a-CRkTvE33nqc-wa9PEsdsa-FA_dYXg7-gVOmZycB49dsRgT9xQSWnEtVQ-paiz1bhYEi1cbrIY_5nuxBHg/s1600/Left%20Handed%20Keyboard.jpg" width="250" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: none; color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />A good keyboard is also key for writers. I was having pain
in my right shoulder, likely due to reaching out to use the rollerball mouse.
This left-handed keyboard has the number keypad on the left side, which allows
me to keep my mouse closer on the right side. (I’m not actually left-handed.
The primary difference is the position of the number keypad.) Getting used to
any new configuration takes a little time but is worth it in the long run.</span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: none; color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DEUPIE?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=13236f18ed2de8f9e4296206adfdb13b&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Ergonomic Left Handed Keyboard</a> </b></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="300" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymn2dse2yLP4haitHSBZwZG1pAWR2Ic2Fb_GoCGbt0iLdxacOcHI2uK0ahX-KQMfdd0Pu9kE9FbkTBAHEqGwQrtdCCmSB9SCLtkL833U8Qg5y27zxI8gGxf4ZUvCaASFEggFuenOy7_cxVzPl_F9hLjcllCpZJlCV7BN9iQbrmudgTdLQX7pgmLUiRQ/s1600/split%20keyboard.jpg" width="300" /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">If you don’t have a problem with the number keypad position
but suffer from pain in your hands or wrists, you might prefer a split keyboard.
I used this one until I decided to get the left-handed keyboard: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075GZVD4T/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=0e19f440ec85803bca284e184ea994e5&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Ergonomic Split Keyboard</a> </b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mkbn4dIXgo1O1wN3EnKstP9IEuRQfTX0WfdXb5HgDzCY43X84dOOyquA5Ws3ht_zXlFhzfj14-sCK7SYzOieBT0UDm7mIq4a1Ef7bTUOz3Fxrq1KBZC3HdcI-uxZsMyUBaUZy-eughdNPVxSkouHEbxLbRXPHx4XqDNriU-iJUNtjGperSu9Cq0KgQ/s375/WAOAW.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="375" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mkbn4dIXgo1O1wN3EnKstP9IEuRQfTX0WfdXb5HgDzCY43X84dOOyquA5Ws3ht_zXlFhzfj14-sCK7SYzOieBT0UDm7mIq4a1Ef7bTUOz3Fxrq1KBZC3HdcI-uxZsMyUBaUZy-eughdNPVxSkouHEbxLbRXPHx4XqDNriU-iJUNtjGperSu9Cq0KgQ/s320/WAOAW.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this seat cushion,
and I think most of the people at the writing retreat ordered their own. I have
chronic back pain and can’t bear to sit on hard furniture. If you get one thing on this
list, I recommend this! <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/WAOAW-Cushion-Office-Chair-Memory/dp/B08F1XLGB1/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=f4d0d0f146f12f6bb59fdc64c16ef675&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">WAOAW Seat Cushion</a> </b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I wanted something I could take with me when I might be required to sit on a hard chair. Yes, I bring this to friends’ houses and I used it at the writing retreat not only at the desk in my room but at the dining room table. It’s so nice I also use it on my padded desk chair. My husband ordered one too. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhlAB_mdxK5KAbZNSPA8weHSGwU_jlWHKZIufciE_Gr5vdbvjYkLBd6LgyvCFnpyu98DsQNeuU0jTgTTp2M0X-pqx4aE1uyAX2V77wQkdKntF9VmE9LMmNMReH71wPmdwVzicxbDEGXGUXoEDMSm6RayXtg_XiLcyVrbAiIFbJmLxpjGL7Tg0G1HGiQ/s263/Everlasting%20Comfort%20Seat.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="241" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhlAB_mdxK5KAbZNSPA8weHSGwU_jlWHKZIufciE_Gr5vdbvjYkLBd6LgyvCFnpyu98DsQNeuU0jTgTTp2M0X-pqx4aE1uyAX2V77wQkdKntF9VmE9LMmNMReH71wPmdwVzicxbDEGXGUXoEDMSm6RayXtg_XiLcyVrbAiIFbJmLxpjGL7Tg0G1HGiQ/s1600/Everlasting%20Comfort%20Seat.jpg" width="241" /></a></span></div><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Or if you need more lumbar support, check out the pillow combos
that have a back section as well as a seat cushion. Here’s an example: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JQ2V33Q/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=cf2255eb50c03112d7babc2439cb3349&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support Pillow Combo</a></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It's important to take care of our backs. That might mean yoga, visiting a chiropractor or acupuncturist, pain relief, or some combination of those things. It should also mean making sure you have a great ergonomic desk set up. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmDdgI2l5ScvuAr5bpxdg34qwCFqrivNbCJbJoenZNwKS5us-cw0ae_zOrbR2i42w7acTMOFYU6OvoFxQ4euz0j9E1dHe_S-mt1MJukaDmliOnrMTX4AajpY6zqjVnyVil8T9Um8IbchDwr72e8DmYVbplS24a_NEOR7OLN-9R0j-_CP_7xubsr10zw/s188/Foot%20Rest.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="173" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmDdgI2l5ScvuAr5bpxdg34qwCFqrivNbCJbJoenZNwKS5us-cw0ae_zOrbR2i42w7acTMOFYU6OvoFxQ4euz0j9E1dHe_S-mt1MJukaDmliOnrMTX4AajpY6zqjVnyVil8T9Um8IbchDwr72e8DmYVbplS24a_NEOR7OLN-9R0j-_CP_7xubsr10zw/s1600/Foot%20Rest.jpg" width="173" /></a></span></div><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Good ergonomics means you should also have your desk and
chair at the right height so your feet are comfortably on the floor. It’s not
easy to change the height of a desk, however. Instead you can use a footrest.
The first one I ordered was a little too high for my setup, so I passed it on
to my husband. This shape adds a bit more flexibility:<b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PGLBCFG/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=52d4c8cfd3255306586ab1519cf7fe7b&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest for Under Desk</a> </b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: none; color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I hope you find something here that makes your life easier. <b>Check out my previous post on tools for comfort</b>, and </span>I’ll be back with a post on “Easing Neck Pain,” and possibly more as I discover useful tools for writers and readers! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: none; color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: none; color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhLQcMHd6FAcKOhDJgRugEVnB6uxlj30RZwOEsQFxoUR8J_yKkFC7kt7fN6V1BQ9Ous7jxcaeGvqSyoUlxeW_3bmx_YR6s3fDBijl4NDyvrv3-pEJTriv7k7F7kH3Y9Lwu5G4d7cQxbWstbXbZGP8c99RiPAMiVa6XvT6rYUDzutJeI_J0jDkcurhtQ/s387/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhLQcMHd6FAcKOhDJgRugEVnB6uxlj30RZwOEsQFxoUR8J_yKkFC7kt7fN6V1BQ9Ous7jxcaeGvqSyoUlxeW_3bmx_YR6s3fDBijl4NDyvrv3-pEJTriv7k7F7kH3Y9Lwu5G4d7cQxbWstbXbZGP8c99RiPAMiVa6XvT6rYUDzutJeI_J0jDkcurhtQ/s320/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" width="245" /></a></b></span></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: none; color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br />Kris Bock</b>
writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance.</span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> In </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the
Accidental Detective series</span></a><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the
challenges of turning fifty. </span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: none; color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kris’s </span><a name="_Hlk54941003"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk54941003;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Furrever
Friends Sweet Romance series</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk54941003;"></span></a><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="border: none; color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">features the employees
and customers at a cat café. </span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In <span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">the </span></span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Accidental
Billionaire Cowboys series</span></a><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, which
causes as many problems as it solves. </span><a href="https://sendfox.com/KrisBock"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sign up for the Kris Bock Mystery and Romance newsletter</span></a><span class="jsgrdq"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and get a free </span></span><a name="_Hlk120871492"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Accidental Detective</span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk120871492;"><span class="jsgrdq"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> short story </span></span></span><span class="jsgrdq"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="color: black; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and bonus material, </span></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">a free 30-page sweet romance set in the world of the Furrever
Friends cat café, and <a name="_Hlk120871502">a printable copy of the recipes
mentioned in the cat café novels.</a></span></span><p></p>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk120871502;"></span>
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28lvLdwAOJf-r5-nHmF3nv7EZMrBpw9FDxLVVxhUj4YBhG-YdymuWAOn8vkhRCpIyR2JGDy5DNWCT-Gk2CE6BdrMpK0k6no2qw8393xx6M-NL7ZNVui1Bbo9Fp_ykTI2zJFOo-qCX7JmciUVNj6vDmu7P7X5AbbY9FVvfTrKob4n2yqsXkHD8BHA6gQ/s1600/1-Felony%20Melanie%20all%20three-twitter.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28lvLdwAOJf-r5-nHmF3nv7EZMrBpw9FDxLVVxhUj4YBhG-YdymuWAOn8vkhRCpIyR2JGDy5DNWCT-Gk2CE6BdrMpK0k6no2qw8393xx6M-NL7ZNVui1Bbo9Fp_ykTI2zJFOo-qCX7JmciUVNj6vDmu7P7X5AbbY9FVvfTrKob4n2yqsXkHD8BHA6gQ/s320/1-Felony%20Melanie%20all%20three-twitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J
Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>.
The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their
friends a decade before the events of the movie. </span><a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1rpny3"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sign up for the romantic comedy newsletter</span></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> to get a
short story preview, or find the books at </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881KGDGW"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amazon US</span></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> or </span><a href="https://books2read.com/Pageant-Pandemonium"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All E-book retailers</span></a><u><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.</span></u></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1GD8YpW6d3XH6Zn2JoMse9yBkLLqQk2Qz3cAM6-FdS0Y25rX5GcmaXAa0pW_boHorgf9koXWnBAF4Zz79u2E067Dw0RkEXeZXM3Ru-xizwuSfFVEK7iLblhwT2VyHF4VrAx9zGyOrTXoZM0AnqRasLikP05snXNsKhRlypLz8-e_2l24lbeB8UogAA/s800/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1GD8YpW6d3XH6Zn2JoMse9yBkLLqQk2Qz3cAM6-FdS0Y25rX5GcmaXAa0pW_boHorgf9koXWnBAF4Zz79u2E067Dw0RkEXeZXM3Ru-xizwuSfFVEK7iLblhwT2VyHF4VrAx9zGyOrTXoZM0AnqRasLikP05snXNsKhRlypLz8-e_2l24lbeB8UogAA/s320/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Kris has over 100 books for children published under the names
Chris Eboch and M. M. Eboch. </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Her novels for ages nine and up include <i>The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i>The Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure
used in many schools; and <i>The Genie’s
Gift</i>, a middle eastern fantasy. J<i>esse Owens:
Young Record Breaker</i> and <i>Milton Hershey: Young Chocolatier</i> are
inspiring biographies focused on them as children and young men.</span></span><p></p></div>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-72337929132722047052023-11-24T03:30:00.003-07:002023-11-24T03:30:00.129-07:00Writer and Reader Comfort: tools to make writing and reading time easier. #amwriting #writinglife #reader #booklover #holidaygiftguide #christmasgift<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcu22jKf8PPLF4Lno-yDGJpEhr_-T1y_iegkj4RHu71SDeq-emKCGAsugKxeK3H0lqidtjeyvNYfXrTTg5CcQ0eKIkCMgVtXo-_B2Ars3-LUg088PyZkeQ2oYKaKSDwd7CwTE799uIcdLPWppSrMEDP46ttjS8Ug4Iaqhe8FdeSw1fwTEho4VgkUmlw/s1600/Writer%20and%20Reader%20Comfort.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcu22jKf8PPLF4Lno-yDGJpEhr_-T1y_iegkj4RHu71SDeq-emKCGAsugKxeK3H0lqidtjeyvNYfXrTTg5CcQ0eKIkCMgVtXo-_B2Ars3-LUg088PyZkeQ2oYKaKSDwd7CwTE799uIcdLPWppSrMEDP46ttjS8Ug4Iaqhe8FdeSw1fwTEho4VgkUmlw/s320/Writer%20and%20Reader%20Comfort.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><div>I wrote this post in April but thought it could be helpful as people look for holiday gifts. Get these for the writers or readers in your life!</div></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I was recently at a writer’s retreat where we spent a little time one evening sharing the tools we found to make our writing and reading time easier. People enthusiastically took pictures and made notes so they could grab these items – most under $40 – when they got home. I decided others might appreciate learning about some of these tools. I’ve also added a couple more of my own favorites. </span><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Writer and Reader Comfort </span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_Do9taWBKw2PTvZQqFja37WE2h_dcAcY-yOJ9L5naCQ2pdXxslfBkVGLKZW85ui9uOXZD9z1QOjKFCDfp5hlxWVWtrD14ft7VmhA45rKR5BYGiDxu49BOb5wi0Bh_c6ZzoXJKOjqMyPSD-aKtEyUSwpvzRh583X3VBUjZ1Dm_aXS26c-JcM1lLNN6g/s375/Adjustable%20Laptop%20Table.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="375" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_Do9taWBKw2PTvZQqFja37WE2h_dcAcY-yOJ9L5naCQ2pdXxslfBkVGLKZW85ui9uOXZD9z1QOjKFCDfp5hlxWVWtrD14ft7VmhA45rKR5BYGiDxu49BOb5wi0Bh_c6ZzoXJKOjqMyPSD-aKtEyUSwpvzRh583X3VBUjZ1Dm_aXS26c-JcM1lLNN6g/s320/Adjustable%20Laptop%20Table.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">This <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019TTJ7ZQ?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=6cc8e2663d327e981dcbcb907a5765ff&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><b>Adjustable Laptop Table</b></a> inspired the whole conversation. The adjustable legs mean you can use it over your lap on the couch or you can turn a table into a standing desk. I ordered one immediately after coming home. (You can find a lot of other options if you prefer certain materials or styles, but note that some of them have a flat base rather than legs that can straddle a lap. Also, the width of the legs might not work for every lap size.) </span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here's a picture of the box that shows various configurations:</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmb4p5-qRgwsTGoE6S74rDSxb4lj0Ty6S9817OVKSasmo-ZixLd2HFSbNErfBpTGe8PyVBrdnu-9j92IeYnI1x0KR8jkVm5tOj8Y35qG2Qz_lgL8zRVaH8Ew8lIJF04HHXs0JT-W86hn73a2rVyyrIJJSGP4VPEOhFf0-RQotUGGtN8md1UJ0tleAfw/s411/Adjustable%20Laptop%20Table2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="411" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmb4p5-qRgwsTGoE6S74rDSxb4lj0Ty6S9817OVKSasmo-ZixLd2HFSbNErfBpTGe8PyVBrdnu-9j92IeYnI1x0KR8jkVm5tOj8Y35qG2Qz_lgL8zRVaH8Ew8lIJF04HHXs0JT-W86hn73a2rVyyrIJJSGP4VPEOhFf0-RQotUGGtN8md1UJ0tleAfw/w400-h223/Adjustable%20Laptop%20Table2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW70hvtxjFsA1sL9UkzmHz9Qs14eKIYUF246mgSFufi7fnpUmRzkGHAr2dVXMZPRjnJMyiVat629E8hREPyYZcx0TW2f9lzpfxNWO64XMrtNcVEKfijxeaTwM8_Huk74e2CorfjauZDeJCnLYjvbvLErK2P3sz4vin4a5dLvZdFLwvIgmzw4MTxX-0FA/s349/Pillow%20Foam%20Stand%20Holder.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="349" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW70hvtxjFsA1sL9UkzmHz9Qs14eKIYUF246mgSFufi7fnpUmRzkGHAr2dVXMZPRjnJMyiVat629E8hREPyYZcx0TW2f9lzpfxNWO64XMrtNcVEKfijxeaTwM8_Huk74e2CorfjauZDeJCnLYjvbvLErK2P3sz4vin4a5dLvZdFLwvIgmzw4MTxX-0FA/s320/Pillow%20Foam%20Stand%20Holder.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Next up, I got this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F2J48ZJ/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=26cc1da31dbd14b7a85291d2670520c1&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><b>Pillow Foam Stand Holder</b></a> as a gift a couple of years ago and I love it. My mom loves hers too. It holds an e-reader, iPad or tablet at a nice angle for reading, so you don’t have to hold it in your hands and you don’t strain your neck as much as you would with it down in your lap. I keep mine on a pile of pillows on the couch to keep it at eye height. I like this royal blue color, but scroll down and you’ll see lots of options for different styles and designs, including some fun animal heads “for children” (but I won’t judge if you need a sloth, unicorn, or monster book holder for yourself)! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="375" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tJ0K5J7JtEXNMwV-7kR6mdqPprmUmEzqMUpzc1KcixFhX0TIxMiatrSX8zr7GfHN-kgLLnevYVC5fqtMpmMEm-_h_MJiMWOKgDXsRmZ1ajHbkYegdwjrxC4wfkFqfbaJok_hgOGxsxrhsCiD-7ojNtSxF42M8DJe-Y3WfMdRgbzP-gAxod-mRzzQYA/s320/LUXURISM%20Adjustable%20Book%20Stand.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">If you prefer print books, you’ll be better off with a stand that has built-in clips to hold the pages flat when the book is open. I haven’t tried this <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YK2NYYK?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=686ee0c3c0893e4dd34a5dfea4d8799a&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">LUXURISM Adjustable Book Stand</a></b>, but it says it’s a cookbook holder, so it should work for most books and magazines. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK2WElOFcbK95uYrDw1uUGDUHqFU7NPvHE-cRkYZre8mYA7hSXD3GS933HxCcojY9OtLV2L5-TIMLrigvslcnk-q0j3vMxB8qlUVS6AqK2KT_Gn3YQyLsqihFnYVVfR0O0W-Fk9MTxG-PvheBwhDU4DOqLoLfHbBubqVK1wAPEMK7TwVvfqZq0PL4_A/s357/Amazon%20Fire.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="357" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK2WElOFcbK95uYrDw1uUGDUHqFU7NPvHE-cRkYZre8mYA7hSXD3GS933HxCcojY9OtLV2L5-TIMLrigvslcnk-q0j3vMxB8qlUVS6AqK2KT_Gn3YQyLsqihFnYVVfR0O0W-Fk9MTxG-PvheBwhDU4DOqLoLfHbBubqVK1wAPEMK7TwVvfqZq0PL4_A/s320/Amazon%20Fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />And if you do want to try an e-reader, I have the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fire-HD-10-tablet/dp/B08BX7FV5L?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=176c0d725aca1ae468be42f8c03e3bd6&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><b>Amazon Fire HD 10 inch tablet</b></a>. The battery lasts for many hours if it’s on airplane mode, I can take dozens of books with me when I travel, and I can adjust the font size to make it easier on my aging eyes. In addition, it’s often cheaper to buy e-books than print books, and you can get books from the library and have them delivered to your Kindle – no need to stop in to pick up your holds! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5lcOCiTjR_QZZz6AU03z1EcE0qTP0xmDi5UKqEn7x4kmLHVxiDaauPxwzIxXEzj1rISOFaqO-2gXaTKbku4-Uj_z7NAyEYkcix1GgvZBPxb-XIcNicNkepRDs9i-EW-28rmfqGdQJG0Qt45Zbrj1DQqZsWOiRDFYmGAaj4-ijVzxBo4V5rrb-ApZDg/s261/Electric%20Kettle.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="261" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5lcOCiTjR_QZZz6AU03z1EcE0qTP0xmDi5UKqEn7x4kmLHVxiDaauPxwzIxXEzj1rISOFaqO-2gXaTKbku4-Uj_z7NAyEYkcix1GgvZBPxb-XIcNicNkepRDs9i-EW-28rmfqGdQJG0Qt45Zbrj1DQqZsWOiRDFYmGAaj4-ijVzxBo4V5rrb-ApZDg/s1600/Electric%20Kettle.jpg" width="261" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />Finally, this <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DEPGY7G?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=0c85f59f5471a1a6de3717cf5d8c8257&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Electric Kettle</a> </b>might not seem like a “writing tool” but writers and readers who like a nice cup of tea will appreciate the speed and temperature accuracy of an electric kettle. They’re so inexpensive and really handy. This one comes in fun
colors, but there are others that give you different temperature options, which
might be best if you drink green, white, and oolong teas that should brew at
different temperatures.</span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0f1111;">I hope you find something fabulous here that makes your life
easier. I also have posts on “Comfort at Your Desk,” “Easing Neck Pain,”
and possibly more as I discover useful tools for writers and readers! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">As an Amazon
Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.</span></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="border: none;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3UozqDeMcL5atgex_MQ5VlTJcBlCAuM-K9Oh8xLjjnCyJBfDkFDA6WwN4_MnpD71BUpk4MvvEHqjjrrgl5YmycY4ieqODk4uOacRKCoc5OttjSwfpxKK4UpdqG270Fv9IUNLJ_DD5ZYZWYBjdSYzx4jdvWpSnccsSXq6nrdAr1ORQcnGn47Z3LjW3g/s387/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3UozqDeMcL5atgex_MQ5VlTJcBlCAuM-K9Oh8xLjjnCyJBfDkFDA6WwN4_MnpD71BUpk4MvvEHqjjrrgl5YmycY4ieqODk4uOacRKCoc5OttjSwfpxKK4UpdqG270Fv9IUNLJ_DD5ZYZWYBjdSYzx4jdvWpSnccsSXq6nrdAr1ORQcnGn47Z3LjW3g/s320/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" width="245" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Kris Bock
writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance. In <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/">the
Accidental Detective series</a>, a witty journalist solves mysteries in
Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. <span style="border: none;">Kris’s </span><a name="_Hlk54941003"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC">Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series</a> <span style="border: none;">features
the employees and customers at a cat café. </span>In <span style="background: white;">the </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/">Accidental
Billionaire Cowboys series</a>, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the
lottery, which causes as many problems as it solves. <a href="https://sendfox.com/KrisBock">Sign up for the Kris Bock Mystery and
Romance newsletter</a><span class="jsgrdq"> and
get a free </span><a name="_Hlk120871492"><span style="background: white;">Accidental Detective</span><span class="jsgrdq"> short story </span></a><span class="jsgrdq">and bonus material, </span>a free
30-page sweet romance set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café, and a printable copy of the recipes mentioned in the cat café
novels.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibufPhzyWd8-GhlZXvH6T2BmxlWEiMq1ccRuxMXIBzAwNurSGIaOm-iMB2SGpIQpxB47qy_36UKzaqzdv3sCLCK_2cJQifNoildZ98-fkN2Jb8Y2_XiJ8OuCmWZZuEQvnJA_zm8-FPxXEhiTWhYow_IShq2iBvPftB86iSLZe-9XYBjOs7fd_pqpaPw/s1600/1-Felony%20Melanie%20all%20three-twitter.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibufPhzyWd8-GhlZXvH6T2BmxlWEiMq1ccRuxMXIBzAwNurSGIaOm-iMB2SGpIQpxB47qy_36UKzaqzdv3sCLCK_2cJQifNoildZ98-fkN2Jb8Y2_XiJ8OuCmWZZuEQvnJA_zm8-FPxXEhiTWhYow_IShq2iBvPftB86iSLZe-9XYBjOs7fd_pqpaPw/s320/1-Felony%20Melanie%20all%20three-twitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J
Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>.
The Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their
friends a decade before the events of the movie. <a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1rpny3">Sign up for the romantic
comedy newsletter</a> to get a short story preview, or find the books at
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881KGDGW">Amazon US</a> or <a href="https://books2read.com/Pageant-Pandemonium">All E-book retailers</a><u>.</u></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdOV_9cyx2O_SkgQ-S6J37ONU9YiEr2pV_fL6ooOoShlPMw_XXB2aMikt-tpgxAdT0GCEKK3ewY7xZsK8JBoK3sgzjDReh-D7SAJgvsJlW957xC40SA5LvKT_snQiMLqtX-g5AsCUuw_-GKLJvVPtM3munNxm9UvtzH2ZEVyMASUhlHR9e7IW4Z0aVw/s800/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdOV_9cyx2O_SkgQ-S6J37ONU9YiEr2pV_fL6ooOoShlPMw_XXB2aMikt-tpgxAdT0GCEKK3ewY7xZsK8JBoK3sgzjDReh-D7SAJgvsJlW957xC40SA5LvKT_snQiMLqtX-g5AsCUuw_-GKLJvVPtM3munNxm9UvtzH2ZEVyMASUhlHR9e7IW4Z0aVw/s320/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />Kris has over 100 books for children published under the names Chris
Eboch and M. M. Eboch. Her novels for ages nine and up include <i>The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i>The Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure
used in many schools; and <i>The Genie’s
Gift</i>, a middle eastern fantasy. J<i>esse Owens: Young Record Breaker</i> and <i>Milton Hershey: Young Chocolatier</i> are inspiring biographies focused on them as
children and young men.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div></div></div>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-64853180191019215412023-11-20T10:02:00.002-07:002023-11-20T10:02:17.006-07:00Bios Made Easy: Tips for writing the perfect author bio for each purpose #amwriting #writing #writetip #writelife #author<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxR24PpTUVsDdbdMD-BsVZFsS0HUxh7yhTSwcDllWkMsMp5pPYVdVLYEWnkuSE500NJmhdgWjSXU5bTfrfqh5VQhBuZLtMZGxVi3GuNWCwgC8A23Ms-TegcH4U54MjwXkeHGJMCVRynXbRaw5KIadvTzzjNGNV6AJHuAABCrsi2Y2kSHJo5WRKTzr1DXU/s320/Quick%20Writing%20Tips%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Writers
need bios, for query letters, on websites, for conference brochures. If we are
writers surely we can write about ourselves. Yet while coordinating writing
conferences, I discovered that even published authors often write poor bios, whether
through modesty, carelessness, or overwriting. Many bios are entertaining, but don’t
do their job.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The
job is selling yourself and your books. Keep that focus in mind and the rest
will follow.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Content:</b> List the genre
you write and perhaps name a couple of your publications. If you have many
published books, you can mention the number but only go into detail with two or
three – perhaps the most
recent or popular. Specify the genre, as titles aren’t always clear by
themselves. If you don’t have published books, mention your other credentials –
“Cub Newshound’s articles appear in <i>Slate</i>,”
for example.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Don’t
get carried away listing awards. If each book has four or five minor awards,
the reader bogs down in dull details. List the most prestigious, or combine
them – “Ms. Inkslinger’s books have
received five Readers’ Choice Awards from various states.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Relevancy:</b> If someone is
considering buying your book or signing up to hear you speak, they want to know
your success as a writer or speaker, not the names of your pets. Put your
professional <st1:personname w:st="on">info</st1:personname>rmation first. Don’t
start with your hobbies or childhood, unless something directly relates to your
book. (For example, you’re a nurse and you wrote a hospital drama or you have
seven cats and you write mysteries featuring cats.) Don’t thank your family for
their support. Save that for your book dedications.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">There’s
another reason to put the key <st1:personname w:st="on">info</st1:personname>rmation
up front. If you are submitting news to a media site or a quick bio to a
conference coordinator, the editor may cut to save space. Make it easy for them
to keep the first couple of sentences and cut the rest.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Style:</b> You may need
different bios for different uses – playful on a book flap; professional for a
newspaper article; focused on teaching experience for a conference catalog;
praising your popularity with readers for a book signing. Regardless, focus on
information. Humor and lively writing are fine, but don’t get too wrapped up in
sounding “literary.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In
a large conference brochure, the designer probably wants consistent style. A
touch of formality may be appropriate – you’re trying to portray yourself as a
professional. Pretend you’re someone else writing about you in the third
person. “Bard Wordsmith is an
award-winning author….” For a query letter, use first person. A website could
go either way, but be consistent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Length:</b> Keep it short
and to the point. If your bio will stand alone, on an individual brochure or
flyer, try 100-200 words. If your bio will appear along with others, 50-100
words is plenty (or whatever they request). Many people will skim anyway.
Include your website for more <st1:personname w:st="on">info</st1:personname>rmation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I
keep several versions and cut and paste as needed. A longer bio may have a
sentence or two about each of my series. A shorter one may focus on a single
series or provide general info on the kind of books I write. If I’m promoting my critiquing/editing
business, I would focus on my experience as a teacher and workshop leader,
noting that people can get recommendations and rates on my website. The details
depend on what I’m trying to sell.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">For example:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Kris Bock</b> writes romance,
mystery, and suspense. (Seven words)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOQHqF4D0VayQVuaq3Vll78TEeqaSTc-9wdTcPdu2U1svJ1_c6N54NfrTveJZyxtlFRhT5AKdirG8nZpklBt7YYpRYxsMwjxJJL5P7JGhrV_-YTPQc4N7EBRwUJ8ad5f2mky8gGzZwS9FjKMSlZ173vSAMioT3zBYpRarPuHHsd6W3u-B4JJLeLvcBc1Z/s320/1-cats%20and%205-cowboys%20inta.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Sweet romance bio under 150 words:</span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Kris Bock</b> writes romance, mystery, and suspense. In <span style="background: white;">the </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/"><b>Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series</b></a>, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery. Who wouldn't want to be a billionaire? Turns out winning the lottery causes as many problems as it solves. Her <a href="https://storyoriginapp.com/collections/6eb320a9-c5ab-45f9-ba44-46a902be614e"><b>Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series</b></a> features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aicxKs_CiCZuv56pwlHJOh0BlrPGzBUQJxlUYfYUKjOvkBRfNQ604rYDYoFIGrKqzyGmnpelKYYmxt-Vcv6oyj3nVvwI77pX3j5F0SaAxe8vzPE7A3YAaPioSWBuqXaYBm6o7NuvAjCrbovdM_SLFAU1Qv61HbuqTiwABidkkdtiCwSMfi2IJnZJQdFy/s320/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b></b>Kris also writes a
series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original
screenplay for the movie <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0881KGDGW?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=81501cb8bb3e08650cd78871f902f6e7&camp=1789&creative=9325"><b>The
Felony Melanie series</b></a><b>
</b>follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a
decade before the events of the movie.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Get a free 10,000-word
story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you sign up for
the <a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3">Kris Bock newsletter</a>. Learn more at <a href="http://www.krisbock.com/">www.krisbock.com</a><u><span style="color: blue;">.</span></u>
(142 words)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Mystery Bio under 100 words:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooivS3fnyg0XWgO47EnodvRjKTmn-51V67RyuREV9rRslwlhg0Rq-uFLQ764Wxa0WngWI2nAwxojtSzZ5nQTk1YUMHKuCMvhG1VsASMne07-oLThU9T4S7gN7Jcb3Pe3OaoLj_dClsoFPCnfwJaDAywCEm-IdWzDxSd6sp-kpyBfgQLpO4WcanxGDaOtK/s940/1-Accidental%20Detective-FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooivS3fnyg0XWgO47EnodvRjKTmn-51V67RyuREV9rRslwlhg0Rq-uFLQ764Wxa0WngWI2nAwxojtSzZ5nQTk1YUMHKuCMvhG1VsASMne07-oLThU9T4S7gN7Jcb3Pe3OaoLj_dClsoFPCnfwJaDAywCEm-IdWzDxSd6sp-kpyBfgQLpO4WcanxGDaOtK/s320/1-Accidental%20Detective-FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Kris Bock</b> has lived in ten states and one foreign
country but is now firmly planted in the Southwest, where many of her books are
set. In <b><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/">the Accidental Detective series</a></b>,
a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of
turning fifty. Kris’s <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MKJKSG5?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=00b5c7f5abb55507a3a8abdde743ce50&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #c7511f;">romantic suspense novels</span></a></b> feature outdoor
adventures and Southwestern landscapes. Readers have called these novels
"Smart romance with an Indiana Jones feel." Learn more at <a href="http://www.krisbock.com/">www.krisbock.com</a> or sign up for the <a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3">Kris Bock newsletter</a> and get a
free Accidental Detective story and more. (88 words)</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">If I’m promoting my children’s books, I
have a different set of bios for that name. I can also include the following
with my Kris Bock bio if I’m targeting writers:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXTrfdIH5M1X8xj25-4VAKaba5MKH4KkKD30F95T70DjJhZePAvKNUyDPZTWy51h5Z8gzRjUG0lBmmbwVBDUrysUx1FZ5HDLBFN_04fwQ1YfCxTOumYf_B3rlQinUIKnNaQXSM8xQynp7Dp_4i8EZ2klGm9_CbPzeDGh61fx6A4hflYfHl0NZmKjaAVrl/s1080/Writing%20Classes%20heading%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXTrfdIH5M1X8xj25-4VAKaba5MKH4KkKD30F95T70DjJhZePAvKNUyDPZTWy51h5Z8gzRjUG0lBmmbwVBDUrysUx1FZ5HDLBFN_04fwQ1YfCxTOumYf_B3rlQinUIKnNaQXSM8xQynp7Dp_4i8EZ2klGm9_CbPzeDGh61fx6A4hflYfHl0NZmKjaAVrl/s320/Writing%20Classes%20heading%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Kris writes for
children under the name Chris Eboch. She is the author of two books on the
craft of writing, <i>Advanced Plotting</i>
and <i>You Can Write for Children: How to
Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers</i>. Learn more
at <a href="http://www.chriseboch.com/">chriseboch.com</a>. Check out her<a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/home "> self-paced writing classes</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisEboch-10MinWriter" target="_blank">The Ten-Minute Writer</a> series on YouTube. (58 words)</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In some
circumstances, I might mention that I live in New Mexico and enjoy hiking, or
that my husband and I keep ferrets. Those are nice personal tidbits, but they
don’t prove I’m writing books people want to read.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Any of these
options keep the bio to under 200 words. I want to make sure I’m including links
to learn more if it’s going somewhere online, and beat simplest version of my
website URL if it’s in print.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">For a digital
site, I might give readers the direct links to Amazon in the United States and
Amazon in the United Kingdom, plus a “genius” link that will take people to
their local site. That means fewer clicks before someone has a chance to buy my
books.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">So
what about you?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">To
get started, make a list of the facts that you want to share. Then write a
simple, straightforward paragraph that includes them. Next, decide if it’s
appropriate to dress it up, but as in all good writing, communication comes
first.</span></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-7555195137975474202023-11-06T11:44:00.001-07:002023-11-06T11:44:45.303-07:00Earn Money with Educational Publishing: A free #WritingWorkshop to get you started! #amwriting #writing #teachers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtv_41M2LoWUn81SnBXn3fCBpkRT8VO8hPq14ZQxbQ2srxnDN9MtX4P6dLiFW6e1FgxA3LxhBd0FcfpMwKPKIcpkZeilQPvUk0QAZjn3Nz16W2D7sgu5hn0RG-kYKTo48L4w_Idnhc11Mq4FEnFS7COVA9UvcgWAhnSyf5fKcNBXPyO5aNsrDiMH0jE-c8/s320/Ed%20Pub%20online%20free%20class%20Twitter%20Post.jpg" width="320" /></div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Earn Money with Educational Publishing</b></span></span><p></p><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Nov 19, 2023, 8 AM PST, 11 AM EST, 4 PM GMT: Online event sponsored by SCBWI International Central.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">FREE to SCBWI premium members. A recording will be made available to registered participants.</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />Do you want to make money from writing? Are you willing and able to write on assignment if given a topic, word count, grade level, and deadline? Then you may be perfect for educational work for hire! </span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEhqbGErnm66whJnaV8hxx7A2msPOLrbjf6H8Uz0hAYTl-0PtgF9itGCVvWKMqpIn7LBn_YqIS6TVLQXCiGR2IIW00EnxiaIZj1KQiOyKDhpSRQGYqTYTWVcs45Sfj5jEJdsZfF1dflaeojmoKbtk8hXZ-29hhYPYhJQG_bbCGsmqZbtipUnAWH9gtmgu/s320/Writing%20Classes%20heading%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://chriseboch.com/contact/&source=gmail&ust=1699380309592000&usg=AOvVaw1nnRYgsm1N8m024Sc3ZLLe" href="https://chriseboch.com/contact/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Chris Eboch</a></b>, author of over 100 books for children, will provide an overview of Educational Publishing: What is it? Why would you do it? What are the pros and cons? What makes a good work-for-hire writer?</span></div><div class="gmail_default" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />Find out if this work is a good fit for you, and how to get started in the field.<b><a href=" https://www.scbwi.org/events/earn-money-with-educational-publishing/register-info"> Register here</a></b>.</span></div>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-39541277077878852592023-10-05T03:30:00.001-06:002023-10-05T03:30:00.137-06:00A goal is a wish turned into action: advice on plotting #amwriting #writing #Writetip<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildV9VDXAL5j357p0BVZsMjJfz7iGncMrk_CHQceehosSxzu6QYM-pD6fnNdICYiENiimFiLliunuqXorQADnlUoBB_3sBfVbP312DAvaN1XXfYORNP73F1Tm9l_zyet-rzY-mmQRAczIbpWtNPIA9u35qVasQzCcK4obC_snNaaxdIX5nyK4fpJ1o5OT4/s1024/Quick%20Writing%20Tips%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildV9VDXAL5j357p0BVZsMjJfz7iGncMrk_CHQceehosSxzu6QYM-pD6fnNdICYiENiimFiLliunuqXorQADnlUoBB_3sBfVbP312DAvaN1XXfYORNP73F1Tm9l_zyet-rzY-mmQRAczIbpWtNPIA9u35qVasQzCcK4obC_snNaaxdIX5nyK4fpJ1o5OT4/w320-h160/Quick%20Writing%20Tips%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I've been doing some manuscript critiques lately. (<b><a href="https://chriseboch.com/for-writers/" target="_blank">See my rates and recommendations here</a></b>). </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I often wind up discussing plot in terms of <span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.2px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Goal – Motivation – Conflict. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Goal-Motivation-Conflict:</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What do they want to achieve? (Goal)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Why is it important? (Motivation)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Why is it difficult? (Conflict) It should be
very difficult (as appropriate for the age of characters and readers)!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -24px;">The motivation determines the stakes. </span>Stakes don’t need to be physical; good stakes may be the risk of losing friends, family, love, dignity, reputation, livelihood… but you need a penalty for failure!<span style="text-indent: -24px;"> To keep the plot active and dramatic, m</span><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-indent: -24px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ake sure all three parts (</span>Goal-Motivation-Conflict) <span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-indent: -24px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">are clear in every scene. The reader knows what the character wants, why it's important to them, and why it will be difficult to get.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.2px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">And goals are not wishes. </span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.2px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A wish may be passive. “I <i>hope </i>this thing happens.” <b>A goal is a wish turned into action.</b> “I <i>will do this thing</i> to try to get this result.” </span><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.2px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I hope I will make new friends is a wish. I will do <i>X</i> in order to make new friends is a goal.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.2px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Remember, its </span>Goal-Motivation-Conflict, not Wish-Motivation-Conflict.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I delve into this and much more in my online, self-paced Advanced Plotting course.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xeudF8XgVZn2k9nLMYECuZ1yEkrHiD3WACBHO2kGs3DM5gHi3BJ3ijSqEr8w_krjiB0v-gJwsuieKmNZxvMdzU9q6zFbDhj2zsaV0l-aEbGd8BrnsEVUP02nbPv45LUDDPJMzHVG007YPIIu79uMNaR06MOt0CHTzRPL0L2ZqtvWkB-DF8KJXfLlhfF9/s1080/Writing%20Classes%20heading%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xeudF8XgVZn2k9nLMYECuZ1yEkrHiD3WACBHO2kGs3DM5gHi3BJ3ijSqEr8w_krjiB0v-gJwsuieKmNZxvMdzU9q6zFbDhj2zsaV0l-aEbGd8BrnsEVUP02nbPv45LUDDPJMzHVG007YPIIu79uMNaR06MOt0CHTzRPL0L2ZqtvWkB-DF8KJXfLlhfF9/s320/Writing%20Classes%20heading%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Advanced Plotting—Keep Those Pages Turning</b><span style="background-color: white;"><b>:</b> Learn advanced techniques that will make a decent plot dynamic. Start with a “grab you by the throat” opening, pack the plot full, maximize your pacing, and use cliffhanger chapter endings to drive the story forward.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/course-detail/advanced-plotting-keep-those-pages-turning/3091" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(197, 197, 197); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Learn more here</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">You can also sign up for:</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Educational Publishing: Make Money Writing for the Educational Market</span>: Do you want to make money from writing? Are you willing and able to write on assignment if given a topic, word count, grade level, and deadline? Then you may be perfect for educational work for hire! <a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/course-detail/educational-publishing/3876" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(197, 197, 197); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Get it here</span></a>.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You Can Write for Children</span>: Learn about children’s publishing—opportunities and challenges, genres, age ranges, book and magazine markets, and resources to keep you going. <a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/course-detail/you-can-write-for-children/1943" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(197, 197, 197); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Learn more here</span></a>.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bQzxnQnEZEedxZYrRHy2YUL2xr87NHkF0pEoAUFYCwSg4X2kgK1GI_MJ_HZKAtDt37Ib8vAhyphenhyphenUTw9S6Zb9KIl4moLuS2c_kpelAowky9BAGEeKYTWhqRummwYzmXKlWYAG05XbMSZYcZqZaM0E62lvyr_RX8UPTi1JxWNBvOwASd5fr_MxSklc6UJ15t/s800/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bQzxnQnEZEedxZYrRHy2YUL2xr87NHkF0pEoAUFYCwSg4X2kgK1GI_MJ_HZKAtDt37Ib8vAhyphenhyphenUTw9S6Zb9KIl4moLuS2c_kpelAowky9BAGEeKYTWhqRummwYzmXKlWYAG05XbMSZYcZqZaM0E62lvyr_RX8UPTi1JxWNBvOwASd5fr_MxSklc6UJ15t/s320/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" width="320" /></a></div>Chris Eboch is the author of over 100 books for children,
including nonfiction and fiction, early reader through teen. Her novels for
ages nine and up include <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Eyes of
Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure used in many schools; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Genie’s Gift</i>, a middle eastern
fantasy; and the Felony Melanie series featuring the characters from the movie
Sweet Home Alabama as teenagers. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Her writing craft books include <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Can Write for Children: How to Write
Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Advanced Plotting</i>. Learn more at <a href="http://www.chriseboch.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">chriseboch.com</a><b> </b>or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/" style="font-weight: bold;">her Amazon page</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="border: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzix0n22Smqod-uu7Or-Xks30QDoTDYu-lS9zjvKcYKcn251VKaWmQybx0_HD4r4YJGehJx3p0Xb_DSR45iSAlQgCLaUjfV-2uZ7XTYZ_A7hyu7o7Ab9UdOWoA_d27AAjTJu5pbyumEJ4mUy6DcjtkPCBpZMYnH_ubY91N_MXXZ9v0wsFMDcwBT8SuZ8E/s387/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzix0n22Smqod-uu7Or-Xks30QDoTDYu-lS9zjvKcYKcn251VKaWmQybx0_HD4r4YJGehJx3p0Xb_DSR45iSAlQgCLaUjfV-2uZ7XTYZ_A7hyu7o7Ab9UdOWoA_d27AAjTJu5pbyumEJ4mUy6DcjtkPCBpZMYnH_ubY91N_MXXZ9v0wsFMDcwBT8SuZ8E/s320/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>Chris
writes mystery, romance, and romantic suspense novels for adults as Kris Bock. </span>Kris Bock
writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance.</span> In<b> </b><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/"><b>the
Accidental Detective series</b></a>, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the
challenges of turning fifty. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="border: none;">Kris’s </span><a href="https://storyoriginapp.com/collections/6eb320a9-c5ab-45f9-ba44-46a902be614e"><b>Furrever Friends cat cafe sweet romance
series.</b></a> <span style="border: none;">features the employees
and customers at a cat café. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">the </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/"><b>Accidental
Billionaire Cowboys series</b></a><b>,</b> a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, which
causes as many problems as it solves. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sendfox.com/KrisBock"><b>Sign up for the Kris Bock Mystery and Romance
newsletter</b></a><span class="jsgrdq"><b> </b>and get a free </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Accidental Detective</span><span class="jsgrdq">
short story and bonus material, </span>a free 30-page sweet romance set in the world of the Furrever
Friends cat café, and a printable copy of the recipes mentioned in the cat café
novels.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmM8QhzolG6pD-FXQ8F2c4amnBXSrF_BatydwSkE6sHP27hm3OCvYPo914t8mp6J4FBvQaMjuZVmQuqkGm2C76uRlx__K_yI1byNKMWZ_eP9ca4Q83ZM65uzbyV0VS5GyeDruuixsTyrNzkk7_h65E_M_VHmobtS_3ADw-ni2Zp5CeHZuGBfJOXWfLXP-/s1600/1-Felony%20Melanie%20all%20three-twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmM8QhzolG6pD-FXQ8F2c4amnBXSrF_BatydwSkE6sHP27hm3OCvYPo914t8mp6J4FBvQaMjuZVmQuqkGm2C76uRlx__K_yI1byNKMWZ_eP9ca4Q83ZM65uzbyV0VS5GyeDruuixsTyrNzkk7_h65E_M_VHmobtS_3ADw-ni2Zp5CeHZuGBfJOXWfLXP-/s320/1-Felony%20Melanie%20all%20three-twitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Kris
also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote
the original screenplay for the movie <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>. The Felony
Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a
decade before the events of the movie. <a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1rpny3"><b>Sign up for the romantic
comedy newsletter</b></a> to get a
short story preview, or find the books at <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0881KGDGW?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=81501cb8bb3e08650cd78871f902f6e7&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">Amazon US</a></b> or <b><a href="https://books2read.com/Pageant-Pandemonium">All E-book retailers</a><u>.</u></b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p></p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span><p></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-28589403232769598652023-09-29T03:30:00.001-06:002023-09-29T03:30:00.133-06:00Boost your #writing skills with a #writingworkshop - Take these online courses at your own pace. #creativewriting and #KidLit classes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIi5M5PBXl1fgIBGvbcnELoSBxkQsQMZIoLnfKJT6GRWBnRVh9J3V9wkz3xhCSbgh9_Y_3FUd5vMiAgEYJMDwbZUtSQJ51RzOx5EdT8f8iN7kQgbDVLoZREGITGq1sorBX9Nmb_fJw18K_anb3gEdSjx9-jOnJbefwa0ty2hlVFwcgXqPyXbEXaOo53ewz/s320/Writing%20Classes%20heading%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Bring your writing career to the next level! Take a self-paced video writing class with Chris Eboch, the author of over 100 books for children and two dozen novels for adults written as Kris Bock. Chris has led popular writing workshops around the world.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Advanced Plotting—Keep Those Pages Turning </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Learn advanced techniques that will make a decent plot
dynamic. Understand the promise of your first chapter. Then start with a “grab
you by the throat” opening. Once you’ve caught the reader’s attention, you’ll
want to pack the plot full. But how do you make sure you’ve done that? Check
out these tools to analyze your plot. Once your plot is strong, learn
techniques to maximize your pacing, including cliffhanger chapter endings to
drive the story forward. Novelists will benefit from these insights, whether
you are just starting out or have years of experience. Many techniques work for
memoires, nonfiction, and even picture books too!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC3RdmXdMY1qvzVVkdZnkvq-IkvtLiG04S03jIOlm7vrTkmvH8JwlRQe_klU9mBBipMaMNCjnGaPj4hLDT0OfMhUNDpyUHtsGX5giI2jQFlVMqeVDs1aDEnb2U4Ahicu5pQ-Qk5jt76Nd0ECQIMTpcx_T8U40esYcIIlIcCfuwsWvfzLxwp7MxeJNbLGI/s320/Writing%20books%20FB%20post.jpg" width="320" /></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Take this online course at your own pace. It includes six
videos plus handouts with notes and more resources for $100. You can hire me to
work with you one-on-one for an additional fee. <a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/course-detail/advanced-plotting-keep-those-pages-turning/3091"><b>Get Advanced Plotting here</b></a>.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Please note</b>: If you are new to EzyCourse, you will need to sign up and
get a password first. Then return to the course page to enroll and pay. You
will not have access to the course until you "Complete Purchase."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Educational Publishing: Make Money Writing for the Educational Market</span><span style="background-color: white;">: Do you want to make money from writing? Are you willing and able to write on assignment if given a topic, word count, grade level, and deadline? Then you may be perfect for educational work for hire! </span><a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/course-detail/educational-publishing/3876" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(197, 197, 197); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Get it here</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Also available: You Can
Write for Children</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1170" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OWRcFOlpS7X7OVo3alcIdbphTWzy-SAaaE4FMWESfZmj_i3ksSAXhhuMR63D2a4qvFUZ4kvnHCs4ja_JUKIFbplcI4HWIc6cZBTF6__SNJEX-tW8t0O7oknmi63faxkVu3YdTY6lfu5MVnau-IuRSGe5pD9ImyVtbDXoFqgi962vBDtikXRlOH3IEox5/w200-h153/2018%2012%2001%20workshop%20(2).jpg" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Learn about children’s publishing—opportunities and challenges, genres, age
