Crossworlds
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Bonus Material

Tuesday Tips: Starting out, part 2

2/28/2017

0 Comments

 

An Alternative to the Morning Scene

I've said before that the "morning routine" scene isn't the best way to introduce your main character and start out your book. You might be asking, "why not?" After all, it establishes the main character's ordinary life that will soon change, and gives the reader something to relate to.

It's just that there so many ways to do this better, in a way that will actually make readers care.

Everyone has a morning routine. It's relatable, sure, but it tells us nothing special about your main character--unless their routine is truly bizarre. How do you establish something special about your character, while giving something readers will relate to, and making them care?

Let's say your character is a high school student, and plays sports. To establish his/her character, you might have them getting ready for a big game, or start in the middle of the big game. Clearly this is something your character cares a lot about. Maybe they lose. Maybe that moment feels like the absolute end of the world to them, but then the story picks up, and really crazy things start happening. Your character can then look back and think of how silly it was to be worried about losing a stupid game, now that they're in actual life and death situations. 

Start with something your character really cares about: A big test, a job interview, asking out a crush, etc. They don't always have to lose, either, but starting with a situation the character sees as a huge deal tells us a lot about who they are. It's also fun when they gain perspective later in the story. Situations like these are still relatable, but more meaningful than watching someone roll out of bed.

This is only one way to make your main character relatable while also establishing something special about them right from the start. There are a multitude of ways to begin your novel. This week, I just wanted to focus on how to elevate a morning routine into something new. If you're having trouble, go ahead and start with the morning routine, then continue. Write what happens after your main character is ready to go. Where are they going? What are they doing? Then, just cut everything before the action started. 


Here's a little example:

My alarm was buzzing loudly. My eyes snap open and I'm instantly nervous. I sit up and find my clothes neatly folded where I placed them the night before. Clean black pants and an ironed blue blouse. Stretching, I decide I need a shower first. I let the hot water pour down my body, hoping it will also clear my head. I hope I'm ready.

I dry off and dress, wondering if I should wear a different shirt, or maybe a dress, or a skirt instead. No time to change now. Heading back to the bathroom I put on a light layer of make-up. I don't usually wear any make-up, but I know I should look my best today, or at least try. My wavy blonde hair doesn't want to cooperate, no matter what I do to it, but I'm running out of time. I check myself one more time before hurrying out the door.

I pull up outside the office, checking the address one more time. This is it. My big day. Once in a lifetime opportunity.

Inside, a man dressed in a suit greets me with a smile. Crap. I should have worn a suit. Suddenly I feel underdressed, unprepared, and intimidated. But I do have answers in my head. Katie, my roommate, and I have been going over every possible question they might ask me.

The man reaches out to shake my hand, and leads me into his office. I take a deep breath, and sit down across from him. He's already talking about the company, and the position. As if I haven't been thinking about this my entire life. Once his little speech is complete, his sits up and looks me in the eye.

"So, Miss Turner, what are your qualifications for this position?"


Now, all that needs to happen is to cut off everything before "I pull up outside the office." This particular morning scene does nothing more than establish what our character looks like. A description of her could be easily added in right after "I should have worn a suit," and before "Suddenly I feel underdressed." We still know she's going in for the interview of her life, and she's incredibly nervous.

You don't necessarily need to redo your entire opening. Just cut to the chase.

Happy writing!



Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
0 Comments

Monday Music: Come Clean - Hilary Duff

2/27/2017

0 Comments

 
This is another trip back in time, and probably the first song I've ever associated with "Stories of the Early Days." I imaged Claire dancing in a rainstorm, deciding between Lidia's people and their pursuit of power, and the mansion's people and her love for Dimitri.

Stories of the Early Days is coming soon!
Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
0 Comments

Wednesday Word: Newest Book By Kellie Steele!

2/22/2017

0 Comments

 

Chronicles of Araxx - The Beginning

Picture
Lee's life spiralled out of control when her house was burnt down, leaving her the only one left alive. After being held captive for most of her childhood and into her mid teens, Lee finally managed to escape the grasp of her captors.

She befriended Bree, a girl her own age, homeless in London. Everything was going well and Lee’s life was taking a good turn, but little was Lee to know that everything would soon take a drastic change. 


When the werewolves that held her captive decided they wanted her back, enlisting all the supernatural creatures they can do to get her, it's up to the Araxx to save her, but Lee doesn't know she needs saving. She was a part of a bigger plan, one that could bring about the end of the world.

Picture

Reviews:

"A page turning supernatural thriller. I was hooked from first page to last and found my heart racing and really got into the book. I am looking forward to the next book in what is sure to be a great series. A great read that I read quite quickly, full of action and strong characters with a good ending. Recommend to fans of fantasy, supernatural, short stories and any looking for a fast paced read."

"Entertaining story of a captive girl who escaped to London to be chased by a variety of mythical creatures. Can she stay safe? Can she keep her friends? Who are the Arraxx? Story flows nicely and is easy to read. This young author is going to grow in strength with her writing so keep a look out for her work."

