Today on Dirty Birds, we’re talking about the last chapter in Steven James’s Story Trumps Structure–Gimmicks. Ana: I like the first line already: “If your novel isn’t entertaining, it’s not worth reading.” I think this is also why a lot of novels that aren’t that well written do better than some that are; they’re...
At Ana’s blog today, talking about plot flaws and discussing the nifty little chart Steven James put in the book, to guide you to the chapter that will help you fix them.
Today the Dirty Birds are talking about character attitude, quirks, idiosyncrasies, intention and motivation. That’s a lot! Good thing we’re good talkers, right? Zoe: This was the anti-character-worksheet chapter! Kate: I didn’t find much in this chapter, to be honest. A few things were good, but I really had to work to keep my...
The Dirty Birds are over at Ana’s blog to talk about Story Trumps Structure Chapter 21, which is all about character status, what makes some characters feel like cardboard, and tips and tricks to make your character a high-status player in the story.
We’re looking for meaning and theme, or maybe not, over at Zoe’s blog. Flap on over!
Three Dirty Birds, back chirping up your Tweet (and blog) stream. Today we’re talking about Story Trumps Structure, and what Mr. James says about putting your characters on the horns of a dilemma. Zoe: This was another chapter where all of my notes had to do with my story instead of thoughts on what...
Check out our Chapter 18 discussion over on Ana’s blog. 🙂
Three Dirty Birds, tweeting about Story Trumps Structure, chapter 16. Kate: He calls this chapter Continuity, but I do not think that word means what he thinks it means. (/mutilated Princess Bride reference) Zoe: Yeah, it wasn’t quite what I was expecting based on the chapter title. Kate: No, I was expecting something about...
We’ve moved to Ana’s side of the nut tree, to talk about reader expectations and genre blending and to basically shake our heads in wonder at Mr. James and his apparent conviction that no one reads romance anyway, so he doesn’t need to do his research on that topic.
We’re over on Zoe’s branch today!