Writing good sex scenes into your novels is about more than showing a little skin. This is a clean conversation about the craft of sex scenes. Show notes and more!
SWRT 272 | Chapter End-hooks
This week, Alida and Kathryn talk about ending chapters so that readers can’t wait to “jump the gap” and get on with the next one. What kind of end-hooks work and how? Do we instinctively know where to place our chapter breaks? Is there a formula to follow? Or maybe the story guides us? How to handle end-hooks when you change POV characters at the chapter break? When not to use an epigraph before your chapters, and more!
SWRT 27: First Person Point of View
Continuing our conversations on point of view, we take a look at first person point of view. We delve into common misconceptions about first person point of view, and challenges that writers face with the viewpoint. How can you utilize first person to develop your characters voice? And why does young adult fiction seem to prefer the first person point of view?
SWRT 26: Introduction to Point of View
What is point of view, how do we use it, and what are the different nuances behind it? What is a narrator and how does the narrative voice effect the story? Did you pick the wrong point of view characters? And how can point of view create nuance and depth in your writing?
SWRT 25: Trouble
What is trouble? How does it contribute to both character and plot arcs? How do you have to pay off trouble? And do you have to get it into every scene? We enjoy making a character struggle with a speeding ticket, and talk about how it can contribute to hooks both between chapters and books.
SWRT 24: Soggy Middle Problem
What is a soggy middle? And what kind of writers tend to have problems with it? Are you giving your middle the attention and care it deserves? And what makes a soggy middle after all? After some much needed middle shaming we all agree – do not tolerate a soggy middle!
SWRT 23: Writing in Two Languages with Anja Bauermeister
What is it like to write in two different languages? How do you make that choice and why pick one over the other? How does it affect voice and how can immersion in the project effect that coveted flow state?
SWRT 22: Writing Prompts part 2
This week, in a continuation of writing prompts part 1, we share our freewriting. In addition to reading and reacting to our writing, we talk about the benefits of sharing writing prompts with others, what cultural touchstones we drew on, and the implicit issues genetic manipulation brings.
SWRT 21: Writing Prompts part 1
What is the purpose of writing prompts? And how are they useful? When and how should you use them? And what kind of formats can you see them in? We share our own experiences and share some prompts. Join us for a writing prompt and listen in next week as we read our free writing aloud.
SWRT 20: Translations into German
Get to know Anja and Christina and their work as German translators. Ever wonder about the process of taking a book from one language to another? What about how the translator takes your words and conveys them in another language? And what is the level of trust you are extending? And don’t forget that a different language is a different market!
SWRT 19: Revision
How many drafts should you go through before you finish your book? And what draft should you send your developmental editor? Is rewriting or revision the answer? And how should you analyze that work in progress in order to find it’s flaws?