About the Author:

I am a new writer from North Yorkshire. I have always loved reading books, my favorites being Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hunger Games and anything written by Darren Shan.
I started writing books in about 2013 but could not get past about half way through the book, until I started writing White Ghost and the Poison Arrow. It almost seemed like it was writing its self. Arella was talking to me, telling me what would happen next, and the book was born. I hope others will feel the same passion for my books as I do, and love the characters as much as me. 
Check out all of Kellie Steele's books in the links below!
White Ghost and the Poison Arrow
White Ghost and the Mountain Spirit
White Ghost and the Red Wolf
Chronicles of Araxx - The Beginning
0 Comments

Tuesday Tips: On Character Building

2/21/2017

0 Comments

 

From our special guest author, Kellie Steele!

In this video, Kellie Steele discusses how to make characters realistic, Yin and Yang, how your character might change throughout your story, and more!

​Check out her books in the links below!

White Ghost and the Poison Arrow
White Ghost and the Mountain Spirit
White Ghost and the Red Wolf
Chronicles of Araxx - The Beginning
0 Comments

Monday Music: Glassy Sky, Donna Burke

2/20/2017

0 Comments

 

From a special guest author, Kellie Steele!

This week, we're featuring a special guest author, Kellie Steele. Steele is also an author of young adult fantasy books, all of which are linked below!
This is a song I always turn to when writing a sad or emotional scene in a book. It's a song from my favourite anime and it holds so much emotion, it never fails to give me chills. I have to say I've had it on repeat recently and it really helps me concentrate.

I also listen to a lot of dubstep remixes of songs when writing chase or fight scenes, usually just anything I can get on YouTube that goes on for a long time.



Books by Kellie Steele:
White Ghost and the Poison Arrow
White Ghost and the Red Wolf
White Ghost and the Mountain Spirit
Chronicles of Araxx - The Beginning
0 Comments

Wednesday Word: Crossworlds Couples

2/15/2017

0 Comments

 

...Or Wednesday Pictures!

I know, I said I haven't written that many love stories yet. What I mean is, I don't have any major love stories yet. My favorite couples from fiction have always been side characters, so that's what I've written. Right now, I have several side romances through The Mansion's Twins and The Mansion's Family. 

Also, before we start, I'd like to mention again that I'm an author, NOT an artist. These are just fun sketches for Valentines Day.
Picture
"Power Transfer"
Ellie and Shane
​Mansion's Twins
Picture
"Good Luck to You"
Savannah and Nathaniel
​Mansion's Twins
Picture
"The Magic I Found"
Aaron and Michelle
​Mansion's Family
Picture
"Completely Mad"
Eva and Jordan
Mansion's Family

Picture
"Daydreams"
Hannah and Aiden/August
​Mansion's Family
Picture
"More than Enough"
Hannah and Aiden/August
​Mansion's Family
​
Picture
"Something to Fight For"
Cassandra and Travis
Acapella Angels

Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapells
Acapella Angels
0 Comments

Tuesday Tips: A Little on Love Stories

2/14/2017

0 Comments

 

Happy Valentines Day!

On this day celebrating love, it seems only right to provide some tips on writing love stories.
 
Only problem is, love stories are my weakness.
 
I’ll admit it, I don’t know much about writing love stories. I haven’t done a whole lot of them yet, and I find them immensely challenging. HOWEVER.
 
What I do know about is developing my female characters, so they don’t fall into the traps of either being a total pushover, or being the “strong female character” that equates being masculine with being strong.
 
So many female characters in young adult books push away love because they--or rather, their author--doesn’t want them to appear weak. Others end up doing anything for that boy they like, and completely forget who they are in the process. How do you find the balance?
 
  1. Know your character. What is her main goal? What are her interests? How does she like to dress? If her character is firmly established, it’s less likely to change when her love interest comes along. It’s also wonderful to see her love interest support her in her goals, and to have her support him.
  2. Remember, it’s perfectly okay for a teenage girl to get a little silly over a crush. I repeat, IT IS PERFECTLY OKAY FOR A TEENAGE GIRL TO GET A LITTLE SILLY OVER A CRUSH. Love in the teenage years is incredibly exciting. It’s a new experience, and it brings out a side of us we didn’t know before. Letting your girl get giggly and have some fun is not going to weaken her.
  3. Know her limits. What are her previous experiences in romance? Is she ready for sex? Is sex age-appropriate for your book? However far she’s willing to go is perfectly fine, as long as she sticks to what she’s ready for. Even if she is ready, do take your audience into account before adding a sex scene.
  4. Develop your boy just as much as your girl. These experiences are probably just as new and exciting for him as well. We often see female characters who are insecure about their appearance, but this is normal for boys, too. Even if most of the story is from her perspective, you can let the reader know how he feels.
 
