Tip #318: The writing journey

Nothing worth doing is easy... Writing is a LOT of work. Breaking into the industry is a torment worthy of the fifth or sixth circle of Hell. Face that. Expect it. Deal with it... It's difficult from the get go

...

The true reward of breaking into the industry against all the odds isn't money. It isn't fame. It it isn't respect.

It's you.

It's confidence. It's satisfaction. It's well-deserved pride. Suddenly, the other challenges in your life are going to dwindle as well, because you know you'll be able to handle them.

http://jimbutcher.livejournal.com/4217.html

Tip #317: The power of preparation & aftermath

in moments of action, when people are breaking down doors or ducking a bullet, they aren't feeling any deep complex emotions... In the moment {of preparation or aftermath}... there are deep complex emotions at play... {it} shows so much more than just a battle...it shows character and relationships.

http://sevencamels.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/picking-right-moment-to-illustrate.html


NB while the character may not be feeling any complex emotions while dodging a bullet, the reader should be.  We should know what's in peril of being lost (stakes).  (See Tip #211: Action scenes "emotion... {is} what makes a fight scene interesting".)

Tip #316: Meaning in character arcs

A powerful story motif occurs when the anti-hero, because of the unfolding events, is forced to join the community.

http://www.writersdigest.com/tip-of-the-day/writing-fiction-the-three-types-of-lead-characters

Likewise, if you start with a character who is part of the community and because of the unfolding events chooses or is forced to leave the community, that's also powerful.

Tip #315: The secret of great set-pieces

Audiences don’t love set-pieces. They love characters who do amazing things during set-pieces.

http://screenwritingtips.blcklst.com/2013/03/screenwriting-tip-1215/

Tip #314: A clue where to find your voice

often you find your voice when you look to what was the most difficult part of your life.

http://www.bookengine.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/interview-10-kate-maryon.html