Showing the Story Without Telling It

Before I get to my post today I would like to share a story with you. Don't worry, it's not long but it does play a part in today's post.

There once was a charming couple who rented a rather nice home just outside of a small town. One day, while talking to the landowner, the man of the house asked if he could have permission to chop down twelve large trees in the front yard. The landowner agreed and so the man began chopping down the trees.

A few weeks past by and the townsfolk noticed that the man's wife was nowhere to be seen. They asked the man where she was and he replied "she is visiting her parents." A few more weeks pasted and they asked again in which he gave another reason why the woman wasn't there. Well, the townspeople began to wonder and become concerned so they called the police. The police came out, investigated the house and asked the man questions before leaving. The investigator stopped at the nearby diner for lunch and shared that he found nothing amiss in the house and doesn't have a clue as to the whereabouts of the women.

While the investigator talked a traveling salesman stepped into the diner and listened patiently. He came by when he could because they always purchased his steak sauce. When the investigator stopped talking the salesman spoke up and said "are you talking about the missing woman from the house up the road?" Of course everyone said yes.
"That is a strange man. He bought two large bottles of my sauce and heck one bottle would last him more than a month."
The investigator dropped his fork and looked at the man.
"That's the ending of this story," he said.
The waitress looked between them.
"But why did he chop down all those trees?" She asked.
The salesman fell onto the bar stool.
"To build up an appetite."

This is a very short story and I may have messed it up but it still displays many aspects of writing. Take for instance the ending, you have to think about it because the story teller does not come right out and tell you what happened to the woman. We don't even see what happened to the woman. We are given enough information to draw the conclusion the storyteller wanted us to come to. I also like that little actions and items combine together to provide what the reader needs to know. For example, the steak sauce was the key to the whole thing connecting together. I mean, chopping down a tree is meaningless until you combine it with a missing person and steak sauce. Granted, we don't know the why in this story but do we need to? If the purpose of the story is to deliver chills then the why will only get in the way of that. Actually, not knowing why but knowing that he did makes it even more disturbing.

I've been listening to a number of Alfred Hitchcock interviews and learned a great deal from them. One of which is his use of everyday actions and situations to deliver a desired emotion and thought. For example, you're reading a book and in that book a man is walking down a set of stairs but all you see is his hand gliding down the stair rail. If we stop right there then this is a mundane, boring, everyday activity. But what if we, as the reader, had a few clues to make us think this person is, in fact, the villain. It is not shown or stated that this person is about to do something bad but we know that something will.

I'm not sure though. It might just be that, in this day and age, readers want to see everything. They want to see if the villain escaped or died or if the woman had the baby with her one true love. I think that is why so many were upset with the ending of the Sopranos. We never saw Tony get shot but we were given plenty of information that suggests he was. I know that is a television show and not a book but it was the best example that came to mind.

    

Tis The Season

This has been a tough year for many of us but we pushed through and now stand at the thresh-hold of the most joyous time of the year. Soon we will step into a new year with renewed hopes and dreams but more on that later. It is sad to think that there are individuals around us who fall into depression during this time of year. Be it the lose of a loved one, a job, a home or simply not being able to give the kids that big gift they really want people find themselves surrounded by negative thoughts and feelings during a time when joy and love should prevail.

This time of year should be one of smiles, laughs, and yes, reflection. What should we reflect on? Well, what we should not reflect on is the negative aspects of life. I know that can be difficult but we really should push those things out of our mind. With those thoughts and feelings out of the way what should we focus on? The positive aspects of our life. To begin, if you are reading this or chatting on Twitter, Facebook, and/or Google + then you are blessed with friends, electricity, and Internet access. Food and shelter are two others to be thankful for. Even if you are eating a microwave dinner, smile...some don't even have that. See what I mean, it's the simple things that truly make life and the holidays a blessing. 

For us, as writers, we have a great opportunity this time of year. We can display our craft and give the gift of words to express to others what we feel and think. It is through this expression that we spread smiles, happiness, and joy. How could it possible get better than that? For example, have you ever received a Christmas card? For a split second you smiled and felt the joy. Have you delivered one and witnessed the expression of the reader? It is priceless to see other's joy. Our words can deliver so much. We should share our talents whenever possible. Who knows, it might just put a smile on a sad face and a touch of warmth in their heart.

There are so many blessings that surround us everyday. Writing is both a gift and blessing. Knowing and communicating with all of you is a gift, joy, and blessing. Sharing thoughts and ideas through this blog, my website, social networks, and yes even through my novels is a joy, gift, and major blessing. I thank all of you for sharing these many joys, gifts, and blessings with me.

What blessings, gifts, and simple joys put a smile on your face and warms your heart?  

My Take On - The Night Before Christmas

I posted this on the Muse Forum and on my Facebook page. It is my take on - The Night Before Christmas. The names I included in this poem are members of MuseItUp Publishing but it is also a little I offer to you during the Christmas season. So lean back, read and enjoy. If you find yourself laughing and/or smiling while reading then my job is done. 