ranges, book and magazine markets, and resources to keep you going. This
three-session video course is $60. </span><a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/course-detail/you-can-write-for-children/1943"><b>Get</b>
<b>You Can Write for Children here</b></a><span style="color: black;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">You
can also go straight to the source and hire me to review your manuscript. <a href="https://chriseboch.com/for-writers/"><b>See
rates and recommendations here</b></a>. Or if you
prefer to learn from books, check out<a name="_Hlk139627372"></a><a name="_Hlk139536177"> </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1463739303/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=0d3a6bb06607de6e7deba8ebf836927d&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #007185;">Advanced Plotting</span></i></b></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="background: white; color: #007185;"> </span></i></span>and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Write-Children-Teenagers/dp/069246977X?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=408c4f7c2d02d043edd7ec8e29493cf9&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #007185;">You Can Write for Children</span></i></b></a> on Amazon.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74RSGkNiR8rz35RFoR2M5iYtoSVOOBmxUY2xtxr1z7Ds0zSTJBvDl3Bmj0NxQwEjbe1_po5iOW_JM903s64UPng5QUnlwCKGzLLxt_GpBMyWjCJ2u2Ber-HCIDagN2r8sR7hBFvCY8oDihnX7-waJiPDHa5re63Ygziob9J5EHlmJVYi8Yk8SqrdDgWnY/s320/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" width="320" /></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Chris has over 100 books for children published under the names Chris Eboch and M. M. Eboch. Her novels for ages nine and up include <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure used in many schools; and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Genie’s Gift</i>, a middle eastern fantasy<span style="color: black;">. J<i>esse Owens: Young Record Breaker</i> and <i>Milton Hershey: Young Chocolatier</i> are inspiring biographies focused on them as children and young men. </span><o:p></o:p>Learn more about Chris Eboch books <a href="http://www.chriseboch.com/"><b>at her website</b></a>. Her writing craft books include <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FMBI18" target="_blank">Advanced Plotting</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YVNM8PC" target="_blank">You Can Write for Children: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers</a></i>. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Mn13PSb7l-3L8TkjhrPISfsUftnO0QREs9BP4iCzvWyH2NyZP1TEVl2pEcCGYT9XKBUEvJsXAgxsOu3ulU8dKmkITRKDYrrE_1hFYY_8x9wm6hXWnY3BLuxltXZEWf10_AlPkaM6fHKRYoVoqL5xN2bvL175YvAbwY7oNm3KgGmwwh7nA55THabiGpEI/s320/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" width="245" /></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">As Kris Bock, she writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance. In <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/">the Accidental Detective series</a>, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. <span style="border: none;">Kris’s </span><a name="_Hlk54941003"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC">Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series</a> <span style="border: none;">features the employees and customers at a cat café. </span>In <span style="background: white;">the </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/">Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series</a>, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, which causes as many problems as it solves. </span><p></p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dyvrGbaOOG_MYOxSCcqzSTQbCEQbfjbrGfJso59WH1Hp7P0vKUVKRg0WGy3ErkE3b4ENCSttyCCiY-ZurCp4IvrDxXvBmgoe3cgmjX7jIM87-6jCTL7LxCZsKTgi8OY2jj5fz2ANBiaSiFR-SqG2JFRpWRcLoHTyI-ASP-hL59qkwdmXbJTEVx243d37/s320/1-Felony%20Melanie%20all%20three-twitter.jpg" width="320" /></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Kris also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the original screenplay for the movie <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>. The <a href="https://books2read.com/Pageant-Pandemonium" target="_blank">Felony Melanieseries</a> follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade before the events of the movie. Learn more at <a href="http://www.krisbock.com/">www.krisbock.com</a>.</span><p></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-33370308415846010152023-08-17T03:00:00.001-06:002023-08-17T03:00:00.153-06:00How to Turn an Idea into a Great Story: Making Muscular Action! #writing #amwriting #NaNoWriMo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyhJxy1RBdzugtSGc-klptpE5qxoIuQPZdop7pFHcsD9mDyIbL2Jyu6pq2AR8YfqQkCJexCkip2xywtq50YcBRJBYPW4qUdEIv7AwAdh9qvbYvuWfsf6r4-pDaguyC08rs9wi26kS5GO2VnIKAX09Gswg71c0E4Rn6D8JEAP-rQd3xvt2SS0AaaVBBNzs/s320/Quick%20Writing%20Tips%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Are you doing planning to write a novel National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)? You may wonder how you can possibly develop your novel enough to get 50,000 words. Start planning now! Learn how to expand a story</span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"> by increasing the action for </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">a strong middle.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">
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“I love it,” the editor said. “I want to buy it.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Words every writer wants to hear. But such joy does not come without a price. In this case, the editor followed those lovely phrases with “It needs to be twice as long.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://geni.us/ChrisEboch" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRmeN85Izcro-AaNZUcaTl0moyK8pYcSVeVsmXbr3x5DlPpw9DrGMimBWPhSsDSTAfAaVZV8_ljYn2APY54ObSyQ0LM3LFQLrRToG2qVJw0XNYQlvrtCV5iqtKlum8Tar3KRJr8M8-2_t/w214-h320/1+Haunted+small.jpg" width="214" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">But I already had a plot that worked, and a nice fast pace! All in ... uh ... just over 80 pages. So yeah, that was short, even for a children’s novel. And since I was pitching<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>The Ghost on the Stairs</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>as the first in a series, it had to match Aladdin’s series guidelines for ages 9 to 12. So I had to add 70 pages, while keeping the story fast and active.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Some of you are going, “Yeah, right—I always need to cut, not expand.” That’s a common problem for many, but filling out a story with<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>exciting, dramatic material</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>can cause challenges as well—especially in the middle, where plots can sag and slow. I also see a lot of beginning children’s writers with manuscript in the 5000- to 20,000-word range, a tough sell unless you are doing leveled readers—which often have a very specific word count for each age level. Adult novelists may wind up with novellas, where a full-length novel would have better market opportunities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">So how do you build a bigger manuscript, while keeping it lean and muscular, not padded with fat descriptions or flabby repetition? I studied books on plotting, including<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Elements of Fiction Writing - Beginnings, Middles & Ends <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wrliapr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1599632195" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />(Nancy Kress, Writers Digest Books) and came up with the several literary “protein shakes” to feed my novel. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRmeN85Izcro-AaNZUcaTl0moyK8pYcSVeVsmXbr3x5DlPpw9DrGMimBWPhSsDSTAfAaVZV8_ljYn2APY54ObSyQ0LM3LFQLrRToG2qVJw0XNYQlvrtCV5iqtKlum8Tar3KRJr8M8-2_t/s1600/1+Haunted+small.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xAUhJebvxrHOvzS8B5aNv9SvNsSbiGpjeQzfMO4PeAyHdhC6jikmzaF2CD673yWXNivj7xUW40QLnb6dr38NZfq05IsyyNh2i4C1cKB-cPIHhlupHID2U0h3dRPpU1VfAjiMuT_c2iPpxspEqDssoROwajg1xfYbKiNP4mCuHs61EGGZ6U9GtpqqRw/s940/1-Accidental%20Detective-FB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xAUhJebvxrHOvzS8B5aNv9SvNsSbiGpjeQzfMO4PeAyHdhC6jikmzaF2CD673yWXNivj7xUW40QLnb6dr38NZfq05IsyyNh2i4C1cKB-cPIHhlupHID2U0h3dRPpU1VfAjiMuT_c2iPpxspEqDssoROwajg1xfYbKiNP4mCuHs61EGGZ6U9GtpqqRw/s320/1-Accidental%20Detective-FB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Add More Plot</span></b></h3>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">In my<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i>Haunted<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></b></span></i></span>series, siblings Jon and Tania travel with their mother and stepfather’s ghost hunter TV show, and discover Tania can see ghosts. In each book, they have to figure out what’s keeping the ghost here, then try to help her or him move on. In the version of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>The Ghost on the Stairs</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I sent to the editor, people already knew the ghost’s name and why she’s stuck here grieving. To expand the manuscript, I made the ghost story more vague. Jon and Tania have to do detective work to discover her name and background.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b>Exercise</b>: Make a plot outline of your manuscript, with a sentence or two describing what happens in each scene. How easily does your main character solve his problems? Can you make it more difficult, by requiring more steps or adding complications? Can you add complications to your complications, turning small steps into big challenges?</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://geni.us/ChrisEboch" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2NYp2JRZ2G4/S1ilbSxn6WI/AAAAAAAABXk/jMI3x57qy3k/w214-h320/Riverboat+Phantom+big.jpg" width="214" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b>Example</b>: In Haunted Book 2:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>The Riverboat Phantom</i>, a ghost grabs Jon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> I felt the cold first on my arms, like icy vice grips squeezing my biceps. Then waves of cold flowed down to my hands, up to my shoulders, all through my body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> I tried to breathe, but my chest felt too tight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> My vision blurred, darkened. The last thing I saw was Tania’s horrified face.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> And I fell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">That’s dramatic enough for a chapter ending. So what’s next? It would be easiest—for Jon and the writer—if Tania is still the only one there when he recovers, and no one else notices his collapse. But if<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>everyone</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>notices, and Jon has to convince his worried mother that he’s not sick, you get complications.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">See the "plotting" label to the right for more advice.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBnbigf7KI6_FupSIaSOvBY0jOi6ul-NR60_qksvqgPVePI9nr7QY_pW0c5DWRiehW5ghpt9aOLHrxsLGwKWbLoPu7FbwQ4CI8mIKNef3vJ5qstQ3J4xFRR8lgF7gZ8IwgklX7u33A8xkR4zaXlf9KO6-U-nkaBiOVQJnkTIxI5_LdUrAqM1Uud0i923L/s320/Writing%20Classes%20heading%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></div><b><u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://chriseboch.com/for-writers/">Hire Chris for a
developmental edit<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></a></span></u></b>or take a self-paced
online class:<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Advanced
Plotting—Keep Those Pages Turning</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Learn advanced
techniques that will make a decent plot dynamic. Start with a “grab you by the
throat” opening, pack the plot full, maximize your pacing, and use cliffhanger
chapter endings to drive the story forward.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Take this online
course at your own pace. It includes six videos plus handouts with notes and
more resources. <a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/course-detail/advanced-plotting-keep-those-pages-turning/3091"><b>Get
Advanced Plotting here</b></a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Please note</b>: If you are new to
EzyCourse, you will need to sign up and get a password first. Then return to
the course page to enroll and pay. You will not have access to the course until
you "Complete Purchase." <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>You Can Write for
Children</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Learn about children’s
publishing—opportunities and challenges, genres, age ranges, book and magazine
markets, and resources to keep you going. Watch this three-session video course
at your own pace. <a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/course-detail/you-can-write-for-children/1943"><b>Get</b> <b>You
Can Write for Children here</b></a>.</p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: trebuchet; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b>Chris Eboch</b> is the author of <i>Advanced Plotting.</i> Get <a name="_Hlk139536177"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1463739303/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=0d3a6bb06607de6e7deba8ebf836927d&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><i><span style="background: white; color: #007185;"><b>Advanced
Plotting</b></span></i></a> from Amazon. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Children's writers will get a great
overview of writing books for kids in You Can Write for Children<i>: A Guide to
Writing Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers</i>. It is
available in Kindle, in paperback, or in Large Print paperback. Get<i> </i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Write-Children-Teenagers/dp/069246977X?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=408c4f7c2d02d043edd7ec8e29493cf9&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><i><span style="background: white; color: #007185;"><b>You Can Write
for Children</b></span></i></a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: trebuchet; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></div><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: trebuchet; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: trebuchet; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9yTOGaSyHjLvo69JR1e4_PaqDRDiFx_XnTEjGI9GARYpIxerrLb6e8wCeIYzsmlSyiV6QII8sh9giduqVdClOf4qkvfppGpBTv1AoCW64SyVcNhc43a26Fsvd1o0IKEq9BmAN0IhhvvBzQjUCF-xC1yc6zw3-JBiIJpV0SNBat-AeFXo6el9aKKntXGh/w200-h200/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" width="200" /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">C<span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span>hris Eboch is the author of over 100 books for children, including nonfiction and fiction, early reader through teen. Her novels for ages nine and up include <i>The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i>The Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure; <i>The Genie’s Gift</i>, a middle eastern fantasy; and the Haunted series, about kids who travel with a ghost hunter TV show, which starts with <i>The Ghost on the Stairs</i>. <br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Learn more at </span><a href="https://chriseboch.com/" style="font-size: large;">her website </a><span style="font-size: large;">or </span><u style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chris-Eboch/author/B001JS25VE?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=8c08204fd987a300e4d546be0389d3e4&camp=1789&creative=9325">her
Amazon page</a></span></u><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3dQ5Gb4Qh-JkiW6LH7_nyf2rBBAt1cf9Fo8ri8_JaIhtsH40_Hz6oKhPgnAkNyki6UArhvHRwpSzQOAvgaodgt-5kKM-xzqUec1b0W9_vf2-D9f3UWjNC8Pp-8yAxcEcI93qYDR1k-pf00WaJpoM9gHMHGkjh2fapq5TDe9LKrKe-YAB4XoaSSmk0w7G/s940/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3dQ5Gb4Qh-JkiW6LH7_nyf2rBBAt1cf9Fo8ri8_JaIhtsH40_Hz6oKhPgnAkNyki6UArhvHRwpSzQOAvgaodgt-5kKM-xzqUec1b0W9_vf2-D9f3UWjNC8Pp-8yAxcEcI93qYDR1k-pf00WaJpoM9gHMHGkjh2fapq5TDe9LKrKe-YAB4XoaSSmk0w7G/w200-h168/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Chris also writes for adults under the name Kris Bock. </span>She writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who
wrote the original screenplay for the movie <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>. The
Felony Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their
friends a decade before the events of the movie. <a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1rpny3">Sign up for the romantic comedy newsletter</a> to get a
short story preview, or find the books at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881KGDGW">Amazon US</a> or <a href="https://books2read.com/Pageant-Pandemonium">All E-book retailers</a><u>.</u></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0NIhko6hDiR-wqQCCZKoyvGCnWTqW--DT6U_VE3FDwEOAvWhilBJxdRfAwGgKlEjQCL7zFQXHtaKI69EMNVvkTm1s00_uh8pvuik7Gl6GJneVW09o-NeuyB76FjITQxOlXK-XXRnN8e--SDmXCl3ALQj00wk392qeTiaF40aEdfdfuC_rECiUDzlZ_Ou/s320/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" width="245" /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Kris Bock writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance.</span> In <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/">the
Accidental Detective series</a>, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona
and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Kris’s </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC">Furrever Friends Sweet
Romance series</a> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">features the employees and customers at a cat
café. </span>In <span style="background: white;">the </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/">Accidental
Billionaire Cowboys series</a>, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the
lottery, which causes as many problems as it solves. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://sendfox.com/KrisBock">Sign up for the Kris Bock Mystery and Romance
newsletter</a> and get a free <span style="background: white;">Accidental
Detective</span> short story and bonus material, a free 30-page sweet
romance set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café, and a printable copy
of the recipes mentioned in the cat café novels.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Learn more at <a href="http://www.krisbock.com/">her website</a>
or visit her <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kris-Bock/author/B006WV4I5O?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=691a827a4c59bb68de91308ed2ca6dc9&camp=1789&creative=9325">Amazon
page</a></span></u>.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div>
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Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-48459218611478604172023-08-14T05:30:00.011-06:002023-08-14T05:30:00.136-06:00You Can Write Strong Stories: The Best Ways to Raise the Stakes for your #NaNoWriMo Novel - #amwriting #Writing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyhJxy1RBdzugtSGc-klptpE5qxoIuQPZdop7pFHcsD9mDyIbL2Jyu6pq2AR8YfqQkCJexCkip2xywtq50YcBRJBYPW4qUdEIv7AwAdh9qvbYvuWfsf6r4-pDaguyC08rs9wi26kS5GO2VnIKAX09Gswg71c0E4Rn6D8JEAP-rQd3xvt2SS0AaaVBBNzs/s320/Quick%20Writing%20Tips%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">When writing a novel, it's common to hit a slump somewhere in the middle. What happens next? How can you keep the story going strong? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Let’s talk about the stakes – and how to raise them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Look at your main story problem. What are the stakes? Do you have positive stakes (what the main character will get if he succeeds), negative stakes (what the MC will suffer if he fails), or both? Could the penalty for failure be worse? Your MC should not be able to walk away without penalty. Otherwise the problem was obviously not that important or difficult. The penalty can be anything from personal humiliation to losing the love interest to the destruction of the world – depending on the length of story and audience age – so long as you have set up how important that is for your MC.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kris-Bock/e/B006WV4I5O/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_6ZhPF698fGojM0-cVsWax7OCuMEmfhkquKSZwnanB2aNNCzn9LiWyhPXb-LQP6D4vs1sm3vYeuqNfBHiQKonRMPhD5EuXJdtf3nYYX-BcdUPVKl_wlsCC2Lyrmt3dXZarqDmC_WATAG/s320/Whispers+in+the+DARK.jpg" width="201" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kris-Bock/e/B006WV4I5O/">Are things worse <br />at page 200?</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Note that those complications should also be both Difficult and Important. Say you have a character who needs to get somewhere by a specific time, and you want to increase tension by causing delays. If she simply runs into a series of chatty neighbors, it’s quickly going to get boring (unless you can push it to the point of comedy).<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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Instead, find delays that are dramatic and important to the main character. Her dog slips out of the house while she’s distracted, and she’s worried that he’ll get hit by a car if she doesn’t get him back inside... Her best friend shows up and insists that they talk about something important NOW or she won’t be friends anymore....<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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Ideally, these complications also relate to the main problem or a subplot. The best friend’s delay will have more impact if it’s tied into a subplot involving tension between the two friends rather than coming out nowhere.<br />
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Here’s another important point -- you must keep raising the stakes, making each encounter different and more dramatic. You move the story forward by moving the main character farther back from her goal, according to Jack M. Bickham in his writing instruction book Scene and Structure<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wrliapr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000QPRVMO" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kris-Bock/e/B006WV4I5O/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCECiUjcsgiotBYQD-nsCE_jlZFk9DUnAnzXYmrXBn8CTLfAfd3MShCl2sawDMgAsiKmfvUKUxxaWRUbIkFTiaIAFaVBW4t_MilxJ3Nipof8FuugD8gODyS_MbnRBEOKq7Tdrp8j9vNXZK/s320/Twitter-WhatWeFound.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span> “Well-planned scenes end with disasters that tighten the noose around the lead character’s neck; they make things worse, not better; they eliminate hoped-for avenues of progress; they increase the lead character’s worry, sense of possible failure, and desperation – so that in all these ways the main character in a novel of 400 pages will be in far worse shape by page 200 than he seemed to be at the outset.”</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">If the tension is always high, but at the same height, you still have a flat line. Instead, think of your plot as going in waves. Each scene is a mini-story, building to its own climax -- the peak of the wave. You may have a breather, a calmer moment, after that climax. But each scene should lead to the next, and drive the story forward, so all scenes connect and ultimately drive toward the final story climax.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/ " style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1076" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNBvLghiMbtGKLYk7vZrdALh2IO9UGXZXhEBbOBn_tlMdyDMs_ZG602RyCDL6fyHzm3oAsAffu4wdvG3Lw1cEZk5NpOsxezBbEjpxPWQowpDpxKYUsQ41rEDJ8MiSRii2hU9X358eO058/w134-h200/1+Haunted+small.jpg" width="134" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b>Example</b>: In the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Haunted<span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></span></i>books, the kids have a time limit for helping the ghosts, because their parents’ ghost hunter TV show is only shooting for a few days. But the stakes also rise as the kids get more involved with the ghosts, and understand their tragic plights. Complications come from human meddlers – the fake psychic who wants to take credit, the mean assistant who thinks kids are troublemakers, and Mom, who worries and wants to keep the kids away from anything dangerous.<br />
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<b>Exercise</b>: take one of your story ideas. Outline a plot that escalates the problem.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b><u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://chriseboch.com/for-writers/">Hire Chris for a
developmental edit<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></a></span></u></b> or take a
self-paced online class:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBnbigf7KI6_FupSIaSOvBY0jOi6ul-NR60_qksvqgPVePI9nr7QY_pW0c5DWRiehW5ghpt9aOLHrxsLGwKWbLoPu7FbwQ4CI8mIKNef3vJ5qstQ3J4xFRR8lgF7gZ8IwgklX7u33A8xkR4zaXlf9KO6-U-nkaBiOVQJnkTIxI5_LdUrAqM1Uud0i923L/s320/Writing%20Classes%20heading%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b><br />Advanced
Plotting—Keep Those Pages Turning</b><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Learn advanced
techniques that will make a decent plot dynamic. Start with a “grab you by the
throat” opening, pack the plot full, maximize your pacing, and use cliffhanger
chapter endings to drive the story forward.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Take this online
course at your own pace. It includes six videos plus handouts with notes and
more resources. <a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/course-detail/advanced-plotting-keep-those-pages-turning/3091"><b><span style="color: blue;">Get Advanced Plotting here</span></b></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b>Please note</b>: If you are new to
EzyCourse, you will need to sign up and get a password first. Then return to
the course page to enroll and pay. You will not have access to the course until
you "Complete Purchase." <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b>You Can Write for
Children</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Learn about children’s
publishing—opportunities and challenges, genres, age ranges, book and magazine
markets, and resources to keep you going. Watch this three-session video course
at your own pace. <a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/course-detail/you-can-write-for-children/1943"><b><span style="color: blue;">Get</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> <b>You Can
Write for Children here</b></span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9yTOGaSyHjLvo69JR1e4_PaqDRDiFx_XnTEjGI9GARYpIxerrLb6e8wCeIYzsmlSyiV6QII8sh9giduqVdClOf4qkvfppGpBTv1AoCW64SyVcNhc43a26Fsvd1o0IKEq9BmAN0IhhvvBzQjUCF-xC1yc6zw3-JBiIJpV0SNBat-AeFXo6el9aKKntXGh/s320/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" width="320" /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span><b>Chris Eboch</b> is the author of <i>Advanced Plotting.</i> Get <a name="_Hlk139536177"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1463739303/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=0d3a6bb06607de6e7deba8ebf836927d&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><i><span style="background: white; color: #007185;">Advanced
Plotting</span></i></a> from Amazon. Children's writers will get a great
overview of writing books for kids in </span><i>You Can Write for Children: </i><i>A Guide to
Writing Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers</i>. It is
available in Kindle, in paperback, or in Large Print paperback. Get<i> </i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Write-Children-Teenagers/dp/069246977X?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=408c4f7c2d02d043edd7ec8e29493cf9&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><i><span style="background: white; color: #007185;">You Can Write
for Children</span></i></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Chris has published over 100 books for children, including
nonfiction and fiction, early reader through teen. Her novels for ages nine and
up include <i>The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i>The
Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure; <i>The Genie’s Gift</i>, a
middle eastern fantasy; and the Haunted series, about kids who travel with a
ghost hunter TV show, which starts with <i>The Ghost on the Stairs</i>.
