JACKPOT

LOVING my new book from the library: The Art & Craft of Novel Writing by Oakley Hall. I'm at page 23, and I've already learned so much to improve my writing! I faced a wall yesterday when I was supposed to start writing a bit on Project #2 and I just couldn't because I didn't feel like I knew HOW anymore. I had a story but no device for delivering it. I simply wasn't satisfied with the way I "tell it" anymore. I've found so much advice on character development and plot structuring, but nothing on how to actually COMMUNICATE. And frankly, communication is where the experience lies.

So comes this book from the library and I am in heaven. Teach me! Teach me how to make my story come to life!!

Rule #1: It's all in the details.
Details feign truth. They make readers believe. Listing details puts them to sleep. Be specific, but be choosy too. And make them MOVE. Oh if you learn only one thing, GIVE THOSE DETAILS MOTION!! When it moves, it's seen.

Now grab the book and read it so you can understand what the hey-man I'm talking about! Hall's book is like having a professor speak to you from the pages--he USES THE MARGINS to point out analysis of excerpts (good examples AND bad examples--genius!), so you feel like a tutor is guiding your understanding the whole way through.

I love it. I love it, absolutely love it.

Maybe I am a writing nerd!