What do you do with someone who won't behave? This person is secretive, aloof, moody. She's keeping me up nights and interfering with my novel-in- progress. She’s the character who "vants to be alone!" Her name is Robin. She's a twin. An accomplished photographer. She has dark hair and green eyes, she's twenty pounds overweight, … Continue reading We Don’t Have to Know Everything
Novelist
Open the Doors. Walk Right In!
We talked recently about the importance of ridding a story of whatever isn’t absolutely necessary and/or doesn’t advance the story. This “excess” can be anything from losing a line of description to cutting out a character. Or a scene. In the case of novels, entire chapters. But once we’ve reduced a story to its bare … Continue reading Open the Doors. Walk Right In!
Own the Emotion, Give It Away
Some years ago, I volunteered as a studio monitor during a regional ballet association festival. I watched nervously as the teacher pushed and corrected the young dancers, but I was happy to see how he also encouraged and praised. Toward the end of the session, he told the dancers something I’ve never forgotten: Technique isn’t enough. You … Continue reading Own the Emotion, Give It Away
Gerry Wilson 