Her writing craft books include <i>You Can Write for Children: How to
Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers</i>, and <i>Advanced
Plotting</i>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Learn more at <a href="https://chriseboch.com/">her website </a>or <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chris-Eboch/author/B001JS25VE?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=8c08204fd987a300e4d546be0389d3e4&camp=1789&creative=9325">her
Amazon page</a></span></u>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0NIhko6hDiR-wqQCCZKoyvGCnWTqW--DT6U_VE3FDwEOAvWhilBJxdRfAwGgKlEjQCL7zFQXHtaKI69EMNVvkTm1s00_uh8pvuik7Gl6GJneVW09o-NeuyB76FjITQxOlXK-XXRnN8e--SDmXCl3ALQj00wk392qeTiaF40aEdfdfuC_rECiUDzlZ_Ou/s320/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" width="245" /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Chris also writes for adults under the name <b>Kris Bock</b>. <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Kris Bock writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance.</span> In <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/"><span style="color: blue;">the Accidental Detective series</span></a>, a witty
journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning
fifty. <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Kris’s </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC"><span style="color: blue;">Furrever
Friends Sweet Romance series</span></a> <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">features the employees and
customers at a cat café. </span>In <span style="background: white;">the </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/"><span style="color: blue;">Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series</span></a>, a Texas
ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, which causes as many problems as
it solves. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://sendfox.com/KrisBock"><span style="color: blue;">Sign up for the Kris Bock Mystery and
Romance newsletter</span></a> and get a free <span style="background: white;">Accidental
Detective</span> short story and bonus material, a free 30-page sweet
romance set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café, and a printable copy
of the recipes mentioned in the cat café novels.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Learn more at <a href="http://www.krisbock.com/">her website</a>
or visit her <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kris-Bock/author/B006WV4I5O?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=691a827a4c59bb68de91308ed2ca6dc9&camp=1789&creative=9325">Amazon
page</a></span></u>.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-75339051529974066112023-08-09T05:00:00.001-06:002023-08-09T05:00:00.137-06:00"Conflict comes from the interaction between character and plot." Learn more, with Plot/Character Exercises: #Writing Advice #amwriting #writingworkshop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyhJxy1RBdzugtSGc-klptpE5qxoIuQPZdop7pFHcsD9mDyIbL2Jyu6pq2AR8YfqQkCJexCkip2xywtq50YcBRJBYPW4qUdEIv7AwAdh9qvbYvuWfsf6r4-pDaguyC08rs9wi26kS5GO2VnIKAX09Gswg71c0E4Rn6D8JEAP-rQd3xvt2SS0AaaVBBNzs/s320/Quick%20Writing%20Tips%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">(From the "Most Viewed" files...)</span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Conflict comes from the interaction between character and plot. Let's look more closely at character.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<b><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Six basic human needs influence character:</span></b><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Growth (working toward a personal goal)</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Contribution (feeling needed, worthwhile)</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Security (knowing the future)</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Change (desire for variety, excitement)</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Connection (feeling part of a group)</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Independence (personal identity and freedom)</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Which of these are most important to your main character? Create conflict by setting up situations which oppose that person’s needs.</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNBvLghiMbtGKLYk7vZrdALh2IO9UGXZXhEBbOBn_tlMdyDMs_ZG602RyCDL6fyHzm3oAsAffu4wdvG3Lw1cEZk5NpOsxezBbEjpxPWQowpDpxKYUsQ41rEDJ8MiSRii2hU9X358eO058/s1600/1+Haunted+small.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1076" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNBvLghiMbtGKLYk7vZrdALh2IO9UGXZXhEBbOBn_tlMdyDMs_ZG602RyCDL6fyHzm3oAsAffu4wdvG3Lw1cEZk5NpOsxezBbEjpxPWQowpDpxKYUsQ41rEDJ8MiSRii2hU9X358eO058/s320/1+Haunted+small.jpg" width="215" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Who are the best characters<br />
for ghost hunting?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">
<b><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Exercise—Write a story, starting with plot.</span></b><br />
<b><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></b>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Come up with a challenge – a difficult situation for someone. This can be anything from facing the first day of school to wanting to make a sports team to solving a crime to fighting zombies.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Then ask, What kind of person would have the most trouble in that situation? Plan or write a story about that character in that situation.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<b><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Exercise—Write a story, starting with character.</span></b><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Write a brief character sketch, covering basics such as gender, age, personality characteristics – introvert/ extrovert, optimist/ pessimist, etc. – with a few likes and dislikes. You can base this on someone you know.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">How would they define or describe themselves? (“I always…I never…I’m the kind of person who….”)</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikFn45SeQO42qkE3KWV-CObnNiWKWnZ50Z9z0uPgrXbWAmr0swj3ljxhH_PV9-2fh8-0k0ssvMkFQO0SC-K2BhDHj2iYzMPxuA0MkiVo3WIaU8gGOpoOX_QUD0ik3X7UvBo2vW9X6MGst/s1600/genies-gift-cover-250x400.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikFn45SeQO42qkE3KWV-CObnNiWKWnZ50Z9z0uPgrXbWAmr0swj3ljxhH_PV9-2fh8-0k0ssvMkFQO0SC-K2BhDHj2iYzMPxuA0MkiVo3WIaU8gGOpoOX_QUD0ik3X7UvBo2vW9X6MGst/s320/genies-gift-cover-250x400.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">What happens when a shy,<br />
sheltered girl goes on a quest?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">• If these statements are true, a situation that challenges the belief will create conflict. For example, if you have a character who is honest, put him in a situation where there is a good reason to lie.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">• If these statements are false, a situation that exposes the delusion will create conflict. For example, if someone sees himself as courageous, but isn't really, a situation that requires courage will be especially painful because it shakes up his view of himself.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So, what situation will most challenge this character? Summarize or write a story about that character in that situation.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">You know you need both an interesting character and a strong plot to make a good story. As you develop an idea, think about how your character and plot interact, and design your character for your plot. As you write the story, work back and forth between plot and character.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">One more exercise:</span></b></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></b><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Look at your work in progress. What is the problem? Why is it important? Why is it difficult? </span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Given those answers, is your character the right character for that situation? Could you give your character different needs or desires, to make the situation more difficult for him or her?</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBnbigf7KI6_FupSIaSOvBY0jOi6ul-NR60_qksvqgPVePI9nr7QY_pW0c5DWRiehW5ghpt9aOLHrxsLGwKWbLoPu7FbwQ4CI8mIKNef3vJ5qstQ3J4xFRR8lgF7gZ8IwgklX7u33A8xkR4zaXlf9KO6-U-nkaBiOVQJnkTIxI5_LdUrAqM1Uud0i923L/s320/Writing%20Classes%20heading%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></span></div></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://chriseboch.com/for-writers/" target="_blank">Hire Chris for a developmental edit</a></b> or take a self-paced online class:</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Advanced Plotting—Keep Those Pages Turning <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Learn advanced techniques that will make a decent plot
dynamic. Start with a “grab you by the throat” opening, pack the plot full,
maximize your pacing, and use cliffhanger chapter endings to drive the story
forward.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Take this online course at your own pace. It includes six
videos plus handouts with notes and more resources. <a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/course-detail/advanced-plotting-keep-those-pages-turning/3091"><b>Get Advanced Plotting here</b></a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b>Please note</b>: If you are new to EzyCourse, you will need to sign up and get a password first. Then return to the course page to enroll and pay. You will not have access to the course until you "Complete Purchase." </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">You Can Write for Children</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Learn about children’s
publishing—opportunities and challenges, genres, age ranges, book and magazine
markets, and resources to keep you going. Watch this three-session video course
at your own pace. <a href="https://writingworkshopswithchris.ezycourse.com/course-detail/you-can-write-for-children/1943"><b>Get</b>
<b>You Can Write for Children here</b></a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOwY3Jte99UiAC9YEV4gS9M4hqCHh6qkuOtiUPC_l_bjohad7si7ekLPfBM7UGdBL5CzhMz-n2FV8HgtmYr7DN9riA506ObKwVKXZ1TBIpfodXuSYQT_SbRawiuC_-kn4ey1bzkXwSwTD/s1600/CE+books+square+white+background.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOwY3Jte99UiAC9YEV4gS9M4hqCHh6qkuOtiUPC_l_bjohad7si7ekLPfBM7UGdBL5CzhMz-n2FV8HgtmYr7DN9riA506ObKwVKXZ1TBIpfodXuSYQT_SbRawiuC_-kn4ey1bzkXwSwTD/s320/CE+books+square+white+background.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span><b>Chris Eboch</b> is the author of </span> <i>Advanced Plotting.</i> Get <a name="_Hlk139536177"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1463739303/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=0d3a6bb06607de6e7deba8ebf836927d&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><i><span style="background: white; color: #007185;">Advanced Plotting</span></i></a> from Amazon. Children's writers will get a great overview of writing books for kids in <a href="http://www.chriseboch.com/you_can_write_for_children_118441.htm"><i>You
Can Write for Children</i></a><i>: A Guide to Writing Great Stories, Articles,
and Books for Kids and Teenagers</i>. It is available in Kindle, in paperback, or in Large Print paperback. Get<i> </i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Write-Children-Teenagers/dp/069246977X?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=writertools0c-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=408c4f7c2d02d043edd7ec8e29493cf9&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"><i><span style="background: white; color: #007185;">You Can Write for Children</span></i></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Chris has published over 100 books for children, including
nonfiction and fiction, early reader through teen. Her novels for ages nine and
up include <i>The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i>The
Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure; <i>The Genie’s Gift</i>, a
middle eastern fantasy; and the Haunted series, about kids who travel with a
ghost hunter TV show, which starts with <i>The Ghost on the Stairs</i>.
Her writing craft books include <i>You Can Write for Children: How to
Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers</i>, and <i>Advanced
Plotting</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Learn more at <a href="http://www.chriseboch.com/">https://chriseboch.com/</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/">her Amazon page</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0NIhko6hDiR-wqQCCZKoyvGCnWTqW--DT6U_VE3FDwEOAvWhilBJxdRfAwGgKlEjQCL7zFQXHtaKI69EMNVvkTm1s00_uh8pvuik7Gl6GJneVW09o-NeuyB76FjITQxOlXK-XXRnN8e--SDmXCl3ALQj00wk392qeTiaF40aEdfdfuC_rECiUDzlZ_Ou/s387/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0NIhko6hDiR-wqQCCZKoyvGCnWTqW--DT6U_VE3FDwEOAvWhilBJxdRfAwGgKlEjQCL7zFQXHtaKI69EMNVvkTm1s00_uh8pvuik7Gl6GJneVW09o-NeuyB76FjITQxOlXK-XXRnN8e--SDmXCl3ALQj00wk392qeTiaF40aEdfdfuC_rECiUDzlZ_Ou/s320/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>Chris also writes for adults under the name <b>Kris Bock</b>. <span style="border: none;">Kris Bock
writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance.</span> In <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/">the
Accidental Detective series</a>, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the
challenges of turning fifty. <span style="border: none;">Kris’s </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC">Furrever Friends Sweet Romance
series</a> <span style="border: none;">features the employees
and customers at a cat café. </span>In <span style="background: white;">the </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/">Accidental
Billionaire Cowboys series</a>, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, which
causes as many problems as it solves. <br /><br /><a href="https://sendfox.com/KrisBock">Sign up for the Kris Bock Mystery and Romance
newsletter</a><span class="jsgrdq"> and get a free </span><span style="background: white;">Accidental Detective</span><span class="jsgrdq">
short story and bonus material, </span>a free 30-page sweet romance set in the world of the Furrever
Friends cat café, and a printable copy of the recipes mentioned in the cat café
novels.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Learn more at <a href="http://www.krisbock.com/">www.krisbock.com</a>
or visit her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kris-Bock/e/B006WV4I5O/">Amazon
page</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-45221116047476690372023-07-31T15:30:00.004-06:002023-08-04T11:03:37.115-06:00Boost your #writing skills with a #writingworkshop - remote from anywhere or in-person in New Mexico: #creativewriting and #KidLit classes<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIi5M5PBXl1fgIBGvbcnELoSBxkQsQMZIoLnfKJT6GRWBnRVh9J3V9wkz3xhCSbgh9_Y_3FUd5vMiAgEYJMDwbZUtSQJ51RzOx5EdT8f8iN7kQgbDVLoZREGITGq1sorBX9Nmb_fJw18K_anb3gEdSjx9-jOnJbefwa0ty2hlVFwcgXqPyXbEXaOo53ewz/s320/Writing%20Classes%20heading%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Jumpstart your writing or boost your writing career! Take a class with Chris Eboch, the author of over
100 books for children and two dozen novels for adults written as Kris Bock. Chris has
led dozens of popular writing workshops around the world. You can attend these classes either <span style="background-color: white;">remote or in person through UNM Valencia, at the workforce training center in Los Lunas, New Mexico. They will be recorded for those who can't attend at the scheduled time.</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Turn Memories into Children's Stories</b>,
Saturday, August 12, 1 to 5 p.m., $100. What adventures did you have as a child?
What kind of trouble did your children get into? What funny things have your
grandchildren done? These memories could be the seeds that grow great
children's stories. This fun workshop will give you an overview of
children's literature, from short stories and articles to picture books and
teen novels. Through hands-on exercises, we'll explore your memories to
brainstorm ideas, and then start working on stories. Whether you want to share
your memoirs with your family or write for publication, this class will get you
started!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Earn Money As A Writer</b>, Saturday,
September 9, 1 to 5 p.m., $90. Educational publishers need writers for
nonfiction books and novels, test passages and questions, lesson plans, and
more. This is a great opportunity for teachers, former teachers, and strong
writers looking for part-time work. Learn about the options in educational
publishing, what makes a good work-for-hire writer, how to approach publishers,
and how to produce a good resume and writing sample.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Novel Plotting</b>: five Thursday evenings,
Sept 14-Oct 12, 7-8:30 p.m., $175. Do you have a great novel idea, a partial
manuscript you're not sure how to finish, or a complete draft that needs help?
Writing a novel is challenging, but you can learn tools that will make it
easier –and make the book better. We'll dive deep into plot, from conflict to
climax. Learn how to pack the plot full by adding complications, setting up
high stakes, and controlling your pacing. Learn how you can use these
techniques to make any novel manuscript better. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Registration for Community Education Classes <b><a href="https://secure.touchnet.com/C21597_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=469&SINGLESTORE=true">via the website</a></b> or call 505.925.8654 Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM MST. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74RSGkNiR8rz35RFoR2M5iYtoSVOOBmxUY2xtxr1z7Ds0zSTJBvDl3Bmj0NxQwEjbe1_po5iOW_JM903s64UPng5QUnlwCKGzLLxt_GpBMyWjCJ2u2Ber-HCIDagN2r8sR7hBFvCY8oDihnX7-waJiPDHa5re63Ygziob9J5EHlmJVYi8Yk8SqrdDgWnY/s800/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74RSGkNiR8rz35RFoR2M5iYtoSVOOBmxUY2xtxr1z7Ds0zSTJBvDl3Bmj0NxQwEjbe1_po5iOW_JM903s64UPng5QUnlwCKGzLLxt_GpBMyWjCJ2u2Ber-HCIDagN2r8sR7hBFvCY8oDihnX7-waJiPDHa5re63Ygziob9J5EHlmJVYi8Yk8SqrdDgWnY/s320/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Chris has over 100 books for children published under
the names Chris Eboch and M. M. Eboch. Her novels
for ages nine and up include <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Eyes of
Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure used in many schools; and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Genie’s Gift</i>, a middle eastern
fantasy<span style="color: black;">. J<i>esse Owens: Young Record Breaker</i> and <i>Milton
Hershey: Young Chocolatier</i> are inspiring biographies focused on them
as children and young men. </span><o:p></o:p>Learn
more about Chris Eboch books <a href="http://www.chriseboch.com/"><b>at her
website</b></a>. Her writing craft books include <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FMBI18" target="_blank">Advanced Plotting</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YVNM8PC" target="_blank">You Can Write for Children: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers</a></i>. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="border: none;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Mn13PSb7l-3L8TkjhrPISfsUftnO0QREs9BP4iCzvWyH2NyZP1TEVl2pEcCGYT9XKBUEvJsXAgxsOu3ulU8dKmkITRKDYrrE_1hFYY_8x9wm6hXWnY3BLuxltXZEWf10_AlPkaM6fHKRYoVoqL5xN2bvL175YvAbwY7oNm3KgGmwwh7nA55THabiGpEI/s387/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Mn13PSb7l-3L8TkjhrPISfsUftnO0QREs9BP4iCzvWyH2NyZP1TEVl2pEcCGYT9XKBUEvJsXAgxsOu3ulU8dKmkITRKDYrrE_1hFYY_8x9wm6hXWnY3BLuxltXZEWf10_AlPkaM6fHKRYoVoqL5xN2bvL175YvAbwY7oNm3KgGmwwh7nA55THabiGpEI/s320/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" width="245" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">As Kris Bock, she writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance.
In <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/">the
Accidental Detective series</a>, a witty journalist solves
mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. <span style="border: none;">Kris’s </span><a name="_Hlk54941003"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC">Furrever Friends Sweet Romance
series</a> <span style="border: none;">features
the employees and customers at a cat café. </span>In <span style="background: white;">the </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/">Accidental
Billionaire Cowboys series</a>, a Texas ranching family wins a
fortune in the lottery, which causes as many problems as it solves. </span><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Kris also
writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote the
original screenplay for the movie <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>. The <a href="https://books2read.com/Pageant-Pandemonium" target="_blank">Felony Melanieseries</a> follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a decade
before the events of the movie. Learn
more at <a href="http://www.krisbock.com/">www.krisbock.com</a>.</span></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-65531786226778752562023-06-14T15:00:00.001-06:002023-06-14T15:00:00.126-06:00To succeed in the business of writing, you must understand the market. K-lytics reports can help! #bookmarketing #publishingindustry #publishing #selfpublishing <p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEp78Ng68EKoWOyCuj1qh2lzIrDCTXdp6BY8VR9hfOF3i5M6ITbfZuhEqXgZ_iPeS6ButZ9-iY5N4olc1x1r_yMvv8nfjdYxmKJo_3QuUh9dPbFr8_nu4T3tiHkZALolR5BdQGPZ_GYNThQ0h6xK61klMTs40-CWfIvs09A7NaRDTEuih_0ri4JvUyg/s1038/K-lytics%20pic.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1038" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEp78Ng68EKoWOyCuj1qh2lzIrDCTXdp6BY8VR9hfOF3i5M6ITbfZuhEqXgZ_iPeS6ButZ9-iY5N4olc1x1r_yMvv8nfjdYxmKJo_3QuUh9dPbFr8_nu4T3tiHkZALolR5BdQGPZ_GYNThQ0h6xK61klMTs40-CWfIvs09A7NaRDTEuih_0ri4JvUyg/s320/K-lytics%20pic.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Generally on this blog I’ve covered writing craft. (See the
topics on the right-hand sidebar for those posts.) But to be successful in the <i>business</i>
of writing, you have to understand the market too. K-lytics provides reports on
subgenres of popular fiction. Digging deep into these can help you understand
what is selling, so you know how to write novels that appeal to a large
audience. Here are some of their recent reports on romance subgenres – plus sci-fi & fantasy and mystery, thrillers, and suspense. </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">($37 each or get access to all reports for $97 per month and download all those of interest!)</span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><div><b><a href=" https://k-lytics.com/dap/a/?a=16040&p=k-lytics.com/scifi-fantasy/" target="_blank">K-lytics Sci-fi & Fantasy Study</a></b>: Get a map of all 176 Sci-Fi & Fantasy categories. Plus two Top-100 Market Snapshots bonus reports – one for Science Fiction and another for Fantasy. You will see the complete performance overview of the genre and the ScienceFiction & Fantasy categories with the most significant upward or downward trends. </div><div><br /></div><div>The seminar video examines the impact of Amazon's change in bestseller list display policy and their modification of the category selection.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://k-lytics.com/dap/a/?a=16040&p=k-lytics.com/clean-romance/" target="_blank"><b>K-lytics Clean & Wholesome Romance</b></a> market report: In 2016, Amazon introduced the Clean & Wholesome Romance category, which quickly became a resounding success. "We have witnessed some significant shifts within the genre over the past nine months. THE CLEAN ROMANCE MARKET 2023 + Bonus Report on clean contemporary romance + 1-hour Seminar Video." </div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #212533;"><a href="https://k-lytics.com/dap/a/?a=16040&p=k-lytics.com/paranormal-romance/">K-lytics
Paranormal Romance Seminar</a></span></b><span style="color: #212533;">: A report and video for those writing
steamy novels about vampires, shifters, werewolves, or the like. (Or if you'd
like to get to know this genre.)</span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #212533;"><a href="https://k-lytics.com/dap/a/?a=16040&p=k-lytics.com/paranormal-womens-fiction/">Paranormal
Women's Fiction</a></span></b><span style="color: #212533;"> features powerful heroines kicking their midlife problems with
sass, magic, mystery, and adventure. Learn which types of titles, covers, and
themes sell! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #212533;"><a href="https://k-lytics.com/dap/a/?a=16040&p=k-lytics.com/fantasy-romance/">The K-lytics Fantasy Romance Report</a></span></b><span style="color: #212533;">: Romance is the #1 genre on Kindle. Now pair the heat and emotional depth w/fantastical world-building, innovative magic systems, and complex characters. Get the data now!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://k-lytics.com/dap/a/?a=16040&p=k-lytics.com/romantic-comedy/">The K-lytics Romantic Comedy Report</a></b><span style="color: #212533;">: Romantic Comedy, aka rom-com, is now the #2 highest-selling romance sub-category on </span><span style="color: #212533;">Amazon</span><span style="color: #212533;">! Learn all about it.</span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #212533;"><a href="https://k-lytics.com/dap/a/?a=16040&p=k-lytics.com/mts-seminar/">The
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Report</a></span></b><span style="color: #212533;">: This genre has
maintained its strong market position on Kindle as we entered 2023.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span style="border: none;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVeELIAnxBtNHpO-bnWEir6eQ0VEAxmP-G9yN_rZd3hnKgemZhodedmIIe337dmmWgsWfWItcy1pjUcozu_0YjGDy4Vzujf-dVqvzIOgqefoQlaifMX4yKoJYV82yFZLvWBU4jjq3fbCpeX-9uLIxPyylvR_rt7tUBcLws17Zx51ssQ6OgKj5Gd54OA/s387/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVeELIAnxBtNHpO-bnWEir6eQ0VEAxmP-G9yN_rZd3hnKgemZhodedmIIe337dmmWgsWfWItcy1pjUcozu_0YjGDy4Vzujf-dVqvzIOgqefoQlaifMX4yKoJYV82yFZLvWBU4jjq3fbCpeX-9uLIxPyylvR_rt7tUBcLws17Zx51ssQ6OgKj5Gd54OA/s320/Book%20Group-Verticle-short.jpg" width="245" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Kris Bock
writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance. In <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-detective/">the
Accidental Detective series</a>, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the
challenges of turning fifty. <span style="border: none;">Kris’s </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GRN7CC">Furrever Friends Sweet Romance
series</a> <span style="border: none;">features the employees
and customers at a cat café. </span>In <span style="background: white;">the </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/series/the-accidental-billionaire-cowboys/">Accidental
Billionaire Cowboys series</a>, a Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, which
causes as many problems as it solves. <a href="https://sendfox.com/KrisBock">Sign up for the Kris Bock Mystery and Romance newsletter</a><span class="jsgrdq"> and get a free </span><span style="background: white;">Accidental
Detective</span><span class="jsgrdq"> short story and bonus material, </span>a free
30-page sweet romance set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café, and a
printable copy of the recipes mentioned in the cat café novels.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kQ8gdtMNXAfgz1R1mci_ai7t1nf00xnVdt4gePM4R_wksNIuviHwtpCmDTS-H6Ry-odKaqZ1bfp2O8NQ7XjVshVDvNZyLcFtp5wlZ7ZQ6YzNtNcN5iTuMIpBWjnQb1cHoFQcnTQNlf8hReuGLTbK1op0_qJDGdPGmg3jTcF8sDPZY-8hP6t9yttitA/s940/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kQ8gdtMNXAfgz1R1mci_ai7t1nf00xnVdt4gePM4R_wksNIuviHwtpCmDTS-H6Ry-odKaqZ1bfp2O8NQ7XjVshVDvNZyLcFtp5wlZ7ZQ6YzNtNcN5iTuMIpBWjnQb1cHoFQcnTQNlf8hReuGLTbK1op0_qJDGdPGmg3jTcF8sDPZY-8hP6t9yttitA/w200-h168/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Kris
also writes a series with her brother, scriptwriter Douglas J Eboch, who wrote
the original screenplay for the movie <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>. The Felony
Melanie series follows the crazy antics of Melanie, Jake, and their friends a
decade before the events of the movie. <a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1rpny3">Sign up for the romantic comedy newsletter</a> to get a
short story preview, or find the books at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881KGDGW">Amazon US</a> or <a href="https://books2read.com/Pageant-Pandemonium">All E-book retailers</a><u>.<o:p></o:p></u></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ4xV44Mawj6SGMwEKoal1ubyqlW8TLytNQO1IroZ7uahdpiuQ9WH9Z6W9L5ygTvUMMOEL5TL3Q6YgAOYqk22qL6ZHSn-9jAZbSEVh7RzsW8gcLphI49qhoB1uix6NfAXghV4PKXzmNmrj72UaMWRO6uOyWS0EL-A8496LdT_CAKvfFOYiBLUqPhCtQ/s800/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ4xV44Mawj6SGMwEKoal1ubyqlW8TLytNQO1IroZ7uahdpiuQ9WH9Z6W9L5ygTvUMMOEL5TL3Q6YgAOYqk22qL6ZHSn-9jAZbSEVh7RzsW8gcLphI49qhoB1uix6NfAXghV4PKXzmNmrj72UaMWRO6uOyWS0EL-A8496LdT_CAKvfFOYiBLUqPhCtQ/w200-h200/CE%20books%20square%20white%20background.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Kris has over 100 books for children published under the names Chris Eboch and M. M. Eboch. Her novels for ages nine and up include <i>The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i>The Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure used in many schools; and <i>The Genie’s Gift</i>, a middle eastern fantasy. J<i>esse Owens: Young Record Breaker</i> and <i>Milton Hershey: Young Chocolatier</i> are inspiring biographies focused on them as children and young men.</span><p></p></div></div>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-26592458850806074212022-11-13T05:30:00.004-07:002022-11-13T05:30:00.158-07:00How to Turn an Idea into a Great Story: Building a Strong Middle #writing #NaNoWriMo #amwriting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bookshow.me/1463739303" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs9yT42_oWvOjcIsenD5wIujbmTPMAjzYzA-gDEExesegOIaOJEhglQmmuaWW_YontWXhSHMn2NuAQu7zxwJFTzJQWdAQIg3xS9v3iKgwlr7OUvDWLlpCSO3WbFW5TBpeEVB3nAf235bt/w400-h200/NANOWRIMO.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bookshow.me/1463739303">Get Advanced Plotting from Amazon in print or ebook.</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Get some help as you prepare to dive into your story if </span></span>you are doing National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) - or any time.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The middle of a story is a trouble spot for many writers. Maybe it feels slow, maybe it feels boring, maybe you can't even figure out what happens next.</span><br />
