I know some people would wonder why someone who’s already written a novel or two would want to attend a workshop on writing. But I love hearing other authors talk about the writing process. It’s always so different than my own.

Saturday, Bob Mayer spoke at the Virginia Romance Writers April meeting. He gave an all-day workshop on novel writing. He covered everything from originating an idea to marketing the finished product. Of course, some of the material I’ve heard before, but I loved his CONFLICT BOX. It’s so simple but complete genius. All it is is a square divided into four sections. The top two section represent the GOAL and CONFLICT of the PROTAGONIST. The bottom two sections are the GOAL and CONFLICT of the ANTAGONIST. Now here’s the beauty of it–there can only be two things that work here. One is that both character want the same thing driving them into a direct struggle. The second is that they have separate goals but for each to reach his own goal  a direct conflict is created in the other achieving his. In other words, if one character’s goal doesn’t somehow cause the other character direct problems in reaching his own goal, then the story isn’t going to work. It’s a great visual for checking your storyline.

There were other solid points made about novel writing and he suggested a myriad of questions to ask yourself as you write. He also said that RWA is the most professional writers organization and I couldn’t agree more. All in all a nice presentation. And I loved that our RWA chapter allowed its member to attend for free. Gotta love that!

Tags: Bob Mayer, novel writing, RWA
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OK, I’ve gotten away from doing a lot of reviews, BUT I have to post about my critique partner’s first novel. Diane and I met in San Francisco at the 2008 RWA National Conference where we both had unpublished stories up for awards. And here’s Diane’s now a Love Inspired Suspense:

Review:

Love a hunky hero and a spine tingling suspense, read Diane Burke’s debut novel, Midnight Caller. Detective Tony Marino will steal your heart as he reaches out to serve and protect and fall in love with the beautiful Erin O’Malley, a single mom with a special needs child. Burke keeps the tension high as a killer on the loose marks his victims with unnerving phone calls. When Erin is next on the list, Tony will do anything to keep her safe and try to win her over her stubborn heart. A great suspense with fun fresh characters, a little humor and plenty of romantic sparks!

About Diane:

Diane Burke’s debut novel, Midnight Caller, won several awards before publication, including first place in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense under the working title Whispers in the Dark.

Diane lives in Florida, nestled between the excitement of the Daytona Speedway and the quiet, historical St. Augustine. When not writing, she enjoys spending her time with her family and friends, reading, sitting by the ocean and playing with her dogs, Thea and Cocoa.

Diane is very excited about her debut novel and would love to hear from her readers. She can be reached at diane@dianeburkeauthor.com.

Tags: Diane Burke, Love Inspired Suspense, Midnight Caller
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Just saw my second book up for pre-order on Amazon.com and on Barnes and Noble.com. Available this time in large print.

Click here to order… Sabotage

Olympic hopeful Emilie Gill is beautiful, rich, successful–and in danger. Someone’s targeting her stable, her friends, her life…and there’s nowhere for her to turn. The police? They’ve charged her with murder. Her father? Out of town–again. Her best friend? He’s the man she’s accused of killing. There’s no one to count on–until Derrick Randall rides into her life. The stable manager’s support encourages Emilie to open up her carefully guarded heart. But just as she’s learning to trust, it all comes apart. Her faith–and newfound love–are all she’ll have when the sabotage turns deadly once more…

Tags: Sabotage
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