I got Steve's book the day it came out. There's so many gems here and made a bunch of highlights. One of my favorite quotes: "When people ask me how to deal with Writer's Block, that's my essential advice: lower the bar. Blocks result from putting too much pressure on ourselves." There's even a chapter on sex scenes. I have to go back and reread it this week. Was there a chapter or fresh idea that stuck out to you, Suzy?
Hi Joe, I'm only a quarter through the book, but I took a workshop with Steve years and years ago. What stuck with me most was what he termed "imitative fallacy." Until then, I'd always called the concept, "A passive story about a passive man." It was a Dangerous Writing caution: you must avoid falling into the trap of adopting the narrative stance of your character and expecting that alone to carry the weight of an engaging story. Especially if the character is passive! Passive characters will bore your readers.
Yeah my writing process is mostly outlining and a small bit of discovery. I'm pretty outlandish with most of my story ideas so I have to reign it in afterwards and look for ways to all make sense. I'm still figuring out the emotional part. Everything to include this substack post helps so eventually I will get better I suppose 🤔😅
Suzy! Look what I just found in my mailbox! 😁😁😁
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y4l_krKdE9gBDXBmPrJiAEQ6ka9wKjWi/view?usp=drive_link
Whoa!!! It’s so funny that release day is just a suggestion? I’m happy to see that in your hands. I hope you like it!
Yeah, I was surprised to get it this early. I know I'm going to love it. I can't wait to read it. And to see you in real life soon!!!
Can't wait!
I got Steve's book the day it came out. There's so many gems here and made a bunch of highlights. One of my favorite quotes: "When people ask me how to deal with Writer's Block, that's my essential advice: lower the bar. Blocks result from putting too much pressure on ourselves." There's even a chapter on sex scenes. I have to go back and reread it this week. Was there a chapter or fresh idea that stuck out to you, Suzy?
Hi Joe, I'm only a quarter through the book, but I took a workshop with Steve years and years ago. What stuck with me most was what he termed "imitative fallacy." Until then, I'd always called the concept, "A passive story about a passive man." It was a Dangerous Writing caution: you must avoid falling into the trap of adopting the narrative stance of your character and expecting that alone to carry the weight of an engaging story. Especially if the character is passive! Passive characters will bore your readers.
Yeah my writing process is mostly outlining and a small bit of discovery. I'm pretty outlandish with most of my story ideas so I have to reign it in afterwards and look for ways to all make sense. I'm still figuring out the emotional part. Everything to include this substack post helps so eventually I will get better I suppose 🤔😅
Worry not, Snowflake! This is a trial-and-error gig. Keep pushing that boulder.
Well I think your workshop helped me get better at pushing the boulder in the right direction.
Aw... so nice to hear.
I've been to Hallstatt! Did you go to the prehistoric salt mine?
Anyway, like you, I like to write the parts I'm in the mood for, then go back and fill in the blanks. And rewrite the heck out of WIP.
Wish I could go to the writing retreat!
I did tour that salt mine. Salt is power! (Or at least it used to be)
I wish I could go. Trying to WIP my way through a story and come up with plot points.... and then? IDK, what then??
You are so fierce! I love the way you channel historical (NOT hysterical) voices in your novels.
I prefer to write myself into a corner then figure a way out.
Valid!