<span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">A good middle should be filled with complications.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">If a character solves his problem or reaches his goal easily, the story is boring. To keep tension high, you need complications. For short stories, try the “<b>rule of three</b>” and have the main character try to solve the problem three times. The first two times, he fails and the situation worsens. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Remember: <i>the situation should worsen</i>. If things stay the same, he still has a problem, but the tension is flat. If his first attempts make things worse, tension rises.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/ " style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6w2G-SGJO6R-500CpmTNiJfR3LbrGIPI5ECQQ3RFjxiVeIE7_JUw0yu986jbsoMzzmUxy_x_O0AxutW82RdOA1OXAA5JgJA7-x_g1b6OXqSZGHmZTa9euE91RbikH6yMz3umvbbJlhuh/s200/1+Haunted+small.jpg" width="134" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">For novels, you may have even more attempts and failures. In my first Haunted book, <i>The Ghost on the Stairs</i>, I made sure each ghost encounter felt more dangerous. As Tania tries to get closer to the ghost in order to help her, Jon worries that she will go too far and be injured or even killed. With enough variety, you can sustain this kind of tension indefinitely (witness the ongoing battle between Harry and Voldemort in the seven-book Harry Potter series).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">You can worsen the situation in several ways. The <b>main character’s actions</b> could make the challenge more difficult. In my children’s mystery set in ancient Egypt, <i>The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a young temple dancer searches for her missing friend. But when she asks questions at the barracks where he was a soldier, she attracts dangerous attention from his enemies.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/ " style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznGuph_98K4ys0ihGospFwdU3VaJrnOPYXzWnq1tvJWpMChGUmg9H2-2Mrbxk11Un-62YAZ-UANpI6-hl0oGY6NCet28I3AsGeVMJ_X5ay3vKUczWsMfynY0EhF9NUYusNp8htBWIMIN9/s200/Well+of+Sacrifice+cover+low+res.jpg" width="135" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The <b>villain </b>may also raise the stakes. In my Mayan historical drama, <i>The Well of Sacrifice</i>, the main character escapes a power-hungry high priest. He threatens to kill her entire family, forcing her to return to captivity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Secondary characters</b> can cause complications, too, even if they are not “bad guys.” In <i>The Ghost on the Stairs</i>, the kids’ mother decides to spend the day with them, forcing them to come up with creative ways to investigate the ghost while under her watchful eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Finally, the main character may simply <b>run out of time</b>. At her first attempt, she had a week. At her second attempt, she had a day. Those two attempts have failed, and now she has only an hour! That creates tension.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">• For each turning point in the story, brainstorm 10 things that could happen next. Then pick the one that is the worst or most unexpected, so long as it is still believable for the story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">See the "<a href="http://chriseboch.blogspot.com/search/label/middles">middles</a>" tab to the right for more advice on building an exciting and dramatic middle. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/ " style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYw-MzKXvGk/VZMldo3uldI/AAAAAAAAG3M/jcOYykspaywHwuTYTSOKuCUPdr4p8cpfACPcBGAYYCw/w133-h200/Write%2Bfor%2BChildren%2B%2B6x9.jpg" width="133" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Chris Eboch is the author of over 100 books for children,
including nonfiction and fiction, early reader through teen. Her novels for
ages nine and up include <i>The Eyes of
Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i>The
Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure; <i>The
Genie’s Gift</i>, a middle eastern fantasy; and the Haunted series, about kids
who travel with a ghost hunter TV show, which starts with <i>The Ghost on the Stairs</i>. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgneVoqyo_ithHjJ5oXm-Ph-8nWr1nBQEx-STmT_px1KiJ-25bkO3ZgZ-aVRr1CkFBytngYe6kYM4RbvKGzi604Q7Agb36EbU94lQcKtrz_NDRVuscQyrmnp3zszceCCgWB6jnrDUZY5O05K1sZLMhyhStUOpC54vB98jS1GapTridJMqb51sNtU0Yg/s1600/1-SSSH-99c-twitter%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgneVoqyo_ithHjJ5oXm-Ph-8nWr1nBQEx-STmT_px1KiJ-25bkO3ZgZ-aVRr1CkFBytngYe6kYM4RbvKGzi604Q7Agb36EbU94lQcKtrz_NDRVuscQyrmnp3zszceCCgWB6jnrDUZY5O05K1sZLMhyhStUOpC54vB98jS1GapTridJMqb51sNtU0Yg/s320/1-SSSH-99c-twitter%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><p class="MsoNormal">As Kris
Bock, she writes mystery, suspense, and romance. <a name="_Hlk96184798">In the
Accidental Detective series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and
tackles the challenges of turning fifty. This humorous series starts with </a><a name="_Hlk96247315"></a><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/"><i>Something
Shady at Sunshine Haven</i></a><i>.</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNqtV1cHhMBk_yPEdn9t_qaUz7Q-sOj0m_lxLrRoXUriUlkVZL9T-d079LQC2lk9epX_igA--jvOX7iBHCvzCLao1arbRisSokUdq7gSqK3fZJKlu7WtC2BacGbMSYpDznES-KvAFIvPT-vYy_DM7F_doeo7Jq-s_A4VzPB1cDjAqSUVdAAGiqJwTtw/s1600/Advanced%20Plotting-Twitter%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNqtV1cHhMBk_yPEdn9t_qaUz7Q-sOj0m_lxLrRoXUriUlkVZL9T-d079LQC2lk9epX_igA--jvOX7iBHCvzCLao1arbRisSokUdq7gSqK3fZJKlu7WtC2BacGbMSYpDznES-KvAFIvPT-vYy_DM7F_doeo7Jq-s_A4VzPB1cDjAqSUVdAAGiqJwTtw/s320/Advanced%20Plotting-Twitter%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Her writing craft books include </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><i>Advanced Plotting </i>and</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> </span><i>You Can Write for Children: How to Write
Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers</i><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">.</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YVNM8PC"><i>You Can Write for Children</i></a><i>: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and
Books for Kids and Teenagers </i>is available for the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YVNM8PC">Kindle</a>, in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Write-Children-Teenagers/dp/069246977X/">paperback</a>,
or in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Write-Children-Teenagers/dp/1514690063/">Large
Print paperback</a>. <i>Advanced Plotting </i>is available from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Plotting-Chris-Eboch/dp/1463739303/">Amazon</a>
(paperback or Kindle, free in KU) or <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/advanced-plotting-chris-eboch/1104533768">Barnes
& Noble</a> (paperback).</span></span><span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Learn more at <a href="http://www.chriseboch.com/">www.chriseboch.com</a>
or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/">her Amazon page</a>.</span></div>
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Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-76663275799602638812022-11-10T09:52:00.000-07:002022-11-10T09:52:07.661-07:00Why You Must Be Cruel to Your Characters - #Writing a Strong Plot - #amwriting for #NaNoWriMo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I91HOcICLiM/XOnTrxlNjUI/AAAAAAAASno/axudiMM1qTM21B9vKuEFMZr4zXR15IJKwCPcBGAYYCw/s1024/Quick%2BWriting%2BTips%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I91HOcICLiM/XOnTrxlNjUI/AAAAAAAASno/axudiMM1qTM21B9vKuEFMZr4zXR15IJKwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Quick%2BWriting%2BTips%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Are you doing National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)? This challenge is designed to get people moving quickly through a first draft of a novel. Here's some help as you prepare for the challenge.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">For a strong plot, you need plenty of dramatic action. (This doesn't necessarily mean fights and car chases. The drama can come from interpersonal relationships or even a person's own thoughts. But dramatic things should happen.) But it's not enough just to have dramatic things happening. It's not just <i>What </i>but also <i>Who</i>.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://chriseboch.com/ " style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikFn45SeQO42qkE3KWV-CObnNiWKWnZ50Z9z0uPgrXbWAmr0swj3ljxhH_PV9-2fh8-0k0ssvMkFQO0SC-K2BhDHj2iYzMPxuA0MkiVo3WIaU8gGOpoOX_QUD0ik3X7UvBo2vW9X6MGst/s320/genies-gift-cover-250x400.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Your main character needs to be able to overcome the challenge you set for him – but just barely. We don't want to watch superheroes fight weaklings. We want to watch superheroes fight supervillains – or even better, weaklings fight supervillains, and barely win, through courage and ingenuity that overcome the stronger foe.</span><br />
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Conflict comes from the interaction between character and plot. You can create conflict by setting up situations which forc</span><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></span>e a person to confront their fears. If someone is afraid of heights, make them go someplace high. If they're afraid of taking responsibility, force them to be in charge.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">You can also create conflict by setting up situations which oppose a person’s desires. If they crave safety, put them in danger. But if they crave danger, keep them out of it.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznGuph_98K4ys0ihGospFwdU3VaJrnOPYXzWnq1tvJWpMChGUmg9H2-2Mrbxk11Un-62YAZ-UANpI6-hl0oGY6NCet28I3AsGeVMJ_X5ay3vKUczWsMfynY0EhF9NUYusNp8htBWIMIN9/w135-h200/Well+of+Sacrifice+cover+low+res.jpg" width="135" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/">The Well of Sacrifice</a><span id="goog_1265992783070"></span><span id="goog_1265992783071"></span>, Eveningstar never dreams of being a leader or a rebel. But when her family, the government, and even the gods fail to stop the evil high priest, she's forced to act. </span>In the Haunted series, Jon would like to be an ordinary kid and stay out of trouble. But his sister is determined to help ghosts without letting the grown-ups know what she and Jon are doing, and is constantly getting him into trouble. The reluctant hero is a staple of books and movies because it's fun to watch someone forced into a heroic role when they don't want it. (Think of Harrison Ford as Han Solo.)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="269" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZldwlf5b0RCRszfe6AYHW0qK00XRq1To_F99Xf1fH84ldVlpTGWgu1KzI7TEUV3JU9a3-LrrShDsjh3RGEjvq85DHjDcLMos3j3-ERms8xJhGQRmSGlrN-TdYUJBN_xOA6okmCG-S7oy/w134-h200/Hershey+cover.jpg" width="134" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Even with nonfiction, you can create tension by focusing on the challenges that make a person's accomplishments more impressive. In my book <i>Jesse Owens: Young Record Breaker</i>, written under the name M.M. Eboch, I made this incredible athlete’s story more powerful by focusing on all the things he had to overcome – childhood health problems, poverty, a poor education. In <i>Milton Hershey: Young Chocolatier </i>(also written as M.M. Eboch) the story of the man who founded Hershey's chocolate is more dramatic because he started with little business experience, and had an unfortunate habit of trusting his overzealous father.</span><br />
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<a href="getbook.at/WriteForKids" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYw-MzKXvGk/VZMldo3uldI/AAAAAAAAG3M/jcOYykspaywHwuTYTSOKuCUPdr4p8cpfACPcBGAYYCw/w133-h200/Write%2Bfor%2BChildren%2B%2B6x9.jpg" width="133" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Exercise: </b>Ask yourself these questions. They may lead to new story ideas, or you can use them to further develop characters in your current work.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">What are you afraid of?</span><br />
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">What's the hardest thing you have had to do or overcome?</span><br />
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">What's the hardest thing you've done by choice?</span><br />
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Ask other people the same questions, for more ideas.</span><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bookShow.me/B005FMBI18" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="217" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrufA1pUuOqd5JQYxWkFPIzxcCRIVtNR2bHgJNBCOD7SH2A-xUcTB4k0eH9TTpNZC986ihSO1RSV1oxFHKHYRNNsS7IPCbOPcmG-v9XHHVIru5zJO_AeSaGH73JT8CmfN7xtFR4Tk9pBYT/w126-h200/Advanced+Plotting+217x346.jpg" width="126" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Get <i>You Can Write for
Children: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and
Teenagers </i>for the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YVNM8PC">Kindle</a>, in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Write-Children-Teenagers/dp/069246977X/">paperback</a>,
or in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Write-Children-Teenagers/dp/1514690063/">Large
Print paperback</a>.</span><p></p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bookshow.me/1463739303"><i>Advanced Plotting</i></a> is designed for the intermediate and
advanced writer: you’ve finished a few manuscripts, read books and articles on
writing, taken some classes, attended conferences. But you still struggle with
plot or suspect that your plotting needs work. This book can help.</span></p></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/ " imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOwY3Jte99UiAC9YEV4gS9M4hqCHh6qkuOtiUPC_l_bjohad7si7ekLPfBM7UGdBL5CzhMz-n2FV8HgtmYr7DN9riA506ObKwVKXZ1TBIpfodXuSYQT_SbRawiuC_-kn4ey1bzkXwSwTD/s320/CE+books+square+white+background.png" /></a></div><br />Chris has published over 60 books for children, including
nonfiction and fiction, early reader through teen. Her novels for ages nine and
up include <i>The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i>The
Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure; <i>The Genie’s Gift</i>, a
middle eastern fantasy; and the Haunted series, about kids who travel with a
ghost hunter TV show, which starts with <i>The Ghost on the Stairs</i>.
Her writing craft books include <i>You Can Write for Children: How to
Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers</i>, and <i>Advanced
Plotting</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Learn more at <a href="http://www.chriseboch.com/">https://chriseboch.com/</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/">her Amazon page</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kris-Bock/e/B006WV4I5O/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGi8kJNfkCML2QMNsDit5FPBoBg5O0E2Z1ay7AQKVnAo3hzGHe4l9DU5gzO-y4_7cevTEG06yOaucvZJKjvd4neG59GSmw9_2u6J2BlMor_x8aWjJC1hHRmEpDomDXhuFDLjv5yML1FBFq/s320/Kris+Bock+Cat+Cafe+all+three+books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Chris also writes for adults under the name Kris Bock. Her Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees
and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and
shelter cats. Get a free
10,000-word story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you
sign up for the <a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3">Kris Bock newsletter</a>. Learn more at <a href="http://www.krisbock.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.krisbock.com</span></a> or visit <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kris-Bock/e/B006WV4I5O/"><span style="color: blue;">Kris Bock’s Amazon US page</span></a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kris-Bock/e/B006WV4I5O"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon UK page</span></a>. (<a href="https://geni.us/KrisBock"><span style="color: blue;">For
other countries click here</span></a>.)</span></div>
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-18195448049417567442022-05-13T02:30:00.001-06:002022-05-13T02:30:00.175-06:00Writing Humor: let’s look at observational humor! #Writingtip #amwriting #writing #Comedy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTJqCJhrzcAn67iefRaktuDeN8CFU-7X0FKP7U_2RoM74xzicS6zwv4rVcP9hFMBckzlz_e4PuprJSYxgHVEzTstA17y36C-5KVjGAtTfl3029IjBRw5qsVXIEx6pntKRsHERGEJcGF4mEmFf9521CPZhX1wGdDdGdwBtc1kMEiU27n8EggxU0hgw7w/s1600/Writing%20Humor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTJqCJhrzcAn67iefRaktuDeN8CFU-7X0FKP7U_2RoM74xzicS6zwv4rVcP9hFMBckzlz_e4PuprJSYxgHVEzTstA17y36C-5KVjGAtTfl3029IjBRw5qsVXIEx6pntKRsHERGEJcGF4mEmFf9521CPZhX1wGdDdGdwBtc1kMEiU27n8EggxU0hgw7w/s320/Writing%20Humor.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In writing the humorous mystery series, The Accidental
Detective, I explored different types of humor in writing. My previous posts
addressed physical comedy, quirky characters, and wordplay, including puns.
Today let’s explore my favorite: <b>observational humor</b>, such as comments about
the oddity of life.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">This kind of humor is the hardest – or maybe the easiest. It
really depends on whether you make these kinds of wry observations yourself.
If so, you merely need to let your inner snark out. I don’t really think of
myself as a funny person, because I don’t tell jokes or funny stories. I’m not
the “life of the party.” The idea of stand-up comedy terrifies me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">And yet, both my agent and my editor said they laughed a lot
when reading <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/"><b><i>Something
Shady at Sunshine Haven</i></b></a>. It’s not that I use a lot of jokes and
slapstick, but rather that Kate makes witty observations about life, the way I
do. I tend to keep those thoughts in my mind, or else drop a quiet comment in a group chat. Then, chances are one person will catch my eye with the amused
look that says, “I saw what you did there.” Everyone else will keep on
talking.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">But in a book, the reader is right there in the character’s
head, at least if you’re in first person POV or close third person viewpoint.
That gives your audience a better chance to catch those subtle humorous
comments.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here are a few examples from <i>Something Shady</i>. They
probably work better in context, but hopefully you can see why my editor
flagged them as places that made her chuckle. Then keep reading for some
examples written in third person POV.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjA8nzoz05_SbzcxnMt4o8GTivnX25qbdWP5ghYyBu8REb2xv2tV5mwSMoBVzj5NWML3iyxF3h5ssBA-S8r5svoVQB-XRKucuywFvR4YgqYUVjyZwGhhsBsbmaSYHhXLqxVVwtGkGO3wMqL86N7PdVSfwtUHKXhwlcDGYkar7-UydAabAP5ZeYBqRyA/s1600/BN%20list-Twitter%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjA8nzoz05_SbzcxnMt4o8GTivnX25qbdWP5ghYyBu8REb2xv2tV5mwSMoBVzj5NWML3iyxF3h5ssBA-S8r5svoVQB-XRKucuywFvR4YgqYUVjyZwGhhsBsbmaSYHhXLqxVVwtGkGO3wMqL86N7PdVSfwtUHKXhwlcDGYkar7-UydAabAP5ZeYBqRyA/w400-h225/BN%20list-Twitter%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I put my free hand on her arm. “I
understand. We’ll find the truth.”<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Heather </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">nodded and opened the door. I
felt her watching as I limped down the hall. I must look more like one of her
patients than like a source of answers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Stop it. It’s not all about you.
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Most of the people in this building
had it worse than I did. Unfortunately, I didn’t take comfort in knowing other
people were suffering too. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Still, I could help Heather, and
the patients, by uncovering the truth. If Heather’s suspicious were right, I
might even save a life or two, if only to give them a few more months of dying
slowly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">What a heroic job I had.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"> ***</span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I lifted the mug and simply inhaled
the scent for a minute. The whole ‘breathe in and out’ part of meditation was
more interesting with a delicious smell.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> ***</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I described the strange phone call from Henry Wilson.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Heather</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">frowned. “I can’t believe Henry
would do that. It’s totally inappropriate for any board member to call you like
that. He could get in a lot of trouble. He could get us in a lot of trouble.
And Henry is one of the good ones. There are board members I . . . have mixed
feelings about, but Henry isn’t one of them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“Maybe I’ll go see him in person
tomorrow,” I said. “If he’s hiding something, a direct assault might push him
to do something stupid and reveal himself.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“When you say it that way, it
sounds dangerous.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I shrugged. “I’ve interviewed
warlords. I think I can handle one . . . what is he, in his regular life?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“He owns a chain of local grocery
stores.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Sure, war criminal, drug lord, grocer.
All dangerous people one should avoid. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> ***</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“Honestly, I wouldn’t gossip!” June
lowered her voice. “Please don’t get me in trouble. I wouldn’t do anything to
hurt anyone here, honestly.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I didn’t entirely trust anyone who
felt the need to use “honestly” that often, but if she had mentioned my meeting
to someone, she was too frightened to admit it. Maybe I should have tried a
gentler approach. After all, she was a young American office worker, not a
suspected terrorist or military commander.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Did I know any gentler approaches?
None came to mind.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/"><i>Something
Shady at Sunshine Haven</i></a>: War correspondent Kate Tessler has
followed the most dangerous news stories around the world. But can she survive
going home?</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Find the book: <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/">Tule
Publishing</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097WJYYBZ" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Amazon Kindle</span></a><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B097WJYYBZ" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #4350a9; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Amazon Kindle UK</span></a><span style="color: #4350a9;"><br /></span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven-kris-bock/1139733398" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">B&N Nook</span></a><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"> </span><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/id1573825348" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #4350a9; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Apple Books</span></a> <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/something-shady-in-sunshine-haven" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #4350a9; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Kobo</span></a> <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kris_Bock_Something_Shady_in_Sunshine_Haven?id=br00EAAAQBAJ&hl=en_US&gl=US" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #4350a9; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Google Play</span></a><span style="color: #4350a9;"><br /></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58819146-something-shady-at-sunshine-haven">GoodReads</a> <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven-by-kris-bock">BookBub</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span class="jsgrdq">Get a free </span><span style="background: white;">Accidental Detective</span><span class="jsgrdq">
short story and bonus material when you </span><a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3">sign up for my newsletter</a><span class="jsgrdq">.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>What about writing in third person?</b> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">My brother and I are
writing a romantic comedy series featuring teen “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881KGDGW"><b>Felony Melanie</b></a>”
before the events of the movie <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>. In <i>Felony
Melanie in Pageant Pandemonium</i>, Melanie wants to qualify for the Miss
Alabama Princess Pageant, because the prize could be her ticket out of Pigeon
Creek. These first brief excerpts are the morning of the qualifying pageant,
after Melanie has had a late and eventful night:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Melanie
had to rally. She forced herself out of bed with one big heave. Stumbled to the
bathroom. Her teeth felt fuzzy as peach skin. Her eyes were red-veined marbles
in sooty sockets, and her tangled hair could be hiding any number of bird’s
nests. She stuck out her tongue at her reflection. Some beauty queen. </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; text-indent: 0.25in;">No
doubt about it, the bill from yesterday had come due.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WZZexfz186L3_p43T6cOzyS8ZMuM2cTpEGemOwrapsdyZaAE_CoThSClszGmnr47FcukJZwcDj1ms3VDhlgsGRREGwWmsaNm0VUXZX8avv1OD_5XH5NDUF_8-gBSdDm6kLjk_Z7rybQ_sYnw2fdStoQuahRfsiZDnSrAtoM48C1wfWvWgRP_lhlA0w/s940/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WZZexfz186L3_p43T6cOzyS8ZMuM2cTpEGemOwrapsdyZaAE_CoThSClszGmnr47FcukJZwcDj1ms3VDhlgsGRREGwWmsaNm0VUXZX8avv1OD_5XH5NDUF_8-gBSdDm6kLjk_Z7rybQ_sYnw2fdStoQuahRfsiZDnSrAtoM48C1wfWvWgRP_lhlA0w/s320/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">[Later]<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Melanie
took a deep breath to clear her head and set to work on her makeup. She added
one more application of eye drops that promised to reduce redness. She blotted
her eyes with tissues, gently pulled down her bottom lashes, and ran white
eyeliner along the inner rim. That was supposed to make eyes look “radiant.”
She was hoping for “awake and sober.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"> And during the pageant:</span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Melanie
shifted into her pageant voice – a hint of southern lilt but proper grammar and
precise diction. “I’m Melanie Smooter, sixteen years old, from Pigeon Creek,
Alabama.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As if y’all didn’t already
know that.</i> The next part
was harder. She had to say something about herself – and she couldn’t fudge it
since everybody knew her. She and Lurlynn had worked for hours on this,
giggling the whole time, but in the end even Melanie’s mama approved it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“I’m
always a girl on the go, working my hardest to leave my mark on my community.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">A
few chuckles came from the audience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">What?
Her statement was the honest to God truth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“I
love fashion, football –” and one football player in particular – “and I aim to
make my hometown proud one day.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">By
getting the heck out of there and showing what a Pigeon Creek girl could do in
the real world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">As you can see, even in third person, staying close to the
character’s point of view lets you add their humorous way of seeing the world
to your story.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881KGDGW">Visit
the Amazon series page</a> for Felony Melanie: Sweet Home Alabama romantic
comedy novels. <a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1rpny3">Sign up for our Rom-Com
newsletter</a> and get <i>Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner’s Cabin</i>.