The Muse before Christmas

Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the net

Lea was frantic, trying to get everything set.

She posted the books in the bookstore with care,

In hopes that readers soon would be there.

Delilah was nestled all snug in her seat,

We’ve seen her covers, what a remarkable feat.

With Tiger, Suzannah, and all the rest,

Now we know why, MuseItUp covers are the best.

When out of the computer there arose such a clatter,

Litsa sprang from her chair to see what was the matter.

Away to the printer she flew with swift feet,

Reviewing the plans for next year’s retreat.

The Google search glistened on a screen what as snow

Publishers and agents, to many to know.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a new publishing house full of passion,

Family, joy and cheer.

What a wonderful house for new authors to take flight,

In no time at all I was called Sir Knight.

As I joined the forums to chat and greet,

Some amazing authors I did meet!

"Now Karen! now, Ro! now, Lin and Kat!

Go, Heather! Go, Ginger! Go, Nancy and Pat!

To the top of the lists! To the top of the Facebook wall!

Now write away! Write away! Write away all!"

As papers and notes that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So to the computers these authors they flew,

With a mind full of stories, and characters too.

And then, in a twinkling, I saw a Kindle and Nook,

While downloading and syncing a new Muse eBook.

Horror, fantasy, romance, and genres for all,

Readers are happy, smiling and having a ball.

If your name is not mentioned, have no fear.

You are all included in this Christmas cheer.

Before I close, one thing more to say.

Remember the blessings on Christmas day.

Endings and Conclusions

I've been working hard on my latest novel and, in doing so, I've had a little time to think about a few aspects of writing. We've discussed the first paragraph, the first line, the hook, and even the body. We even touched on developing the body and finally the importance of the ending. The ending of the book drew my attention once more because of it's complexity. Yes, I said complex.

A somewhat strange thought occurred to me while I was making notes and plotting my novel. You see, I have notes about my story and characters; I have developed the plot and settings but I stumbled on the ending. I can't actually say that. I know how the story ends, it is the conclusion that I'm having problems with. I know how I want the story to end but the actual conclusion is a little tricky. What is the difference between the ending of a story and the conclusion of a story?

To be honest, I'm not really sure about the difference myself but I do have my thoughts about it. To me the ending of a story draws together all the different threads of the plot into one big ball. When find out what happens, who did it, who won, and things of that nature. It is in this combining of plot threads that we find the conclusion. To me the conclusion is that very final scene. You know the one I'm talking about, it is that final moment when everything comes together and the reader finds satisfaction. Take, for example, a fantasy action novel - the ending would be reaching the destination of the long journey and confronting the enemy. The warriors or good face off with the warriors of evil. The conclusion is the outcome of that final battle. It is the triumph or failure of good and what that means to the world in which they are fighting.

Now back to my novel, I know who will be there at the end but I don't know how the conclusion will work out. I'm not really worried, I believe my characters will help me along the way. I can promise you this, the conclusion and ending of this novel will be a surprise for all of us. Then again, isn't that the fun of writing?

Settle In For This Adventure

Title: Duncan (Green River) 
Author: J W Throgmorton
ISBN: 978-1-46630-506-9
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 172
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
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Adventure waits…all you have to do is start the journey.

With the failure of technology, power and the comforts of the twenty first century the surviving humans find themselves back in the days of horses and providing for themselves through hunting, fishing and gardening. Towns, families and groups now band together to form colonies behind protective walls as bandits and gangs travel throughout, looking for the next target to loot and pillage. It is a time when no one travels alone, strength is found in numbers.

Joshua Duncan, third generation of the Duncan family since the Decline, will soon be twenty one and with it an eager desire to explore. His destination, the ocean, is located over the horizon. After a successful hunt he tells his family his plans to leave and how long he will be gone. They are saddened but encourage him to go. His journey is delayed as he happens upon a settlement of elderly, women and children. Their own hunting party has been missing for weeks and food is low. Duncan stays with them for a time, helps gather food, and learns of the area. After leaving he journeys to the salt mines at Green River. What he discovers there is not opportunity but a tyrant, slaves, and a community in denial.

Things take a turn for the worse when Duncan finds a half starved man on the trail. The man is an escaped slave from the salt mines and, more importantly, part of the missing hunting party from the settlement Duncan left behind. How is Duncan going to help this man? How is he going to help the enslaved hunting party so they can get back to their families? Will he help or will he continue on his journey?

From the first word, J W Throgmorton delivers an action packed, thriller that mixes both science fiction and adventure. “Duncan (Green River)” will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last. With each passing page, it is virtually impossible not to get absorbed into Duncan’s quest and exploits. The more you read the more you feel the tension building as Duncan and his new found friends fight to free those enslaved and forced into labor.

The strength of “Duncan (Green River)” lies in the crisp action and strong characters. Duncan’s endearing qualities and morals capture your attention and connect with you quickly. It is easy to see him doing what is right, even in the most difficult situations. Author J W Throgmorton’s novel is a futuristic adventure of actions and thrills in every sense of the word. I highly recommend “Duncan (Green River)”.

