Melissa West

Yesterday I was plotting (well, really re-plotting) the main elements of my WIP. I struggled a bit with coming up with a few reasons why certain things happened. Then it dawned on me that there are two “plots” and two full story arcs for any good story. Many of you may know this and I’m the lone idiot in the writing world, but if not stay with me, this gets good. 1st: WORLD plot What happens during the story that causes external (but also internal) conflict for your characters? This produces a drama element of the story. Plot-driven stories focus on this element. The plot is so important to the story that it becomes the main character, everything else moving to the shadows. Think HUNGER GAMES, HARRY POTTER, etc. 2nd: EMOTIONAL plot And I feel this is the golden ticket. These are the character-based books, but I think it goes further than simply the character. The emotional plot does not solely impact your characters; it impacts your readers. It’s gut wrenching, tear jerking, belly l...

I have a goal, a lofty one at that. I intend to finish this draft of my WIP in 1 month. That's right. I have 1 month to write pretty much the last 1/2 to 2/3rds of this MS. Why am I doing this to myself, you ask? Simple. I think about the storyline non-stop. I come up with scenes and plot lines in the car. I have even taken to keeping a notepad and pen with me at all times so I am able to jot down lines that come to me. I LOVE this story so much that I have to finish it, and quickly. Plus...shhhhh...two agents I've queried have requested to see it. YIKES! I will need to revise, of course. And revise again. And again. I have learned through my last novel just how important revision is. I used to detest revisions, but now, I find it a vital part of the process. In fact, I've decided that writing is revising. But I digress. I have learned that a few things help me to crank out words at a fair speed. I can typically write around 1,000 words an hour if I try (sometimes more). No...

Okay, this is so stupid, but I'm curious if anyone else experiences this craziness. In my current WIP, there are several fairly sad scenes. Well as I write them I find myself crying a bit. Now, not like a river or anything, just a few drops, but why? It's fiction! That I'm creating, none-the-less! So tell me, have you ever cried at your own work, or am I alone in this weirdo stuff? Now, I have promised to review ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS What it's about: A teen girl gets shipped to a school in France by her dad (picture Nicholas Sparks) and ends up falling for a guy and learning a little about herself along the way. Why I like it: First, the story feels very real to me. I found it odd that a few have commented that they didn't like the love triangle because it reminded them of their own lives. This is what I love about the story. Fiction should be dramatized life, of course, but fiction that relates to us, that brings forth memories is nothing short of fantastic. I...

I promise to post a thought-provoking, intellent post tomorrow, but today let me just say this: ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth Revis rocks! I am only a few chapters in, and am already so hooked that dinner plans have moved from traditional to pizza. :) I'll post a review early next week as I'm sure I'll fly through this one. On the agenda: Book Reviews: MATCHED ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS WHY PRIDE & PREJUDICE ROCKS (I just reread it) and ACROSS THE UNIVERSE Writing: Benefits of writing to music Breaking through writers' block How I crank out words M.B.

Happy New Year to you! I wanted todays post to be my dedication to my resolutions for this year. First, and most importantly, what did Santa bring you? Guess what I got? ... ... ... You guessed it! But do you know what is so interesting about Christmas? My Santa husband gave me this, a huge basket full of Bath&Body Works goodies, and a card. Guess what lingers on my mind the most, what makes me smile when I think about it? The card. It's always the small gestures that warm our hearts the most, ya know? Though, I must admit I LOOOVVVEEE my Kindle. I have already downloaded 7 books and read 3. I'll post a review on Friday of one and then next Friday another, heck I may even make Friday Kindle reading review day. Ha! Okay, now onto important *business* matters: resolutions. Wiki definition: "A New Year resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a personal goal, project, or the reforming of a habit ." My take: A reason to make yourself, in some fashion, b...