These first two chapters from the novel <i>Felony Melanie in Pageant
Pandemonium</i> stand alone as a short story</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1463739303/"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0E8gslIsH6-maSYO6ycBg3ohLBnFdMk7Gk7D8c5X1YaVASP8rzU1boCtk8eEr1c0UwXgEsLbsbkUnZBG4pq6-ZKLCCn1gV58xeWi9rgVqEy23KIncY77FX0fwVg2YIpFhxI638w4ixUs6kP2InVOyVrR7CyIfpCMAQtz8JGy5bm50rZMesbSqWglFg/s940/Writing%20books%20FB%20post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0E8gslIsH6-maSYO6ycBg3ohLBnFdMk7Gk7D8c5X1YaVASP8rzU1boCtk8eEr1c0UwXgEsLbsbkUnZBG4pq6-ZKLCCn1gV58xeWi9rgVqEy23KIncY77FX0fwVg2YIpFhxI638w4ixUs6kP2InVOyVrR7CyIfpCMAQtz8JGy5bm50rZMesbSqWglFg/s320/Writing%20books%20FB%20post.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Advanced
Plotting </i>now free via Kindle Unlimited!</span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“The Plot Outline Exercise is a great tool!” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“Advanced Plotting is helping me to stop and ask the right
questions, to dig deeper.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“The essays really help you zero in on your own problems
in your manuscript.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YVNM8PC"><b><i>You Can
Write for Children: Write Great Stories, Articles, Books for Kids and Teenagers</i></b></a>,
is available in Kindle, in paperback, or in Large Print paperback.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“If you have thought of writing a book for children, this
book will take you from the “idea” stage all the way through to the “finished”
stage.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“This is a terrific resource book for anyone who has
considered writing for children. Each chapter has a tip section as well as
specific resources, concrete examples, and easy to understand explanation of
terms and topics. Excellent book!”</span><o:p></o:p></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-81986328156975451052022-04-29T02:30:00.017-06:002022-04-29T02:30:00.192-06:00Writing Humor: Wordplay, jokes and puns #Writingtip #amwriting #writing #Comedy<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_35LtDpVPV6ZtU3FXp-b2HyFctruB86jpGBYXxpf4Jv0gFrqr8mYn4RvwoVOrBELEJWKgzBgaAl4a2aOcZMKpEkbc1HAL_H5if6GfLrci9nTkWjfQSWE76GUi35mhTmnDRP4Wl6pSEWl-wzyIVK1cqKzfBe1sGU2XGLTrC0kZyBc5nm7aLw9LUEDl3g/s1600/Writing%20Humor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_35LtDpVPV6ZtU3FXp-b2HyFctruB86jpGBYXxpf4Jv0gFrqr8mYn4RvwoVOrBELEJWKgzBgaAl4a2aOcZMKpEkbc1HAL_H5if6GfLrci9nTkWjfQSWE76GUi35mhTmnDRP4Wl6pSEWl-wzyIVK1cqKzfBe1sGU2XGLTrC0kZyBc5nm7aLw9LUEDl3g/s320/Writing%20Humor.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In writing the humorous mystery series The Accidental
Detective, I explored different types of humor writing. My previous posts addressed
physical comedy and quirky characters. Today let’s explore wordplay, including
puns, with one example from <b><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Something Shady at Sunshine Haven</span></i></a> </b>and another from <b><i><span style="color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MWVMW14">Felony Melanie in the Big Smashup</a>.</span></i></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Wordplay is simply the manipulation of language with the
intent to amuse. Types include <b><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/double-entendre-meaning-1690472"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">Double
Entendre</span></a>s </b>("I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.” (Mae
West), <b><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/tongue-twister-1692473"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">Tongue
Twisters</span></a></b>,<i> </i><b><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-malapropism-1691368"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">Malapropism</span></a>s</b>
(the mistaken use of an incorrect word in place of a word with a similar sound,
to humorous effect, as in “A rolling stone gathers no moths.”) and <b><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/pun-word-play-1691703"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">Puns</span></a></b>. While some of
these forms of humor may be disparaged, they were<strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"> <a href="https://nosweatshakespeare.com/blog/shakespeare-puns/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">good enough for Shakespeare</span></a><span style="color: #282828;">.</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p>A pun is a joke that depends on a play on words. It
typically involves a word that has several meanings or sounds like a different
word. Some people love puns and some people hate them, but even those who love
puns agree that the best ones get the audience to groan. Some books, like Lewis
Carroll’s <i>Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland</i> are filled with
puns. Cozy mysteries often have a pun in the title, as in <b><a href="https://beckyclarkbooks.com/list-of-all-books/">Becky Clark’s</a></b><i> Police
Navidad </i>and<i> Punning with Scissors. </i>Children often enjoy puns, so you’ll find
books such as Bruce Hale’s <a href="https://brucehale.com/series/chet-gecko-series/"><b><span style="background: white; color: #1a0dab; text-decoration-line: none;">Chet Gecko Series </span></b><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">that are
packed full of them.</span></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />For most of us, a few puns go a long way, but they can add a
chuckle to any story. Here’s an example from<b> <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Something
Shady at Sunshine Haven</span></i></a></b>. Kate has had to admit to her father that
she’s investigating suspicious deaths at the nursing home where Kate’s mother
now lives. He wants to help and thinks the other senior men in his coffee group
would also help.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-bfTA41slwfAbUmLoghh1aIRx_y8qsqETVEWobVCLQ2gIf4cPBASefWD995L2RLEqPXUlnVq0KWAPM-8H81qipi-uhYMcxbNtjHMcYOUbSJL5yjkYtk0tywJfjxWXE8rK3G-j89HrHYdKu9W_peWDD7MpxP5twoRQZ6Tt3VBAwoYtlMX9TJbm8fLrw/s1600/BN%20list-Twitter%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-bfTA41slwfAbUmLoghh1aIRx_y8qsqETVEWobVCLQ2gIf4cPBASefWD995L2RLEqPXUlnVq0KWAPM-8H81qipi-uhYMcxbNtjHMcYOUbSJL5yjkYtk0tywJfjxWXE8rK3G-j89HrHYdKu9W_peWDD7MpxP5twoRQZ6Tt3VBAwoYtlMX9TJbm8fLrw/s320/BN%20list-Twitter%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“If I . . . if <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i> can reduce the list of people to investigate, we can focus on
the most likely culprits,” I said. “That does mean more internet research but
also talking to people or maybe following them.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“I can help with that. In fact, all
the fellows could help. They’d like to, I’m sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a name="_Hlk62814539">Uh-oh</a>,
what had I started? “Dad, it has to be confidential.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“We don’t have to tell them
everything. We can ask them to follow specific people, find out certain things.
They won’t ask why if we say it’s a secret. The men in my coffee group may be
old retired guys, but we have a lot of life experience. And a lot of free
time.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Having a whole group of helpers
might save time and effort, or it might turn the investigation into a Keystone
Cops comedy. “I don’t want to put anyone in danger.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“I’ll make sure they understand,
but we’ve survived this long. Most of them will think it’s fun, being private
detectives for a while.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I pictured a bunch of seniors in
trench coats and fedoras. “Sherlock Holmes had his Baker Street Irregulars, the
ragtag kids who gathered information for him. I get an old guys brigade?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“We could call ourselves the Coffee
Shop Irregulars.” He chuckled. “Although at our age, we spend a lot of time
trying to be ‘regular’!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Men. No matter how old they got,
they still loved a poop joke.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Something
Shady at Sunshine Haven</span></i></b></a>: War correspondent Kate Tessler has
followed the most dangerous news stories around the world. But can she survive
going home? <span class="jsgrdq">Get a free </span><span style="background: white;">Accidental Detective</span><span class="jsgrdq">
short story and bonus material when you </span><a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">sign up for my newsletter</span></b></a><span class="jsgrdq">.
</span>Find the book:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/">Tule
Publishing</a> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097WJYYBZ" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Amazon Kindle</span></a><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B097WJYYBZ" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Amazon Kindle UK</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven-kris-bock/1139733398" target="_blank"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">B&N Nook</span></a><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/id1573825348" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Apple Books</span></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/something-shady-in-sunshine-haven" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Kobo</span></a> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kris_Bock_Something_Shady_in_Sunshine_Haven?id=br00EAAAQBAJ&hl=en_US&gl=US" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Google Play</span></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58819146-something-shady-at-sunshine-haven">GoodReads</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven-by-kris-bock">BookBub</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglq1AuSu9xMIXlt4O0cPmMiSSCAFR65Idfpx75delkuPQtKM1bDMupLLId_MRoYdaeEnW_rGheFiF-PMH0HcEol27jSSd7FlzNlrw2qzV-HQoQgHNYZUALL7LUY6EqhHFbh5eL4SGEuI9z8sSPlE9nxpmb0BvbA6kXXAT8f7FQsBOp2qb5rX6cnKYKww/s940/2-FB-FelMel%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglq1AuSu9xMIXlt4O0cPmMiSSCAFR65Idfpx75delkuPQtKM1bDMupLLId_MRoYdaeEnW_rGheFiF-PMH0HcEol27jSSd7FlzNlrw2qzV-HQoQgHNYZUALL7LUY6EqhHFbh5eL4SGEuI9z8sSPlE9nxpmb0BvbA6kXXAT8f7FQsBOp2qb5rX6cnKYKww/s320/2-FB-FelMel%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />The Teenage Adventures of Felony Melanie series is based on
characters from the movie <i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>. People in the South enjoy
a lot of humorous sayings, which means that my cowriter and I can draw on those
sayings or make up our own.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here’s an excerpt from F<i>elony Melanie in the Big Smashup,
</i>where the girls are annoyed that sexism is keeping Melanie from
participating in the junior demolition derby: </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Melanie glared back toward the
cabin [at the junkyard]. The porch was empty, so either the boys had gone
inside with Mr. Hopkins, or he’d taken them in another direction to find the
parts they needed. “Grumpy old fart,” she muttered. “I’ll show them a thing or
two.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“Don’t let it bother you,” Dorothea
said. “As my grandpa would say, old man Hopkins is a turd in a punch bowl.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“My mama likes to say folks like
him have the personality of a dishrag,” Lurlynn said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Melanie started to smile. “He’s as
windy as a sack full of farts.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“He’s so country he thinks a seven-course
meal is a possum and a six-pack,” Dorothea added.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Pretty soon, the girls were
shrieking with laughter. Melanie hoped Jake heard it all the way to wherever
he’d gone. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881KGDGW"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Visit
the Amazon series page</span></b></a> for Felony Melanie: Sweet Home Alabama romantic
comedy novels. <b><a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1rpny3"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Sign up for our Rom-Com
newsletter</span></a> </b>and get <i>Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner’s Cabin</i>.
These first two chapters from the novel <i>Felony Melanie in Pageant
Pandemonium</i> stand alone as a short story</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p>For most forms of
writing, it’s probably best not to get carried away with puns. Still, puns and
other wordplay can pump up the giggles in a humorous novel and add fun to any
kind of writing. Once you start to tune into this kind of language play,
opportunities may jump out at you. </o:p>You can find more extensive articles on writing puns and
other wordplay, such as<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> <b><a href="https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-pun-learn-about-the-different-types-of-puns-in-literature-and-tips-on-how-to-write-a-great-pun#4-examples-of-puns-in-literature">this
one from Masterclass</a></b>.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1463739303/"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i></i></span></b></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvJwjUPgJY7rdG1ZxSqZW1x-gINgMs85nLIG72nKvIotaxG3cpxkyNu0vqiMhYE6Yr5R9Gb8y-lw8J81s2KeNSWM8w6mjNDjI7GWaD06PrdxtgJWgibMF11mH2zSg7A--rUxj_9tjplBU-vzPIJ2HxZpiSCt2YEBmxou1m8bDO04jcYSco_maqsEm1Q/s940/Writing%20books%20FB%20post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvJwjUPgJY7rdG1ZxSqZW1x-gINgMs85nLIG72nKvIotaxG3cpxkyNu0vqiMhYE6Yr5R9Gb8y-lw8J81s2KeNSWM8w6mjNDjI7GWaD06PrdxtgJWgibMF11mH2zSg7A--rUxj_9tjplBU-vzPIJ2HxZpiSCt2YEBmxou1m8bDO04jcYSco_maqsEm1Q/s320/Writing%20books%20FB%20post.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span></b></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i>Advanced
Plotting </i>now free via Kindle Unlimited!</span></b><b> <o:p></o:p></b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“The Plot Outline Exercise is a great tool!” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“Advanced Plotting is helping me to stop and ask the right
questions, to dig deeper.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“The essays really help you zero in on your own problems
in your manuscript.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YVNM8PC"><b><i>You Can
Write for Children: Write Great Stories, Articles, Books for Kids and Teenagers</i></b></a>,</span>
is available in Kindle, in paperback, or in Large Print paperback.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“If you have thought of writing a book for children, this
book will take you from the “idea” stage all the way through to the “finished”
stage.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“This is a terrific resource book for anyone who has
considered writing for children. Each chapter has a tip section as well as
specific resources, concrete examples, and easy to understand explanation of
terms and topics. Excellent book!”</span></p><p></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-30634425774268586242022-04-22T02:30:00.002-06:002022-04-22T09:44:54.031-06:00Workshop alert! Revision Workout and Creating Exciting School Visits - in person or on Zoom on May 14, with two-part manuscript critique option #writing #amwriting #editing<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPb0kanYOkUm1rY7gyHMM97JBUDWim1q2gi3yvI-SyFckEHl9LBFIYAE4GoGD_YDnGDvxKHc8TeYE7XWgnwF3bJN7AGp7pCzYMecuEUrXC-yM4FOhOgywVta7g9pUvErqp5WM-2jOaED3Vhji39VlxXzUeoUPcnqM0bk62lgoiNpKaflHjQcr5eadYw/s1000/flyer.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="784" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPb0kanYOkUm1rY7gyHMM97JBUDWim1q2gi3yvI-SyFckEHl9LBFIYAE4GoGD_YDnGDvxKHc8TeYE7XWgnwF3bJN7AGp7pCzYMecuEUrXC-yM4FOhOgywVta7g9pUvErqp5WM-2jOaED3Vhji39VlxXzUeoUPcnqM0bk62lgoiNpKaflHjQcr5eadYw/w314-h400/flyer.png" width="314" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Nonwriters seem to believe that authors just sit down to work, write a wonderful book, and when it’s published, everybody buys it. Maybe that has happened. In a fairytale. But first drafts usually need lots of revision. And once your book does get published you need to tell people about it, which for children’s authors means school visits.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Luckily, for those of us who do write, mentors like Suzanne Morgan Williams are happy to share their insights and give us tools to make the process less painful. Suzanne will be in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 14 to teach two in-person or Zoom workshops, called <a href="https://newmexico.scbwi.org/events/workshops-with-suzane-morgan-williams/">Revision Workout and So You’re Not a Juggler-Creating Exciting School Visits</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Suzanne Morgan Williams wants you to know that revising your work doesn’t mean that your first draft failed. Suanne likens writing to the building process. “Your first draft is akin to gathering the materials and preparing the land so you can build. Revision is when you do the actual building.” In her workshops, Suzanne gives authors an assortment of revision tools. Everyone is different, but everyone should leave the workshop with at least one tool that resonates with them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Once your book is available to readers, it’s like a building that needs to be inhabited. Invite readers in with school visits. Kids learn about your book(s) and the visits supplement your income. Suzanne says, “A successful school visit engages your audience in a way they won’t forget. You want to make them laugh, cry, and leave wanting to read more.” Teachers love school visits, especially if you ask them in advance what they’re teaching, so you can tie into their curriculum. However, they often don’t have money to pay authors. Suzanne sometimes receives grants that pay her to talk to kids. She’ll discuss how others might do the same.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Sign up for one or both of Suzanne’s workshops (in-person or online) <a href="https://newmexico.scbwi.org/events/workshops-with-suzane-morgan-williams/">here</a>. You can also learn more about the extra two-part manuscript critique she’s offering with the revision workshop.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58RdjbBlAZ2U5gecR6RiRuutTaq0_UyKXRFmrJDN2gcAdyI6NsWmoYYVxOgxXAyXJo27-u1LQOmMiQhK-yWbrSS6DfkHnkh8a5KazmMMiMkMA9Gyzu5rUJJ3WTG7Gesiu5X2SrKXeBaQ-Cpgb6ZZ-MKY3nlC661dyNQGXc9dqFPBS4mNS8EHN2LVP5w/s432/Picture1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58RdjbBlAZ2U5gecR6RiRuutTaq0_UyKXRFmrJDN2gcAdyI6NsWmoYYVxOgxXAyXJo27-u1LQOmMiQhK-yWbrSS6DfkHnkh8a5KazmMMiMkMA9Gyzu5rUJJ3WTG7Gesiu5X2SrKXeBaQ-Cpgb6ZZ-MKY3nlC661dyNQGXc9dqFPBS4mNS8EHN2LVP5w/s320/Picture1.jpg" width="237" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Suzanne Morgan Williams is the author of the middle grade novel <i>Bull Rider </i>and eleven nonfiction books for children. <i>Bull Rider</i> is a Junior Library Guild Selection, is on several state award lists and won a Western Heritage Award from the National Western Heritage and Cowboy Museum. Her nonfiction titles include <i>Piñatas and Smiling Skeletons, The Inuit, </i>and <i>China’s Daughters</i>. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Suzanne has presented and taught writing workshops at dozens of schools, professional conferences, and literary events across the US and Canada. She is on the Nevada Arts Council Artist Roster of teaching artists and was Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Member of the Year, 2012. She is a founder of the Nevada SCBWI Mentorship program, and along with revising her own work, she has mentored near twenty novelists through their own revision processes.</span></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-18952597018382782642022-04-20T05:30:00.002-06:002022-04-20T09:07:43.184-06:00Writing Humor using quirky characters #Writingtip #amwriting #writing #Comedy<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpU62uM4bzo65hWiaAuCRpffH5rZeJKTbzbCMB76j6S3DZNB139KlaVJk974qI48wxpXLxrmQ-XuXgiGQY5rudtTZsyzHX65Fn3Yo99gOwZeX3Io2_2wpIGg1RyJ5yQsv-W6OsYpiY8GWrHsqHD3gdBSyeLpLeAzcdjwWhqM6xQDiyQefi-AhQPO6jZQ/s1600/Writing%20Humor.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpU62uM4bzo65hWiaAuCRpffH5rZeJKTbzbCMB76j6S3DZNB139KlaVJk974qI48wxpXLxrmQ-XuXgiGQY5rudtTZsyzHX65Fn3Yo99gOwZeX3Io2_2wpIGg1RyJ5yQsv-W6OsYpiY8GWrHsqHD3gdBSyeLpLeAzcdjwWhqM6xQDiyQefi-AhQPO6jZQ/w400-h225/Writing%20Humor.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">This week’s post is on adding humor through quirky
characters. This is a great way to pump up the humor in your story. In general,
if we think of a character type – grandmother, cheerleader, private
investigator, or whatever – a certain image will easily come to mind. That
image tends to be based on societal stereotypes.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">For example, someone who needs a “grandmother” character
might picture a plump woman with white hair who bakes cookies. But <b><a href="https://chriseboch.blogspot.com/2012/03/not-all-grandmothers-have-white-hair.html">not
all grandmothers have white hair</a></b>! Creating a more distinct character might
mean going beyond that initial thought. Perhaps this grandmother dyes her hair
with blue and purple streaks, is the town mayor, and takes her grandson to the
bowling alley for nachos. A more specific character is actually more believable
than a generic character – and a lot more fun.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">You should always try to go beyond the easy cliché. When
writing humor, push it even farther. Create characters who have interesting
quirks, unusual hobbies, or strange passions. They don’t have to be over the
top, if that’s not your humor style. Simply make each character as fresh and
real as the people you know in life. Let’s look at two examples.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In my humorous mystery <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/"><b><i>Something
Shady at Sunshine Haven</i></b></a>, war correspondent Kate moves back to Arizona
to recover from an injury. Kate’s mother is now in an Alzheimer’s unit at a
nursing home. That’s not funny. I don’t want to make her mother’s memory
problems the butt of jokes. Still, the relationship between Kate and her mother
can have touches of humor.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In the following excerpt, Kate visits her mother for the
first time since Mom’s Alzheimer’s was diagnosed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Mom’s room was the third on the left, small but cheerful,
with a single bed, dresser, desk, and chair. She looked like herself, although
her face twisted in confusion when I entered.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY816r8MYxRxCOa1qA089LxHtmPF8Ohevqlcjt9K3aaJuHyvTqh5KjdCTjmrFLVX1dbbCgHh2QXG-em1F2EkRrwNY7DCzFpmNZEvU2C1-6KG35hCiWy5P3MmtYEu6CiIwAi8Tef6A16YbdbEw0oZtF9lA3VQ8XKVym5MDIO-vj3EWMJ1kF2QeCWCBIGg/s1600/BN%20list-Twitter%20(2).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY816r8MYxRxCOa1qA089LxHtmPF8Ohevqlcjt9K3aaJuHyvTqh5KjdCTjmrFLVX1dbbCgHh2QXG-em1F2EkRrwNY7DCzFpmNZEvU2C1-6KG35hCiWy5P3MmtYEu6CiIwAi8Tef6A16YbdbEw0oZtF9lA3VQ8XKVym5MDIO-vj3EWMJ1kF2QeCWCBIGg/s320/BN%20list-Twitter%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Dad said, “Look who’s here to see you, Mother. Our daughter
Kate has come home.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Mom reached out with both hands. “Kitty!” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I hadn’t gone by that nickname in decades, but it was better
than being forgotten. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“You look tired,” she said. “And you’ve cut your hair.” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I was tired, but I’d worn my hair short for over a decade.
Was she remembering me from some previous era? If she thought I was still
twenty, then “tired” was a delicate understatement for how I’d changed. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">She brushed hair off my forehead. “You should grow your hair
out again. It looks so nice long, when you bother to style it.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“Thanks, Mom.” Maybe she hadn’t changed much after all. </span></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">While there is humor in the scene, it’s also a poignant
moment between Kate and her mother, and I’ll bet a lot of people will identify
with having a parent who sometimes makes unwelcome personal comments.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/"><b><i>Something
Shady at Sunshine Haven</i></b></a>: War correspondent Kate Tessler has
followed the most dangerous news stories around the world. But can she survive
going home?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span class="jsgrdq"><span style="color: black;">Get a free </span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;">Accidental Detective</span><span class="jsgrdq"><span style="color: black;">
short story and bonus material when you </span></span><a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3">sign up for my newsletter</a><span class="jsgrdq"><span style="color: black;">.
</span></span><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Find the book:<span> </span><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/">Tule
Publishing</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097WJYYBZ" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B097WJYYBZ" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4350a9; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Amazon Kindle UK</span></a><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven-kris-bock/1139733398" target="_blank">B&N Nook</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/id1573825348" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4350a9; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Apple Books</span></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/something-shady-in-sunshine-haven" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4350a9; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Kobo</span></a><span style="color: black;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kris_Bock_Something_Shady_in_Sunshine_Haven?id=br00EAAAQBAJ&hl=en_US&gl=US" target="_blank"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #4350a9; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Google Play</span></a><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58819146-something-shady-at-sunshine-haven">GoodReads</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven-by-kris-bock">BookBub</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In the <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881KGDGW">Felony Melanie</a></i></b><i>:
Sweet Home Alabama</i> romantic comedy novels, the quirky side characters are
more extreme. In <span class="a-size-extra-large"><span style="color: #0f1111;">Felony Melanie in the Big Smashup, Melanie wants to join
the demolition derby with the boys. She gets help from an older woman who use
to drive.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TS6b-BlF1Rsu_F9NQ7yJJJHyFkRpWevt4Iw5Q4uky3ryj8s8ho2LwK0VEpVfxyuhQ3gqfM6xnZ4PvxyFAiOp_7jM0M7NXX2m-my8gWNr4GgUXemaQMFkbfSIE4tFzMd-L5A271klkRkMNiOcdFktfb5ZDlDIFBeSAfRWZQc3D_ivt-BBuoRVOZ5lLQ/s940/2-FB-FelMel%20(2).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TS6b-BlF1Rsu_F9NQ7yJJJHyFkRpWevt4Iw5Q4uky3ryj8s8ho2LwK0VEpVfxyuhQ3gqfM6xnZ4PvxyFAiOp_7jM0M7NXX2m-my8gWNr4GgUXemaQMFkbfSIE4tFzMd-L5A271klkRkMNiOcdFktfb5ZDlDIFBeSAfRWZQc3D_ivt-BBuoRVOZ5lLQ/s320/2-FB-FelMel%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“Now that you’re warmed up, let’s see you backwards,” Miz
Kitchens said.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“Backwards?” Melanie squeaked.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Miz Kitchens leaned down with her arm across the window
frame. “You don’t think you can do the Derby going forward, do you? You have to
protect the engine. That’s why the cars mostly run around backward, at least
the ones that last.” She shook her head. “Pretty as a pumpkin but half as
smart.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Melanie’s face heated. “I can drive backward.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“Then do it.” Miz Kitchens straightened and slapped the top
of the car. “Come on, tail up and stinger out!”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Melanie bit down on her lower lip, squinted at the rearview
mirror, and tried to back the car down the row. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Scrape.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Oops. Good thing all the cars were already damaged. She
pulled forward a couple of feet and tried again.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Whoa! Now she was too far in the other direction. She’d
barely passed the parallel parking part of her driver’s exam. Her eyes said she
should do one thing, but the car didn’t seem to agree.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Miz Kitchens stomped over to her, waving her arms. “No, no,
no! You want to putter around in backward circles while they ram you? You’ve
got to drive with confidence. Don’t rely on your mirrors – you won’t have them
in the derby anyway.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Melanie twisted around to look out the back window. That
gave her more warning when she was going off course. She managed to get down
the road. Now she just had to turn –</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Whoops. She’d meant to go the other way. Oh well, no one
would know what she intended. At least she made it around the row of cars
without hitting anything.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">No, no, brake! Where was the brake? Her foot got caught
under it. She yanked it out, slammed it down, and jerked to a stop. Okay,
lesson learned. She had to know where the gas and brake were without looking at
them. She touched her foot from one to the other a few times to get the feel
for how far apart they were.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span>Miz Kitchens threw her arms in the air. “This ain’t no tea
party! You have to be tougher than any fellow out there. Girls in demolition
derby are as scarce</span><b> </b><span>as deviled eggs after a church picnic. You fail out
there, and they’ll say no girl can do it.”</span></span></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881KGDGW">Visit
the Amazon series page</a> for Felony Melanie: Sweet Home Alabama romantic
comedy novels. <a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1rpny3">Sign up for our Rom-Com
newsletter</a> and get <i>Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner’s Cabin</i>.
