"I used to think in terms of characters, how to develop their eccentricities and quirks. Then I realized that it’s better to focus on their relationships instead, and then the characters develop naturally.” Kazuo Ishiguro
A Writing Tool
Pitch Wars is a mentoring program that pairs aspiring authors with industry professionals or published authors. The mentoring includes reading and making suggestions on the mentee's manuscript, helping with pitch materials, and preparing the mentee for an agent showcase. Both mentors and mentees must apply for the program, and this year's mentors have just been announced. Upcoming dates are:
September 3 - #PitMad Twitter Pitch Party
September 12-26 - Mentor Wishlists posted
September 27-29 - Mentee Submission Window
This program has helped many writers launch their careers.
Craft Tip
The beginning of Chapter One should take place the last moment the story could have started, when your main character's life is about to change forever. Don't spend a chapter or two introducing your main character or setting the story up. Start "en media res" or in the middle of the action. You only have a moment to hook a reader - make it count.
There's a Story Here: Baja California, Mexico 2001
What story would you write about this photo?
Next Step Book Coach - If you're ready to start your novel, are stuck in the middle, or have finished and need to know what to do next - we can help.