Other things I enjoy in romance
  1. When couples have cute, unique names for each other. Not just “honey” or “baby,” but something you don’t always hear. This isn’t from a book, but my favorite people on Youtube, Jenna and Julien, call each other “otter,” because otters hold hands while they sleep. How cute is that?
  2. When the characters who fall in love aren’t the most beautiful people in the world. I know, we all want to describe beauty to make the love interest seem even more desirable. But loving someone’s flaws makes the relationship even deeper.
  3. When they are both each other’s hero. She isn’t weak if he rescues her. I just also want to see her rescue him.

Also, I’d like to note that I love seeing same-sex couples in fiction, and I know this post focuses mainly on heterosexual relationships. But many of these points are also applicable to same-sex couples. Develop both partners equally, let them have some silly fun without letting them lose who they are, and you’ll be on your way to writing a much better love story than I could ever pull off!

Picture
Also, don't forget The Mansion's Twins is still only $0.99 until the end of February! Happy Valentines Day!
Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
0 Comments

Monday Music: Guillotine, Jon Bellion

2/13/2017

0 Comments

 
Tomorrow is Valentines Day! This week, I thought I'd share not only what I think is one of the most romantic songs I've ever heard, but also a romantic dance performed by my favorite couple on Youtube.

I don't necessarily associate this song with a specific Crossworlds couple. I just find this video to be one of the best things I've ever seen. Here's the link to the full song: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2ymJcCwS_s
​
Also, I never expected a song called "Guillotine" to be so romantic.

And don't forget, "The Mansion's Twins" is still $0.99 until the end of February! Happy Valentines Day!

Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
0 Comments

Wednesday Word: It's February 8th!

2/8/2017

0 Comments

 
Her name was Cassandra Senka, and she dreamed to fly
No number of hard falls could dim the light in her eyes
She hoped to be a warrior, and to protect the East
She hoped to make her family proud, at the very least
 
Travis was a wanderer
He swept her off her feet
She thought she had turned dark and cold
But he saw bright and sweet
She knew she should embrace that light
Before it faded away
Before the storm put up it’s fight
And darkness had its way
 
And so a rare day finally came, when twice the dream came true
For the only thing better than one
Is of course, having two
All warriors and wanderers rejoiced when twins were born
But creeping ever closer was the threat of the storm
 
The warrior made one last fight
The wanderer, he fled
But the brightness of her light was gone
And his last hope was dead
But those two littles ones survived, and so the world held on
Hoping one day years from now
They’d restore what was gone
 
The shadows in the cave will wave
The mansion’s lights shine bright
For at last we’ll see a brand new day
To end this long dark night
Their travels finally brought them home
From all the way across worlds
And now all of Summer’s Angels sing
For those sweet Senka girls

Today, ten years ago, my cousin gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. I knew today had to be special in Crossworlds history, for her. However, the significance of this day is somewhat of a spoiler for The Mansion's Twins. I can say that today is a happy day, a day to look forward and celebrate new beginnings, renew your resolutions, eat good food, hug your loved ones, and toast to the future.

If you haven't finished "The Mansion's Twins," it's only $0.99 for the rest of February only!

But for those of you who have finished The Mansion's Twins, continue reading to learn about this holiday's traditions across the shadow cave. Spoiler alert! Only click "Read More" if you have finished The Mansion's Twins!
Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels

Read More
0 Comments

Tuesday Tips: Quick Tips Review

2/7/2017

0 Comments

 
Every now and then we'll take a little break and go over the past several weeks of Tuesday Tips. Here's what we've been through so far:

1) Always remember your two golden rules: read a lot, and write a lot.
 
2) Writer’s block doesn’t exist. Don't use it as an excuse, instead, identify your real problem. Make sure your fed, watered, and rested. Give yourself permission to write crap. Read the story from the beginning. Clear your head, and find new ways to get inspired. Also, take a break to read a book. Then get back to writing.
 
3) Identify your reading pet peeves. The things that bother you should probably not show up in your work. This will also help you develop a more critical eye, and help you be a better self-editor.

4) Write. Every. Day.
 
5) Figure out your outline, if you need one. Ask yourself: How complicated is my story? Is this story subject to change? How long do I want to spend on this? A quick, simple story probably doesn't need too much outlining. A complicated story definitely does. The faster you want to finish your book, the more outlining you'll need. But if you'd like to settle down in your new world for a while, take your time, and let things be subject to change, light outlining is all you'll need.

6) Go read a book.
 
7) Write how you talk. Don’t try to imitate other authors. Readers are coming to you for something they haven’t heard yet. You have something no one else does: your own voice. Your own story. Don’t try to be anyone else.

8) And finally, don’t forget your two golden rules. Read a lot. Write a lot. These are your golden rules for a reason! Read, read, read, and write, write, write! 
Also, don't forget The Mansion's Twins is on sale for $0.99! Happy Tuesday!
Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    June 2021
    April 2021
    June 2020
    May 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.