These first two chapters from the novel <i>Felony Melanie in Pageant
Pandemonium</i> stand alone as a short story</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1463739303/"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Advanced
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“The Plot Outline Exercise is a great tool!” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“Advanced Plotting is helping me to stop and ask the right
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stage.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“This is a terrific resource book for anyone who has
considered writing for children. Each chapter has a tip section as well as
specific resources, concrete examples, and easy to understand explanation of
terms and topics. Excellent book!”</span><o:p></o:p></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-33152986035642552692022-04-13T02:30:00.024-06:002022-04-13T02:30:00.203-06:00Writing Humor: Types of humor and a look at physical comedy #Writingtip #amwriting #writing #Comedy<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tZlotYt-C5M9RhyMr6CYCiOJkPn4iiwkPYripEnD4aeDB1KLNoLOIVaRJNR-eRogIBmgSXjw1rFpK4akLYeh46uFgHW3W8a4BiPA-QXg_CDn0OlQ2xUBTrtSL0c8h-Aty72ChzozcjhLR3ufTDotxe1hKFzKzuHUcc6GOZWUwcR3FlOJtGLdU35ITQ/s1600/Writing%20Humor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tZlotYt-C5M9RhyMr6CYCiOJkPn4iiwkPYripEnD4aeDB1KLNoLOIVaRJNR-eRogIBmgSXjw1rFpK4akLYeh46uFgHW3W8a4BiPA-QXg_CDn0OlQ2xUBTrtSL0c8h-Aty72ChzozcjhLR3ufTDotxe1hKFzKzuHUcc6GOZWUwcR3FlOJtGLdU35ITQ/s320/Writing%20Humor.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In writing the humorous mystery series The Accidental
Detective, I explored different types of humor in writing. Over the next few
weeks, I’ll delve into each type and give examples. First, here are the types I’ll
address. (Different sources will give a different number and types of humor.)</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Physical comedy, such as slapstick</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Quirky characters<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Wordplay, including puns<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Observational humor, such
as comments about the oddity of life</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Today, let’s look at physical comedy. This works well in
movies and TV shows, where you can <i>see</i> pratfalls, clowning around,
people making funny faces, and so forth. It was especially important in silent
movies that depended on visuals rather than words. It is more of a challenge in
books, where the action must be described in words. Still, some authors use a
lot of physical humor – Jana DeLeon is an example. Her humorous mysteries are
full of comical explosions, people flying through the air, and messes.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I generally prefer to use a light touch with the physical
comedy in my books. Still, these moments can add humor as well as advance the
plot. In <a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/"><b><i>Something
Shady at Sunshine Haven</i></b></a>, former war correspondent Kate is back in
Arizona recovering from an injury. She uses a cane to support her damaged left
leg. An old acquaintance who runs the nursing home where Kate’s mother lives asks
Kate to quietly investigate whether something is wrong in the home.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In the following excerpt, Kate has been interviewing an
elderly man in a wheelchair when one of her suspects, a cranky employee named
Norman Mendelson tries to interfere.</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="clear: right; color: black; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NjgZ8p6Q4oH6hkptzfisCrNniI59Ba2Wn4lJeUy3IllZ8WViBMtSkWg6vnZwn39JLPnOvE6llGRfjzCtOraQFDA-idFXiLi12UOOtOUc-N99sYsC7w9mh5tmhZQpyWqTBvcJI59i8xSBExUojrAH2HO_TU3rYZIk781s4pfKnHKXigGYvAfIuT9CXA/w200-h320/Something%20Shady%20at%20Sunshine%20Haven%20400x640.jpg" width="200" /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Mendelson joined us, his hands on his hips. “Miss Tessler, I
see you’re here again. I hope you aren’t bothering the residents with your
questions.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“I prefer <i>Ms</i>.
Tessler, and I was having a lovely chat with a very interesting man.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Tommy beamed at Mendelson. “Not many people want to listen
to my war stories, but this young lady has been humoring me.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I spotted Mrs. Gregorian and her family. If Mrs. Gregorian was
one of the overmedicated patients, that opened up a new line of questioning. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I turned to Tommy. “It was lovely talking to you. I hope
we’ll meet again when I’m here visiting my mother. I need to speak to some
other new friends now.” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Mendelson scowled and shuffled his feet, but he could hardly
keep me from talking to people in the public room. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I grinned. “Have a great day.” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I felt his gaze on me as I turned to cross the room.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Between the residents and visiting family members, the
spacious room was a swirl of activity. I waited for a woman using a walker to
cross in front of me. My leg ached, so I shifted more of my weight onto my good
leg and the cane. A man to my right <a name="_Hlk62815592">half turned</a>,
gesturing wildly with his arms while he told a story. I flinched back to avoid
being hit.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Something slammed into my left leg. I grunted in pain as my
leg collapsed. My cane swung upward, goosing the gesturing man and tangling in
his legs.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The next thing I knew, I was sitting on the floor in a heap.</span></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">This is a minor moment, but several early readers noted that
they laughed when the man got goosed. The scene also moves the story forward,
as Kate now wonders if Mendelson tried to stop her from interviewing other
people. In addition, it reveals Kate’s character as she has to deal with being
the center of attention in a way that makes her uncomfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Small moments of physical comedy can add humor and make a scene more visual too. Here's an example from <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/13aeddb8-9bb0-11eb-b1de-5b75b7b0fd5f" target="_blank">Felony Melanie in PageantPandemonium</a></i></b><span style="background: white;">: A Sweet Home Alabama romantic comedy novel:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Melanie
perched on a stump half hidden among the bushes and weeds. Jake and the gang
would be along soon. It was finally starting to cool down a bit, though the
humidity still thickened the air. Today had been what her daddy referred to as
a “three T-shirt day.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Something
rustled in the bushes behind her. She twisted to peer through the heavy growth.
The cherry bombs had made her jumpy. Sure, the woods could hold dangerous
critters, but this was most likely only a bird or rabbit. But you had to watch
out for wild dogs, and wild pigs were huge and nasty, with tusks like Bowie
knives. She sniffed the air for the smell of wild hog, all wet fur and decaying
mud and piss, stinking to high heaven. None of that, thank goodness. But was
that … body spray?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3YaAAkgKNaAmlzDGaVFaqn5Zb-TX44yOe1CenxVsT9oOM7PEbsDRPWbkOTkyANveYqWhBYRZKCmKy7UQxbxX21ghC3WXjWC2oS4yQBNnMhp9CVSJJcq_ffokUcJOVdorESmdCRKVsgpZ-Umig6M_vvjFTV1jvVxIaYSehfOoKerpcTRIXjsDBScSNg/s940/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3YaAAkgKNaAmlzDGaVFaqn5Zb-TX44yOe1CenxVsT9oOM7PEbsDRPWbkOTkyANveYqWhBYRZKCmKy7UQxbxX21ghC3WXjWC2oS4yQBNnMhp9CVSJJcq_ffokUcJOVdorESmdCRKVsgpZ-Umig6M_vvjFTV1jvVxIaYSehfOoKerpcTRIXjsDBScSNg/s320/Big%20City%20Big%20Adventure%20Big%20Trouble-FB-pink%20border.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A
new sound rumbled through the dusk. “Eldon, are you hunnnnngry?”<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Melanie
leapt to her feet. Clinton popped out of a bush a few feet away.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">She
groaned. Not this again! She spun away from him. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Skinny
Eldon stalked her from the other side, grinning. “I’m starving.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Melanie
backed up, but her legs bumped the stump. “No. No, no, no.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">“I
could use a Melanie sandwich,” Clinton said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">She
darted for the road.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Clinton
and Eldon jumped forward and squashed her between them. Clinton’s flowing
mullet tickled her cheek as his broad chest smothered her.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Melanie
wriggled. “Did y’all forget to shower after the game?” </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NjgZ8p6Q4oH6hkptzfisCrNniI59Ba2Wn4lJeUy3IllZ8WViBMtSkWg6vnZwn39JLPnOvE6llGRfjzCtOraQFDA-idFXiLi12UOOtOUc-N99sYsC7w9mh5tmhZQpyWqTBvcJI59i8xSBExUojrAH2HO_TU3rYZIk781s4pfKnHKXigGYvAfIuT9CXA/s640/Something%20Shady%20at%20Sunshine%20Haven%20400x640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">So when it comes to physical humor, I usually like a light touch, but it is one of many techniques that can work to make writing funny. In some genres, such as children’s books and romantic comedy, physical humor can be extreme, even over the top. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">As a bonus, a little physical humor might make your book
seem more cinematic. Who knows, you could attract the attention of Hollywood!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a name="_Hlk96247315"></a><a name="_Hlk99537755"></a><a href="https://tulepublishing.com/books/something-shady-at-sunshine-haven/"><b><i>Something
Shady at Sunshine Haven</i></b></a>: War
correspondent Kate Tessler has followed the most dangerous news stories around
the world. But can she survive going home?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a name="_Hlk96184798">In the </a><a name="_Hlk98155382">humorous </a>Accidental Detective series, a witty journalist solves mysteries
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a name="_Hlk96185047"><span class="jsgrdq">Get a free </span></a><span style="background: white;">Accidental Detective</span><span class="jsgrdq"> short story and bonus material when you </span><a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3">sign up for my newsletter</a><span class="jsgrdq">. </span><span style="background: white;">This
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specific resources, concrete examples, and easy to understand explanation of terms
and topics. Excellent book!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span><p></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-3423020066632930582021-12-21T02:30:00.004-07:002021-12-21T02:30:00.190-07:00Try MockupShots and get your book cover added to hundreds of images #AmWriting #WritersLife #writing<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj82-qsp5JTBf7DFmorZm6eNVhGO5BtJa69zOo4dWem7vsXOt_PxXmKpNs_crSHC_2_LC86aTodKq2mUD8BbS4BVbveWXVkEJ8qUsBcBbpk0qEt136e4-enoJ2lWeNTU6yl6SZkJA2n5IA2HG856VhSI5Qhw5MDLWR_ngFFFjSUYNF9A2w2oXJeiB4i7g=s1153" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1153" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj82-qsp5JTBf7DFmorZm6eNVhGO5BtJa69zOo4dWem7vsXOt_PxXmKpNs_crSHC_2_LC86aTodKq2mUD8BbS4BVbveWXVkEJ8qUsBcBbpk0qEt136e4-enoJ2lWeNTU6yl6SZkJA2n5IA2HG856VhSI5Qhw5MDLWR_ngFFFjSUYNF9A2w2oXJeiB4i7g=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I recently signed up with MockupShots – it's like BookBrush, but instead of an annual or monthly fee, it's a one-time purchase. You can upload your book cover and it will put it into a couple hundred images, such as people holding the book or the book on a table or desk (as you see from these sample pages with one of my books). </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Obviously not all images will be right for each book, but you should find several – likely dozens – that are suitable. It's a good way to do "photo shoots" of your books without having to actually set up a photo shoot. You can also do video mockups and cover reveal images, and you can edit the images via the site.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfrEFyk_wN7VqZomZWwWzdJmTJr0RxR6SyXBl67uFboN8hRlQgM1vY3Nn45hzQk5PKLlfXJklS2Pv1ORKsejaULlTi15D-MfpVSSURF2nH8mON-f93Eg8wEdJD0lYfZkkdH9G0Dgafhw2tR88BF8Rvj5V8iv5t94Ir5gXdMN5DFA52N__FiIgon7Gd_g=s444" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="444" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfrEFyk_wN7VqZomZWwWzdJmTJr0RxR6SyXBl67uFboN8hRlQgM1vY3Nn45hzQk5PKLlfXJklS2Pv1ORKsejaULlTi15D-MfpVSSURF2nH8mON-f93Eg8wEdJD0lYfZkkdH9G0Dgafhw2tR88BF8Rvj5V8iv5t94Ir5gXdMN5DFA52N__FiIgon7Gd_g=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">This month only, it's only $77 for *lifetime* use (normally almost $200). I love lifetime deals, because that one time fee usually pays for itself in a matter of months. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.mockupshots.com/holiday-bundle/?orid=590825&opid=39">Learn more or grab it here.</a></span></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-89484361266633584862021-11-24T03:00:00.002-07:002021-11-24T03:00:00.177-07:00Are you #amwriting or #amediting? Give yourself or the writers in your life a #blackfriday gift to follow up #NaNoWriMo - #writing books for #KidLit and other plotters<p><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMl-pD8iULL_Z3hutomo6JTAs3EDZa93xTVw731yIq5dr2HVXHc7t6qyCLWP-OZ2vtvWhtA55_13XojP7EAa5aveDX96RKQTz0IgeYX6hvuMXQPeZHi2Ja-F4GkSrqs31kDHopKk7rAqc/s1024/Eboch+writing+books+cards+and+tea-twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMl-pD8iULL_Z3hutomo6JTAs3EDZa93xTVw731yIq5dr2HVXHc7t6qyCLWP-OZ2vtvWhtA55_13XojP7EAa5aveDX96RKQTz0IgeYX6hvuMXQPeZHi2Ja-F4GkSrqs31kDHopKk7rAqc/w400-h200/Eboch+writing+books+cards+and+tea-twitter.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Take your novel to the next level.</span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">You’ve finished a few manuscripts, read books and articles on
writing, taken some classes, attended conferences. But you still struggle with
plot, or suspect that your plotting needs work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">This book can help.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>“</i>Advanced Plotting<i> is helping me to be more
focused, to stop and ask the right questions, to dig deeper.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Advanced Plotting</i> is designed for the intermediate
and advanced writer. Read the book straight through, study the index to find
help with your current problem, or dip in and out randomly — however you use
this book, you’ll find fascinating insights and detailed tips to help you build
a stronger plot and become a better writer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>“This really is helping me a lot. It's written
beautifully and to-the-point. The essays really help you zero in on your own
problems in your manuscript. The Plot Outline Exercise is a great tool!”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3Txxv2K6U4G6IxhrDY1cYvkOyXhtokhKMaSjMWiTt514IzRqh3O9HlN5DgXq1fqL_mLlGJ8rJtIJZKTSLI-xzGhQa3DidnMCMc3iUcy-FE4YU0wTNppzZS3aikzTMbxMZ8lvXixIhTwW/s1024/Advanced+Plotting-Twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3Txxv2K6U4G6IxhrDY1cYvkOyXhtokhKMaSjMWiTt514IzRqh3O9HlN5DgXq1fqL_mLlGJ8rJtIJZKTSLI-xzGhQa3DidnMCMc3iUcy-FE4YU0wTNppzZS3aikzTMbxMZ8lvXixIhTwW/s320/Advanced+Plotting-Twitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Plot Outline Exercise is designed to help you work with
a completed manuscript to identify and fix plot weaknesses. It can also help
flesh out an outline. Additional articles address specific plot challenges,
such as getting off to a fast start, propping up a sagging middle, building to
a climax, and improving your pacing. A dozen guest authors share advice from
their own years of experience.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>“I just read and dissected your well-written book: </i>Advanced
Plotting<i>. It's now highlighted in bright orange and littered with many of
those little 3M sticky labels. GOOD JOB. There are too many just-for-beginners
books out there. Yours was a delight.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Buy Advanced Plotting in print or as an e-book
at <a href="http://bookshow.me/1463739303">Amazon</a>, free in KU.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://chriseboch.com/" target="_blank">Chris Eboch</a></b> is the author of over 15 novels for adults and 100
books for children, including nonfiction and fiction, early reader through
teen. <o:p></o:p><a href="https://sleekbio.com/chriseboch">See all of Chris’s
links</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Chris is also the author of <i>You Can Write for
Children: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and
Teenagers</i>. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0fZnv4qMi2I/Xngi1Yql6bI/AAAAAAAAXCk/gA-31Wzl3ek8jsPTqT71n7x9xo7HQmydwCPcBGAYYCw/s1023/You%2BCan%2BWrite%2Boutside%2Bsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0fZnv4qMi2I/Xngi1Yql6bI/AAAAAAAAXCk/gA-31Wzl3ek8jsPTqT71n7x9xo7HQmydwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/You%2BCan%2BWrite%2Boutside%2Bsmall.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“A must for your writing library!”<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Remember the magic of bedtime stories? When you write for
children, you have the most appreciative audience in the world. But to reach
that audience, you need to write fresh, dynamic stories, whether you’re writing
rhymed picture books, middle grade mysteries, edgy teen novels, nonfiction, or
something else. </span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In this book, you will learn:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">How to explore the wide variety of age ranges, genres, and
styles in writing stories, articles and books for young people.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">How to find ideas.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">How to develop an idea into a story, article, or book.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The basics of character development, plot, setting, and
theme – and some advanced elements.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">How to use point of view, dialogue, and thoughts.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">How to edit your work and get critiques.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Where to learn more on various subjects.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Whether you’re just starting out or have some experience,
this book will make you a better writer – and encourage you to have fun!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">“A
definite winner in the how-to-write book library.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Can Write for Children</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and
Books for Kids and Teenagers </i>is available for the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YVNM8PC">Kindle</a>, in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Write-Children-Teenagers/dp/069246977X/">paperback</a>,
or in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Write-Children-Teenagers/dp/1514690063/">Large
Print paperback</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://chriseboch.com/" target="_blank">Chris Eboch</a>'s</b> novels for ages nine and up include <i>The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in ancient Egypt; <i>The Well of Sacrifice</i>, a Mayan adventure; <i>The Genie’s Gift</i>, a middle eastern fantasy; and the Haunted series, about kids who travel with a ghost hunter TV show, which starts with <i>The Ghost on the Stairs</i>. <o:p></o:p><a href="https://sleekbio.com/chriseboch">See all of Chris’s links</a>.</span></p><p></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-82963855805105827382021-10-18T10:30:00.001-06:002021-10-18T10:30:00.157-06:00Plot Like a Screenwriter with Douglas J. Eboch #scriptchat #scriptwriting #amwriting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOiyHQLzpBtAb7xJ3uX_vAH21LETKMIxPopMPhCuckerhXdnIRw5cfLtUiyxUtDWZ2lZkaziVnyf9rn86nxcT1XOKqsAjQtxVWZc1yAZ5PceiJccilLFnH94DLoKChV_9KNbdKSrLl5u6/s1024/Eboch+writing+books+cards+and+tea-twitter.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOiyHQLzpBtAb7xJ3uX_vAH21LETKMIxPopMPhCuckerhXdnIRw5cfLtUiyxUtDWZ2lZkaziVnyf9rn86nxcT1XOKqsAjQtxVWZc1yAZ5PceiJccilLFnH94DLoKChV_9KNbdKSrLl5u6/s320/Eboch+writing+books+cards+and+tea-twitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>If you've been following this blog for long, you've probably “met” my brother, scriptwriter Douglas J. Eboch. I love talking about writing with him and following his screenwriting blog, </span><a href="http://letsschmooze.blogspot.com/">Let's Schmooze</a><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">. Novelists can learn a lot from movie writers. Here's an excerpt from the essay Doug wrote for my book</span><span class="apple-converted-space" face="Verdana, sans-serif"> </span><a href="http://bookShow.me/B005FMBI18"><i>Advanced Plotting</i></a><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">. This works with our exploration of building your novel.</span><br />
</span><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Plotting Like a Screenwriter</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">by Douglas J. Eboch</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Solid plotting is critical to screenwriters. Movies are
expected to deliver stories with the complexity and depth of a novel but in
much less time. The average screenplay is 110 pages with lots of white on the
page. That means we have to be very efficient. As a result, Hollywood has
developed a “three act structure” concept of plotting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">But before I get into the three act structure, I want to
discuss the foundation of narrative. This may seem a little basic at first, but
there is a method to my madness. I want to show that the three act approach is
not some Hollywood formula but grows out of the fundamental nature of
storytelling.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">So let me start by addressing the question: What is a story?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oaFSteH4r3KVu3mcc1tNUxGEzqIJIPE0UlKvdcFB4cHB7T31UWOTHQjghF1O3Rc9XNPASqxCZP9IV2B3a_DTdYkv1G0F4GdJcbW0Uvrt9B75akKoXsoP4Xt87WFkcBoogNi_TJHhQnx4/s1600/Three+Stages+of+Screenwriting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oaFSteH4r3KVu3mcc1tNUxGEzqIJIPE0UlKvdcFB4cHB7T31UWOTHQjghF1O3Rc9XNPASqxCZP9IV2B3a_DTdYkv1G0F4GdJcbW0Uvrt9B75akKoXsoP4Xt87WFkcBoogNi_TJHhQnx4/s320/Three+Stages+of+Screenwriting.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">A story needs three things. First, we need a character. The
character need not be human, but he or she must behave in recognizably human
fashion — Mickey Mouse, for example. If you don’t have a character you may be
writing a travel guide, op-ed essay, or a scientific treatise but you are not
writing a story.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Next, the character must be facing some kind of dilemma. I
don’t really care to hear about someone whose life is just fine. I mean, that’s
great for them, but how does it affect me? Whatever it is that causes us to
respond to made-up stories has something to do with watching how people deal
with problems.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Finally, a story needs a resolution. I’m
watching/listening/reading to find out how this character deals with their
problem. I’m not going to be satisfied until I see how it all comes out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">If you have those three things, you have a story — even a
thirty-second narrative commercial has them. A young man (character) is not
getting good gas mileage (dilemma) so he tries a different type of gasoline and
his mileage improves (resolution).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">But simply having a character, dilemma, and resolution doesn’t
necessarily make the story dramatic. If you have a guy sitting in his living
room whose dilemma is that he’s hungry and he goes into the kitchen to make a
sandwich you have a story…but not a very dramatic one.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">There are two things that affect how dramatic your story is:
stakes and obstacles. The more that’s at stake for the character and the
greater the obstacles standing in the way of successfully resolving the
dilemma, the more dramatic your story becomes. Of course “dramatic” isn’t quite
the same as “good” but we’ll get to that.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Those five things — character, dilemma, resolution, stakes
and obstacles — are the basis of three-act structure. In act one we introduce a
character with a dilemma and show what’s at stake. In act two the character
tries to resolve their dilemma but faces increasing obstacles. And in act three
we get some kind of resolution (not necessarily successful, but final.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Now let’s look at the components of three act structure. Probably
the most important is the Dramatic Question. If you understand nothing else but
the Dramatic Question and the Moment of Failure (which I’ll get to in a bit)
you’ll probably end up with a fairly well structured story.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dq2gjqzqCFA/Xm5qorTZDpI/AAAAAAAAW9w/Aea_lUc2C3ocN1XSbz2kNm1BntOTIaG-wCPcBGAYYCw/s500/Hollywood%2Bpitching%2BBible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dq2gjqzqCFA/Xm5qorTZDpI/AAAAAAAAW9w/Aea_lUc2C3ocN1XSbz2kNm1BntOTIaG-wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Hollywood%2Bpitching%2BBible.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>What the Dramatic Question Is</b><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Dramatic Question is the structural spine of your story.
