So, you want to write a platonic relationship. Where to start? First off, realize that platonic relationships exist in many forms. Understand that a platonic relationship is based on deep respect and care for another person. They can be unbelievably complex, which makes writing them great fun! Friends or Lovers? Write a platonic relationship as a non-romantic friendship. Typically, readers expect a man and woman’s friendship to evolve romantically. The romance novel genre exists to fill this role. In reality, some friendships are just friendships. People who share a work space can have lunch and have deep philosophical conversations without physical attraction. Members of clubs or associations can discuss their…
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Flowers, Chocolates, or Poetry
With Valentines Day around the corner, have your characters express love with flowers, chocolates, or poetry. Flowers A simple way for characters to express their love is with sweet-smelling flowers. Whether it’s a single long stem rose, or a magnificent bouquet, the reader will understand the romantic intent. Special occasions have their own floral vocabulary. Corsages with matching boutonnieres for prom, nosegays for a casual date, bridal bouquets for weddings, and floral arrangements for important events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and retirements. The scent of a floral gift lingers and reminds the character of their lover’s intent. Chocolates Each bite of rich creamy chocolate reminds the recipient of their partner’s…
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Levels of Sharing Your Work
There are three levels of sharing work, each with its own purpose. In this post I will talk about brainstorming, feedback, and publishing. Level 1 Brainstorming The first level is the brainstorming stage where you kick around an idea with others to see if it has any weight. Think of brainstorming as a form of prewriting. Maybe you saw something on the news that you want to explore, overheard a conversation that piqued your interest, or have the seed of an idea that simply begs to be developed. At this level, sharing that idea can help refine the angle you wish to pursue. When you nail that down, write a…
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Create a Writing System
I’m developing a writing system instead of a resolution or intention word for 2025. Goals are important but I gave up on resolutions years ago when I realized they rarely made it past February. Intention words are a newer addition to the January goal-setting tradition. They have worked better for me but honestly, intentions and action aren’t the same thing. Remember the expression the road to Hell is paved with good intentions? No, this year I’m developing a writing system that I WILL stick to. In today’s post I’ll share the purpose, the process, and the particulars of developing a writing system. Purpose This January I took a class with…
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Body Language and Dialogue
Body language and dialogue play equal roles in communication. Sign language interpreters are engaging and expressive. While their hands sculpt meaning for the hearing impaired, their facial expressions drive home the emotional tenor. As a public official reads from a prepared disaster statement in calm tones, the interpreter punctuates the message with sharp movements and facial expressions that convey the true seriousness of the situation. Body Language When writing dialogue, channel the sign language interpreter. Have your characters jab with intensity and sway as if buffeted by hurricane force winds. Display emotion not only in facial expression, but with shoulders, posture, gaze. Imagine you are observing your character from across…
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Find Fat Quarters
Find Fat Quarters: A Patchwork of Stories for Quilters at local bookstores or online. It’s my flash collection of quilt-themed stories. It launched in May, I did an out-of-state reading in June, followed by a July book signing in Sisters, Oregon. I wrapped up my summer promotional efforts in August in Bend at a local author Saturday event. Herringbone Herringbone Books in Redmond, Oregon carries Fat Quarters: A Patchwork of Stories for Quilters. Look for it in the local author section just to the right as you enter the store. Owner Brandon Weimer supports local authors by stocking their books and hosting author events and book signings. In addition to…
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Self-Promotion
Self-promotion comes naturally to those raised on Instagram, YouTube, FaceBook and other social media platforms. However, if you are a pre-millennial like me, you may find it hard to toot your own horn. Did I just date myself with that expression? Whether you are just starting to pitch your work or are a published author (indie or traditional), self-promotion will help build your resume. What do I mean? Resumes typically list skills, experience, and training or education with the goal of securing work. In order to get published, a writer needs an editor to notice their work. First, of course you need to have a strong grasp on writing skills…
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Summer Events
This summer has been full of events for me. In May, I launched FAT QUARTERS: A Patchwork of Stories for Quilters at the Redmond Senior Center. This coming Saturday, June 29, I will be reading my flash fiction, Escape al Otro Lado, in Tempe Arizona for little somethings press On Saturday July 13, I’ll be signing books at the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. Look for me at Paulina Springs Books on Hood Avenue. I’m excited to announce I’ve been asked to participate in Local Author Saturday on August 17, at Roundabout Books in Bend Oregon. Click on the links above for detailed information. I hope you will join me at…
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Five W’s of Press Releases
Press releases answer five questions: who, what, when, where, and why. Answering these five questions will help spread the word to your target audience about your event or product in an efficient, affordable manner. Who Anyone with an event or product to promote should use a press release. Hosting a 100-year birthday party for your favorite aunt? Running an auction to raise funds for the local food bank? Promoting your new book? Start with a press release to get the word out. What A press release is a statement to the media to promote an event or product. Nowadays the media landscape includes everything from print to digital media. Digital…
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Houses and Imprints
Traditional publishing houses and imprints are today’s topic. The best analogy I can think of is a grocery store. Stay with me. The store represents the publishing house and the different departments or aisles represent the imprints. Houses Let’s dig a little deeper. Traditional publishers are made up of big, medium, and small size houses. So, the Big Five compare to big box supermarkets like Costco and Sams serving large and varied populations. Mid-size houses would be like Krogers and Safeway, well-stocked with a variety of products including ethnic foods and often offering locally produced items. Small-size houses would be your Mom and Pop corner stores catering to the needs…
