Hi Reader, Today, we're diving into the heart of every gripping story to discuss Goals, Motivation, and Conflict (GMC) from the book Goals Motivation Conflict: The Building Blocks of Good Fiction by Debra Dixon. Serendipitously, someone mentioned this book on a podcast recently. I got about a third of the way through a story when I realized everything was happening to my heroine, instead of her choices driving the story. If you have run into a story roadblock, I suggest clarifying and...
9 days ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, I live in Houston, and we were hit by hurricane Beryl on Monday. Much of the city is still without power. Downed trees block major roads. Hurricanes always bring a lot of gratitude. Gratitude that my loved ones are safe; gratitude for power, especially air conditioning; and gratitude for the lineman who are working 24 hours a day to restore power. Most of all, hurricanes leave me optimistic. Houstonians are resilient and caring. The minute the storm had passed, everyone was out in...
15 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Happy 4th of July! I hope you are having a fun day filled with family, friends, and fireworks. As we celebrate the birthday of our wonderful country, freedom is on my mind. We are so lucky here in the United States that we live our lives in freedom. Freedom of thought, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press are all integral parts of our lives as creatives. What Does Freedom Mean in Your Career? How does freedom figure in your idea of success? When we understand our priorities,...
23 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Ever wonder why some movies, TV shows, and books have rabid fans that make them huge hits and others fall flat? While there are lots of different factors that go into making a hit, successful stories connect with audiences’ emotions. How do you make your stories emotional? Give people an experience they're craving but can't experience in real life. Today, we’re diving into a transformative concept that can elevate your storytelling: T. Taylor's theory of Universal Fantasy, from her...
30 days ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, I have had a terrible couple of days. A fender bender that was my fault. My dad’s car that I was lucky enough to borrow had a dead battery. A nasty HOA meeting, an incompetent doctor’s office, and family drama. Whew! As I was stomping around my kitchen yesterday morning because my coffee pot had inexplicably not turned on, I thought of the children’s book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. Yep, that’s what was happening. In life, it seems...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, World-building is more than just a skill—it's an art form that transforms mere settings into vibrant, pulsating worlds teeming with life. Imagine crafting a universe so rich, detailed, and believable that your readers feel like they've tumbled through the pages and landed smack-dab in the middle of your story! Whether you're penning an epic screenplay or a riveting novel, a well-crafted world can transport your audience, making your tale not just engaging, but downright...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, Does writing an outline feel like it kills your creativity? Does it seem like you spend more time outlining than writing? You might be a pantser! What is Pantsing? A pantser is a novelist who writes without an outline. They just start with their idea and go. Pantsing got its name because you're writing by the seat of your pants. This method is also called discovery writing because you discover your story as you write. (A side note: lots of British people do not like the term...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, Idea Generator #2 – Childhood Literary Heroes My parents are reorganizing their library and grabbed a bunch of books from the donation pile. The prize was Nancy Drew mysteries from the 1960s. They are a great addition to my collection of 10 first edition Nancy Drews from the 30s. Did you know that Nancy Drew has been solving mysteries since the 1930s? Although the original series ended in 2003, more modern versions have continued. She is the original girl detective. Thanks to Nancy...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This past Sunday May 19 was the Pitch Master Newsletter's 2nd birthday! Woo hoo! To celebrate here are the five most popular newsletters for the past year. Why You Should Write at the Car Wash Sometimes when you are searching for inspiration, try changing location. How the World's Worst Writer Can Inspire You Keeler wrote over a hundred pulp novels (mostly detective stories) from the 1920s to the 1950s and is remembered for being a terrible writer with convoluted plots and crazy...
2 months ago • 1 min read