On some level all Dramatic Questions can be boiled down to “Will the character
solve their dilemma?” Of course that’s not very helpful to the writer trying to
crack a particular story. You need to ask that question with the specifics of
your character and dilemma.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">So in <i>Star Wars</i>
(written by George Lucas) the question is “Will Luke Skywalker defeat Darth
Vadar?” In <i>E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial</i>
(written by Melissa Mathison) it’s “Can Elliot save E.T.?” In <i>Little Miss Sunshine</i> (written by Michael
Arndt) it’s “Will Olive win the beauty pageant?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Those sound simple, right? Simpler is better when it comes
to the Dramatic Question. But it’s not always easy to be simple. You have to
know who your character is and what their dilemma is before you can craft a
nice simple Dramatic Question. But then if you haven’t figured out your
character and their dilemma, you’re not really ready to start writing yet
anyway!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I also think it’s good to phrase the Dramatic Question as a
yes or no question. So it’s not “Who will Susan marry?” it’s “Will Susan marry
Bill?” Keeping it yes/no helps you tightly focus your narrative.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFG6Rn47X-299SW3Yhn3wRUTPVPUjLrQqTD4Q24BU4UBFt_SMK6pobsRQYnzbqEnmK_ezsZpfgS3ecZpuDKPmuSdjh0SWXBzxJYV-ztX43JUmuqwuLK7-l5w4LSXaXIrSklORxIl7ZvbY/s297/Totally+Rad+Wormhole+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="193" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFG6Rn47X-299SW3Yhn3wRUTPVPUjLrQqTD4Q24BU4UBFt_SMK6pobsRQYnzbqEnmK_ezsZpfgS3ecZpuDKPmuSdjh0SWXBzxJYV-ztX43JUmuqwuLK7-l5w4LSXaXIrSklORxIl7ZvbY/s0/Totally+Rad+Wormhole+.jpg" width="193" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">What the Dramatic Question Is Not<o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Dramatic Question is not the theme of your movie. It’s not
the hook. It’s not necessarily the character arc (sometimes it is, but not
usually.) It doesn’t define whether your story is sophisticated or facile.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Do not think the Dramatic Question determines the quality of
your story. It’s simply the spine on which you’re going to build your story. What
you hang on that spine is going to determine how good your script is. Just
because a person doesn’t collapse under the weight of their own body doesn’t
mean they’re beautiful, intelligent, interesting, or emotionally complex. However,
if your spine isn’t solid, none of the other stuff is going to work properly
either.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">How to use the Dramatic Question in your story<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Dramatic Question is an unspoken agreement with the
audience. It tells them what the scope and shape of the story is going to be. They
need to know what the question is fairly early in the proceedings or you will
lose them. If too much time passes before they understand the Dramatic Question
they’re liable to walk out of the theater or turn the DVD off or put down your
script. They’ll say something like, “I couldn’t figure out what the movie was
about.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The moment when the Dramatic Question becomes clear is
called the Catalyst. The Catalyst is where the audience understands who the
main character is and what their basic dilemma is. They may not understand the
entire dimension of the problem, but they have an idea what the story arc will
be about.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">So in <i>E.T. </i>the
catalyst is when Elliot sees E.T. for the first time. We don’t yet know that
his mission will ultimately be to get E.T. home or even that first he’ll have
to hide E.T. And we don’t know that E.T. will start dying from the Earth
environment. But we know that this kid who nobody takes seriously just found a
little lost alien — and that some scary men are looking for it. We have a
character with a dilemma.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Similarly, when the audience knows the outcome of the
Dramatic Question, your story is over. The audience will stick with you for a
few minutes of wrap up, but if you go on too long after resolving the dramatic
question, they’re going to get restless. They’ll say things like, “it was
anti-climactic” or “it had too many endings.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Once E.T. takes off in his space ship, the movie ends. Credits
roll. The story is over. Compare that to the <i>Lord of the Rings</i> trilogy (screenplay by Fran Walsh & Philippa
Boyens & Peter Jackson). The Dramatic Question is “Can Frodo destroy the
ring?” He does, but then the movie continues for another forty minutes or so. Kind
of got tedious didn’t it? The story was over. We wanted to go home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The structural beat where you answer the Dramatic Question
is called the Resolution.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipV1av4FuzuKe0E-0LDtlc1PuDWLpraL9cKAmGKto5ulTikQeIJd5euL5YOlBtic0a2z5f17eJwVPRlYAE1B_6JZSYz0QN0K9kWJyA59sGL9N8txfxUNBIEM0INozVMjlXNzTvWps6KPKH/s1080/Big+City+Big+Adventure+Big+Trouble-insta-pink+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipV1av4FuzuKe0E-0LDtlc1PuDWLpraL9cKAmGKto5ulTikQeIJd5euL5YOlBtic0a2z5f17eJwVPRlYAE1B_6JZSYz0QN0K9kWJyA59sGL9N8txfxUNBIEM0INozVMjlXNzTvWps6KPKH/s320/Big+City+Big+Adventure+Big+Trouble-insta-pink+border.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Apparent Failure/Success<o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">There’s one other critical structural concept you need to
understand. That is the moment of apparent failure (or success). Whatever the
Resolution to your Dramatic Question is, there needs to be a moment where the
opposite appears to be inevitable. If your character succeeds at the end, you
need a moment where it appears the character must fail. And if your character
fails at the end, you need a moment where they appear about to succeed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">This moment should come late in the story as the tension is
building toward the climax. We need it so the audience can’t predict how the
movie’s going to unfold. We may know that in a big Hollywood movie the hero
will beat the bad guy and get the girl, but we shouldn’t be able to figure out
how they’ll accomplish that. In screenwriting, we call this moment of apparent
failure/success the Act Two Break.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />Breaking Your Story into Three Acts<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Now let’s discuss how you apply the three act structure to
your story. It might be useful if I first point out that there are no actual
act breaks in a movie. A movie is a continuous experience. In a play there
often are act breaks — the curtain comes down, the lights come up and the
audience goes out to the lobby for a drink. In TV there are act breaks that are
filled by commercials. But in feature films there are no actual breaks in the
narrative.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yVQXgkbNW6yv-q8r5lmsfyp0uJxRKCeKzM9_HjbhXOJ8fXA5iuXxKGLi6mndw_RyZbr4F2O5ozy1pr6S97-jatYkYnEg17-ya_qGRykYkBbkuagB96w7WRvxy_Uv33Yts0VUSgycuuRp/s940/2-FB-FelMel+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yVQXgkbNW6yv-q8r5lmsfyp0uJxRKCeKzM9_HjbhXOJ8fXA5iuXxKGLi6mndw_RyZbr4F2O5ozy1pr6S97-jatYkYnEg17-ya_qGRykYkBbkuagB96w7WRvxy_Uv33Yts0VUSgycuuRp/s320/2-FB-FelMel+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Instead, when we say “act break,” we’re talking about a
literary concept. We use act breaks to discuss critical turning points in the
story. Since this is a literary concept it can be subjective. You and I might
disagree on the act breaks in a given story. There’s no way to tell who’s right
and who’s wrong. As a writer you identify the act breaks in the way that is
most useful to you in telling your story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">So, we have our Dramatic Question that is introduced in the
Catalyst and answered in the Resolution. Typically, the Catalyst comes around
page ten of your screenplay. The Resolution should probably come in the last
six to eight pages. That leaves a lot of pages in between. We could use some
structural landmarks to help us out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">As I said earlier, the first act is the section of your
story where you introduce your character, their dilemma, and what’s at stake. This
typically takes up the first fourth of your screenplay. Sometime around page
twenty-five or thirty there will be an act break — The First Act Break. This is
the point at which your character embarks on the journey of the movie,
sometimes known as the “point of no return.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The second act takes up roughly the middle half of your
screenplay. This is where the character tries to solve their problem but faces
escalating obstacles and, ideally, escalating stakes. It ends at the Second Act
Break, which I’ve already mentioned is the point of apparent success or
failure.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The third act, then, takes up roughly the last quarter of
your screenplay. It provides the climactic resolution to your story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">So now let’s look at the major signposts of the three act
structure in order, adding a few other beats to help keep things moving:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW0OW8hXcibI0k4eApcuVUIc8bww1uXis2wBoXH3R0lGl6Lter7fNMKgzluQtCHLoQ7iDWe70d-dtNrNKx7MfSzg3VEcqhr3QzCKfx6yGE80hhsZuMm-OEgyk4_uknSSU1L-Lb9zAuWOS/s150/Sweet+home+Alabama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="100" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW0OW8hXcibI0k4eApcuVUIc8bww1uXis2wBoXH3R0lGl6Lter7fNMKgzluQtCHLoQ7iDWe70d-dtNrNKx7MfSzg3VEcqhr3QzCKfx6yGE80hhsZuMm-OEgyk4_uknSSU1L-Lb9zAuWOS/w134-h200/Sweet+home+Alabama.jpg" width="134" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Status Quo<o:p></o:p></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Generally you want to spend a little time showing the
character in their status quo before introducing the catalyst of the story. We
need to get to know who the character is so we can understand how the story
changes them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">For example, in <i>E.T. </i>we
see Elliot at home. His parents are divorced and his father has moved out. His
older brother and his friends are playing a game. Elliot wants to play, but they
won’t let him. And when he claims something strange is out in the shed, nobody
takes him seriously. He’s longing to fit in but ignored.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">It’s usually best if you show the most interesting part of
your character’s status quo, not the most boring. We meet Indiana Jones
escaping traps, traitorous assistants and angry tribesmen — not doing his
laundry! This is why it’s usually not a good idea to open your movie with your
character waking up in the morning — that’s seldom the most interesting part of
someone’s day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Catalyst<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Catalyst is the point at which the main character and
their dilemma are made clear to the audience. It’s when the Dramatic Question
gets asked. So in <i>Little Miss Sunshine</i>
the catalyst is when we learn that Olive has gotten into the pageant, but it’s
in Los Angeles in a couple days. Now interestingly, the main character of this
movie is the father, Richard. He’s the one whose decisions are driving the
action. But the Dramatic Question centers on Olive: Will she win the pageant?
In this case Richard’s goal is to help his daughter be a winner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In <i>Star Wars</i>, the
catalyst is when Luke Skywalker sees R2D2 project the hologram of Princess Leia
and decides he wants to help her. The audience knows that Leia is being held by
Darth Vadar and that Vadar is looking for R2D2. The Dramatic Question becomes, “Will
Luke beat Darth Vadar?” Note that Luke doesn’t even know about Vadar yet and
that the audience doesn’t know the Death Star will eventually come to threaten
the rebel base. We don’t need all these details, we simply need to understand
what the core of the story is going to be about. We know Luke has a dilemma
even if he doesn’t!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Act One Break<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Act One Break is the point at which the character
actually embarks on the journey of the story. It’s sometimes known as the “point
of no return.” I think that’s a good way to look at it — from here on out the
character has no choice but to see this through to the end. If the character
can walk away from the story without losing anything there isn’t much tension. At
the Act One Break you have to trap them in the story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Act One Break in <i>Little
Miss Sunshine</i> is when the family sets out on their road trip to California.
In <i>Star Wars</i> the Act One Break is
when Luke goes with Obi Wan to Mos Eisley to find a pilot to take them into
space. The Act One Break in <i>E.T. </i>is
when Elliot first feels E.T.’s feelings when E.T. is scared by an umbrella. At
that point E.T. and Elliot are linked. If Elliot doesn’t help the little alien,
there are going to be serious consequences for him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In all these cases, if the character walks away from the
story after this point they will fail in their goal and suffer for it. They are
locked in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Midpoint<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">As you might expect, the Midpoint is a beat that occurs in
the middle of the movie, which also makes it the middle of Act Two. The concept
of the Midpoint is fairly straightforward, though its use and purpose can vary
a lot. I know several successful screenwriters who don’t give any thought to
the midpoint and I’ve seen movies that don’t have a traditional midpoint. It
doesn’t really seem to be a required beat. But it can be a valuable milestone
to help us keep things moving. If used well, it can be the tent pole that
supports Act Two.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Traditionally the Midpoint mirrors the Resolution and is
opposite to the Act Two Break. If your character is going to succeed at their
goal in the Resolution, then the Midpoint should be a moment of success and the
Act Two Break will be a moment of failure. If the character will fail in the
Resolution, then the Midpoint will be a moment of failure and the Act Two Break
a moment of success. In this way we’ll have a story that has dramatic peaks and
valleys.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">So in <i>Star Wars</i>,
the midpoint is Luke rescuing Princess Leia from the prison cell. It’s a moment
of success in a movie where ultimately Luke will succeed in defeating Darth
Vadar.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In <i>Little Miss
Sunshine</i> Olive actually fails to win the pageant at the resolution. Though
the movie has a “happy” ending emotionally, in terms of the Dramatic Question
Richard is ultimately unsuccessful. The Act Two Break is when the family
finally arrives at the pageant and Richard manages to get registered in the
nick of time — a moment of success. The Midpoint, then, is when Grandpa dies, a
big setback that mirrors the resolution.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Midpoint often twists the story in a new direction or
adds a new element. It’s also a good place to raise the stakes. In <i>E.T. </i>the Midpoint is when E.T. figures
out his plan to “phone home,” but it’s also the point when they first realize
E.T. and Eliot are getting sick. So we both add a new element — the plan — and
increase the consequences of failure.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Act Two Break<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Act Two Break is one of the most critical beats of your
story. It’s often referred to as the “lowest moment,” though I don’t like that
because I think it’s misleading. Seldom do I see a successful story where
things start getting better right after the Act Two Break. I think “moment of
greatest failure” is a better description. It’s also sometimes called the “all
is lost” moment, which is pretty good. The point is that this is when it looks
like your character is doomed to fail. The Act Two Break in <i>E.T. </i>is E.T. apparently dying and the
breaking of the psychic link with Elliot.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">That assumes, of course, that ultimately your character will
succeed. Some stories, like <i>Little Miss
Sunshine</i>, end with the character failing in their goal, and in this case
you have to reverse the Act Two Break. It becomes the moment of greatest
success. Gangster movies often work this way — the gangster seizes control of
the gang at the end of Act Two and looks like he’ll be unstoppable. But by the
end he’ll be lying dead in the street, riddled with bullets.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Why is this so important? Because the ending won’t be
satisfying unless it’s hard to achieve. And you don’t want your movie to feel
completely predictable. This is the point where the audience needs to think, “Boy,
I know the hero must be going to beat the bad guy and get the girl (this is a
movie, after all), but I sure don’t know how he’s going to do it. It seems
hopeless.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Hope and fear come into play here. What is the audience
rooting for? Do they want the character to succeed or fail? (Both are
possibilities depending on your premise.) This is the moment where you make
them think the opposite might actually happen. Or in a tragedy you make them
think they might get the ending they want, only to snatch it away from them. Romeo
and Juliet hatch a plan to run away together… maybe it will all work out after
all….<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Act Two Break in <i>Star
Wars</i> is when our heroes escape the Death Star in the Millennium Falcon… but
we learn that Darth Vadar has put a tracking device on their ship. It’s their
biggest failure because they’re going to lead the bad guys right to the rebel
base.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Epiphany<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">When the character has really hit rock bottom (or the height
of their success), that’s when the Epiphany comes. This is the twist that shows
us how the character is going to succeed (or fail) after all. In <i>Star Wars</i> the Epiphany is the briefing
scene when the general explains the weakness in the Death Star. Luke now knows
how he can beat Darth Vader. Most often the character themselves has the
realization, but sometimes the character has already figured it out and it’s
the audience who’s let in on the secret.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">It’s important here that you avoid the Deus Ex Machina
ending. This is an ending where some outside force saves the day for the
character. The term comes from Aristotle and means literally “God in the
Machine,” referring to those ancient plays where an actor playing Zeus would be
lowered in a basket to sort everything out for the characters. A more modern
equivalent would be the cavalry to the rescue in a western. Endings where the
character succeeds by pure luck also fall into this category.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">To avoid this, the Epiphany must be set up. Whatever
realization the character has must be planted, usually around the midpoint. We
know Princess Leia has put something into R2D2. Luke has rescued Leia and
brought her and the ’droid back to the rebels. When it is revealed that the robot
contains the Death Star plans and that these reveal a weakness, it feels
organic because the elements have been planted and Luke was critical to
bringing them together. But the audience was kept in the dark just enough so
that they didn’t know how this twist would come about.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In <i>Little Miss
Sunshine,</i> the epiphany is when Richard realizes he loves Olive more than he
cares about winning. He wants to stop her from competing in the pageant for
fear she’ll be humiliated. He hasn’t quite figured out how he’s going to
succeed (Olive does compete) but he’s had the key realization he needs for the
Resolution.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In <i>E.T., </i>the
epiphany is when Elliot realizes E.T. isn’t actually dead and they’ve succeeded
in contacting his people after all. This may seem a bit convenient, but notice
that Elliot is far from done here. He now has to get E.T. out of the heavily
guarded house and to the landing site. He knows <i>how</i> to succeed, but he still has to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Resolution<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The Resolution is the climax of the movie. It should be big
and exciting and emotional. It is also the moment when the Dramatic Question is
answered either positively or negatively. Thus, it is what we’ve been waiting
for since the Catalyst.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In addition to making this a big moment, it is crucial that
you make it a final moment. The Dramatic Question must be answered definitively.
If our hero can just go out and try again, then we don’t feel like the question
is resolved. The Resolution must be the last chance for success or failure. If
Luke can’t destroy the Death Star, then the rebellion will be crushed. It’s not
just another battle; it’s the climactic battle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The resolution is usually pretty obvious. Luke destroys the
Death Star. E.T. gets to the spaceship. In <i>Little
Miss Sunshine</i>, Richard gets up onstage with Olive and dances with her in
support, and in defiance of the pageant people who want Olive off the stage. Olive
may lose the pageant, answering the Dramatic Question in the negative, but the
previously dysfunctional family has come together.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">These are the structural stages Hollywood screenwriters use
to build well-plotted scripts. Of course, a well-structured script isn’t the
same as a good script. You still have to write the actual characters and scenes.
But if you have a strong plot, then you have a solid foundation that will allow
you to tell a truly great story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>Douglas J. Eboch</b>
wrote the original script for the movie <i>Sweet
Home Alabama</i>. He teaches at Art Center College of Design and lectures
internationally. He writes a <a href="http://letsschmooze.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog about screenwriting</a> where
he shares techniques like the ones in this article. Check out his other projects, including his </span><i style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sweet Home Alabama </b></i><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"><b>prequel novels</b> and his novel <i><b>Totally Rad Wormhole</b></i></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;"> </span><a href="http://douglasjeboch.com/Projects.htm" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">.</span></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrufA1pUuOqd5JQYxWkFPIzxcCRIVtNR2bHgJNBCOD7SH2A-xUcTB4k0eH9TTpNZC986ihSO1RSV1oxFHKHYRNNsS7IPCbOPcmG-v9XHHVIru5zJO_AeSaGH73JT8CmfN7xtFR4Tk9pBYT/s346/Advanced+Plotting+217x346.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="217" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrufA1pUuOqd5JQYxWkFPIzxcCRIVtNR2bHgJNBCOD7SH2A-xUcTB4k0eH9TTpNZC986ihSO1RSV1oxFHKHYRNNsS7IPCbOPcmG-v9XHHVIru5zJO_AeSaGH73JT8CmfN7xtFR4Tk9pBYT/w126-h200/Advanced+Plotting+217x346.jpg" width="126" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Get more essay like this one in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Advanced Plotting</i>, along with a detailed explanation of the Plot Outline Exercise, a powerful tool to identify and fix plot weaknesses in your manuscripts. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Buy<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://bookShow.me/B005FMBI18">Advanced<span> </span>Plotting</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wrliapr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1463739303" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />for $9.99 in paperback or as a $4.99 e-book on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Amazon - free in Kindle Unlimited<span style="color: blue;">.</span></span></div></div>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6296041276140635168.post-50682741347535557592021-09-13T15:02:00.000-06:002021-09-13T15:02:02.631-06:00Intro to Self-Publishing with Chris Eboch: Handout #amwriting<p><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Intro
to Self-Publishing with Chris Eboch (for SCBWI-Houston, 9/13/2021)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Who Should Self Publish:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Traditionally published authors who
want to make out-of-print titles available again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Published authors who wish to release
books in a series that a publisher has dropped.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Professional writers who have a book
that doesn’t suit the current market, but may still find a modest audience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>People who have a marketing platform
for distributing their books, e.g. they do a lot of speaking on a professional
topic and can sell books at their talks (best for nonfiction).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Amateur writers who want to make a
title available in print form for their family, such as memoirs or family
genealogy, or a child’s favorite story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>First-time authors who have studied
writing for several years and gotten professional feedback on their manuscript,
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">who also</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>want
complete control of the publishing process<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>prefer
the work of self-publishing to the work of researching and querying publishers<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>enjoy
marketing and have experience with it<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: 9.0pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and/or
feel they don’t have time to wait on the traditional publishing industry<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Advantages: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You retain all
rights to your work. You can earn more per copy sold.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You get to make
decisions about cover art, pricing, content -- basically everything.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If the book does extremely
well, you may interest a traditional publisher.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You get to see
your book in print in a few months, instead of several years if ever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Disadvantages: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You get no advance. You may sell few copies
and make hardly any money -- ever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You have to make all the decisions about
cover art, pricing, content -- basically everything. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A poorly written/edited/designed book can
hurt your reputation as an author.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">To produce a professional-quality book, you
will have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars and dozens or hundreds of
hours of time. You have no marketing support from a publisher.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.5pt; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Your book will not be available in
bookstores. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Steps to Self-Publishing: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -21.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Write and
edit a book. Edit it some more. Get professional critiques and edit again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -21.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Write any
front/back matter: title page, illustrated by, summary, dedication,
acknowledgments, “other books by,” authors note, bio, etc. (You can follow the
format in other books). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -21.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Hire a
professional copy editor and approve/reject their suggestions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -21.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Hire an
illustrator. Make sure you understand whether you are getting only cover art,
or complete cover design with title and (for print on demand) spine and back of
book. What rights are you buying?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -21.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Upload,
publish. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -21.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Publicity and
marketing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Resources:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Download Chris’s Indie Publishing
Worksheet: </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://chriseboch.com/for-writers/">https://chriseboch.com/for-writers/</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">David Gaughran: books, videos, a
newsletter, and a free courses on self-publishing: </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://davidgaughran.com/">https://davidgaughran.com/</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Jane Friedman: blog and newsletter with a
focus on business: </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.janefriedman.com/">https://www.janefriedman.com/</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Darcy Pattison: a blog focused on SP
children’s books: </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.darcypattison.com/category/publishing/">https://www.darcypattison.com/category/publishing/</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Roxie Munro: a blog focused on SP
children’s books (not recently updated): </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://roxiemunro.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">www.roxiemunro.wordpress.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">IBPA: Independent book publishers Association (news, discounts on services): </span><a href="https://www.ibpa-online.org/" style="background-color: transparent;">https://www.ibpa-online.org/</a><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOwY3Jte99UiAC9YEV4gS9M4hqCHh6qkuOtiUPC_l_bjohad7si7ekLPfBM7UGdBL5CzhMz-n2FV8HgtmYr7DN9riA506ObKwVKXZ1TBIpfodXuSYQT_SbRawiuC_-kn4ey1bzkXwSwTD/s800/CE+books+square+white+background.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOwY3Jte99UiAC9YEV4gS9M4hqCHh6qkuOtiUPC_l_bjohad7si7ekLPfBM7UGdBL5CzhMz-n2FV8HgtmYr7DN9riA506ObKwVKXZ1TBIpfodXuSYQT_SbRawiuC_-kn4ey1bzkXwSwTD/s320/CE+books+square+white+background.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Chris
Eboch</b> is the author of over 100 books for children, including nonfiction and
fiction, early reader through teen. Her novels for ages nine and up include <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Eyes of Pharaoh</i>, a mystery in
ancient Egypt; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Well of Sacrifice</i>,
a Mayan adventure used in many schools; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Genie’s Gift</i>, a middle eastern fantasy; and the Felony Melanie series
featuring the characters from the movie Sweet Home Alabama as teenagers. Her
writing craft books include <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Can Write
for Children: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and
Teenagers</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Advanced Plotting</i>.
<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Learn
more at <a href="http://www.chriseboch.com/"><span style="color: blue;">chriseboch.com</span></a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Eboch/e/B001JS25VE/"><span style="color: blue;">her Amazon page</span></a>, or check out
her writing tips at her <a href="https://chriseboch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Write
Like a Pro! blog</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGi8kJNfkCML2QMNsDit5FPBoBg5O0E2Z1ay7AQKVnAo3hzGHe4l9DU5gzO-y4_7cevTEG06yOaucvZJKjvd4neG59GSmw9_2u6J2BlMor_x8aWjJC1hHRmEpDomDXhuFDLjv5yML1FBFq/s369/Kris+Bock+Cat+Cafe+all+three+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="369" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGi8kJNfkCML2QMNsDit5FPBoBg5O0E2Z1ay7AQKVnAo3hzGHe4l9DU5gzO-y4_7cevTEG06yOaucvZJKjvd4neG59GSmw9_2u6J2BlMor_x8aWjJC1hHRmEpDomDXhuFDLjv5yML1FBFq/s320/Kris+Bock+Cat+Cafe+all+three+books.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Chris
also writes mystery, romance, and suspense for adults under the name <b>Kris Bock</b>.
Her Furrever
Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat
café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. Get a free
10,000-word story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you
sign up for the <a href="https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3"><span style="color: blue;">Kris
Bock newsletter</span></a>. Learn more
at <a href="http://www.krisbock.com/">www.krisbock.com</a> or visit <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kris-Bock/e/B006WV4I5O/">Kris Bock’s Amazon US page</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kris-Bock/e/B006WV4I5O">Amazon UK page</a>.
(<a href="https://geni.us/KrisBock">For
other countries click here</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>Kris Bockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16217265282250089583noreply@blogger.com0