To learn more about this author and his novel please click HERE.

What Would We Do Without Editors?

I have a confession - I really had no clue regarding editors and the depth of their occupations. I've often wondered if they were all up-tight individuals who pine over words and destroy you if you have a comma out of place. I often pictured them as old librarians with glasses riding the lower edge of their nose. As I said, I had no idea.

Things became a little more clear over the years as I talked to and interviewed editors. I even had a few as guest her on The New Author but still the behind the scenes look at the life of an editor seemed closed off. At times it felt like you needed to have a special identification card or secret handshake to truly get close to editors.

Like I said, I had no idea. All of that changed once I became published. I was assigned to two editors - one for content and a line editor. Yes, I have mention this before but even more changed once I began working with these two individuals. It was like Moses parting the Red Sea, the curtain opening so the actors could take a triumphant bow. I finally got close enough to an editor to actually see, first hand, what their work entails and at what lengths their passion drives them. I know that not all editors are the same. I can only base this article on the two I have worked with but I believe the experience has taught me enough to share.

Let me state first and foremost, there is no way I could be an editor. I will learn from them and try to implement their corrections and comments into my future writing but there is no way on this green earth that I could edit another person's manuscript. I applaud those that are editors because you are indeed special. What are the difference between the two? Why did I have a content editor and a line editor? Was my writing so bad that I needed not one but two?

First, I am more than happy to have two editors because that is two more sets of fresh eyes reading my novel. That can only be a good thing. Even better, they approach the novel from different directions but end up at the same location. That location being a completed, polished and ready to publish novel. The content editor looks at the plot, characters, flow, action, settings, and dialog. This editor will point out if your story runs flat or if it is running to fast. He or she (in my case she) will identify any plot wholes if there are any. But, as I learned, she also pointed out if I had breaks in my point of view. Let me just say that this is not an easy task. Dealing with point of views is something that takes a great deal of practice and focus. The next thing she pointed out that added a great deal to my novel was I needed to add more character feeling. As she said, I needed to open them up more. The reader needs to feel what they were feeling and know what they were thinking. Of course she also pointed out grammar issues that were found but to a large extent she was focused on the story. Once I was done with her comments and suggestions the novel took on a new level of completeness.

Now we switch gears to the line editor and before I go any further I will say that they have to be the most detailed and focused individuals walking to do this job accurately and efficiently. The line editor goes through each line of the novel and corrects the grammar, misspelled words, overuse of words, and/or missing words. Of course they too can find point of view and or story structure problems that need to be addressed but their main focus is on the grammatical side of editing. I wasn't prepared for what I would deal with when I got my novel from my line editor. The comments were so few but once I started going through the pages I realized that I needed to focus or I might just miss one of her corrections or suggestions. Do you have any idea how easy it is to overlook a deleted comma? I went through my novel twice before I sent it back to her for her second review.

In all of this both editors were encouraging and helpful. They always offered tips and comments as to why something was changed or something should be reworded or thought through again. They have always been very fast at responding to questions and I'm sure I asked some rather elementary questions. What I am most grateful for is their attitude, it wasn't the editor to author attitude but rather we are a team to make this novel the best it can be attitude. You know what, the team of my editors and me, we are doing just that. Born of Blood will shine because my editors have helped me greatly with making it the best novel it can be.

An editors job is not easy but I'm so glad they are there for us authors.

Good News Is Spreading Across The Nation

Title: The Most Influential Pastors In America
Author: Richard D. Young
ISBN: 978-1-93760-208-6
Genre: Religion
Pages: 248
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
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Growing and expanding in new and original ways.

In a nation where it is politically incorrect to talk about church and Christianity it is refreshing to see books on the market that shares the news of just that - today’s church. “The Most Influential Pastors In America” is one of those books. It goes beyond simply listing the fastest, largest and most impactful churches. It also provides a descriptive explanation of how these churches grew and expanded the congregation. Kindness, humility, joy, longsuffering – all are shown through actions and not preached with words.

Richard D. Young delivers this book with an educated and elegant hand. The descriptions and information contained on the pages of “The Most Influential Pastors In America” is greatly complimented by Richard’s care and passion.

Author Richard Young has completed a great deal of research to compile this comprehensive list of pastors and their efforts to share the good news. I applaud this effort as it shares the strategies and insights of the pastors who are reaching out to the multitude of young Americans and those most in need. It is a shining example of the love, hope, and kindness that was first perfected by the Lord. I feel comfortable in saying that “The Most Influential Pastors In America” is highly informative and thought provoking.

“The Most Influential Pastors In America” is a wonderfully insightful book detailing the techniques, strategies and direction of some of the most prolific churches in America today. The pages in this book will enlighten you to the expanse and reach of the church today. It provides both hope and inspiration to read about the demonstrations and examples of leading the lost to Christ through love and kindness. I recommend this book for everyone – Christians, nonbelievers and those with questions. It truly is uplifting.