For years my first book sat in a drawer, never getting past Chapter Three. I had edited those chapters until there was no more to do. I was stuck. Then, someone told me about National Novel Writing Month. NaNoWriMo for short. It is an online program where a writer commits to write a novel, at least 50,000 words, in 30 days. Well, I took a shot at it.

I have written three novels using National Novel Writing Month. All three were written in the month of November and all three have been published. This year, however, I missed NaNoWriMo. I had just been through the exciting, and nonetheless, grueling exercise of getting Book Three to the publisher. So, I procrastinated and did not write Book Four.

Two weeks ago, I received an email from the powers that be at NaNoWrimo. They now hold writing camps twice a year. Yep. It’s like going to camp online. It is a virtual writers’ retreat and costs nothing to participate. It’s rules are less structured than November’s writing marathon which adds to a relaxed and fun atmosphere for creating that masterpiece.

If you have been avoiding writing your novel, or even a screenplay, here’s your chance. Go online to National Novel Writing Month: https://campnanowrimo.org/sign_in .

Until Next Time,

Being the author of three published books, I have done more book signings than I can count. When I first started, the pressure of succeeding overwhelmed me. My publisher, Evan Swensen of Publication Consultants, helped to calm and focus me by saying a successful book signings consists of two things: the author and the books both show up. To this day, I rely on that pearl of wisdom.

I have run the gambit of book signings. I have sold one copy on a given day, and sold out another. Last Saturday, March 8, 2014, I did neither; yet, it was one of the most amazingly blessed days I’ve had. I have pondered why I felt this one came to the top.

Yes, I signed seventeen copies in the first hour and that started the day with a bang. I’ve done that before, though. Sales make it a good day but not always a great day.

It was the people that made my day so special. One of my earliest readers hunted me down to get a copy of the newest book in the series, Gorgon. She brought her entire family and I was blessed to talk to her young daughter and get pictures of that special moment.

The staff of Fred Meyer on Dimond Boulevard in Anchorage, Alaska, made sure I was set up in a prime location to talk to customers. They stopped by to say hello on a regular basis. I laughed more that day than I had in a month.

A gentleman in the film industry stopped by my table and expressed interest in a movie. (Who knows where that will go; I was tickled by the thought.)

Sue Henry, a well-known Alaskan author, stopped by and introduced herself. She made me feel so special and talented. We had a few minutes to converse and I now know why she is one of my favorite authors. She is both talented and a down-to-earth and loving person.

These are just a few of the highlights of a day that will stand out in my memory as one of my most successful.

May you be as blessed as I am in your writing career.

Until Next Time,

Characters are the backbone of every story. It follows that they must be developed. More, they must be believable. So, how do I develop believable characters, you ask? Here’s a list of ideas:

                Research your characters. You can do character research anywhere, anytime. At a coffee shop, in the grocery store, having your tires changed, right at your own dinner table. There are always interesting characters if I just look at people as an observer. Ask yourself questions about the interactions you see others having. Questions like, ‘Why is that mother yelling at her child in the grocery store? What would cause her to lose her temper today?’ Or, ‘Why does that mechanic need to chew a toothpick and talk at the same time?’ Answer those questions with your imagination. You have begun to develop your character(s).

                Give Your Character a Life. Decide the job or career your character has or doesn’t have. Are they a psychologist? A stay-at-home mom/dad? Homeless? A self-proclaimed hermit?

Get to Know Your Main Characters. For my main character in the Alaska Iconoclast series, Kat Tovslosky, I created her life from the time she was born to the present. I developed her personality from her life experiences. I asked questions like, ‘Did Kat come from a wholesome, loving family or a dysfunctional one?’ ‘What does Kat like to eat and why?’ ‘Where did she grow up – who/what influenced her character the most?’ These are just a few of the questions I asked about her.

I will note here that I may not ever put Kat’s, or any character’s, entire background into the stories. Yet, when Kat acts a certain way, it comes from who she is.  In Gorgon I originally had Kat cowering in a corner when she was attacked by an invisible foe. I read that scene and knew something was wrong. It took a bit but I realized Kat NEVER cowers. She’s a fighter. I changed the scene. Without developing her character, I would not have been able to pinpoint the problem not fix the scene.

                Welcome Unexpected Characters. I do not develop all my characters as deeply as I did Kat. Still, I do develop the characters I know are a part of the book. I say ‘I develop the ones I know are a part of the book’ because one or two characters have popped up while I’m writing. Those are the delights of writing. Grandma Bricken is one such character. I did not have her planned in the original book series. Yet, she developed herself, in a way, and has become one of the most loved characters in the Iconoclast series.

                I encourage you to take the time to ask the questions and develop a person – one that has faults and assets. One that is so human people relate to that character and want to know more about their life. A character people can laugh with, cry with, and root onto victory.  You will enjoy it. More importantly, your readers will enjoy it and will pick up your next book because they related to your character and his/her story.

Until next time,