JUNE MAY ,, 2020 2021
DON ’ T CONTRIVE — DO SURPRISE
By : Alice Orr
Become your character and ask yourself , “ Why am I acting like this ?” Remember that the roots of present behavior originate in past history . Go back to your deep work on creating this character , preferably to the “ Writing Character from the Inside Out ” Exercise for this character .
Search your character creation work for a very particular piece of her history . This piece must connect emotionally with what is happening in the scene you are currently writing . Plan how you can interject that piece of her past experience into your story preceding this scene .
Make this addition off-handedly , as if you were planting a clue in a mystery . A mystery of character that enhances impact and heightens tension . Not with contrivance , but by creating surprise naturally , out of your character ’ s true nature and history . The stuff of great story craft , and you and your writing talent have made it happen . Your character and I salute you !!
To find out more , visit my writer ’ s blog at aliceorrbooks . com .
Biography :
Alice Orr has spent most of her professional life in publishing , as book editor , literary agent , workshop leader , and author . She ’ s published 16 novels , 3 novellas , a memoir , and
More Rejections : 50 Secrets to Writing a
Manuscript That Sells . Her current work in progress includes A Thankless Season — Riverton Road Romantic Suspense Book 5 — the series finale .
Alice Orr Contact Info :
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