3T Writing Tidbit

Goal. Conflict. Disaster/Resolution.

The clearest example of this structure (and easiest to show) is usually the outer or external goal. I need to get to the other side of the room and out the door. I need to ace this job interview to land this job.

But external goals are driven and made richer by internal goals, which aren't always as easy to show. For example...

I need to get to the other side of the room and out the door -- without falling on my face because I'm 1 month sober and my ex is watching and oh God my ego won't stand another scathing, crushing comment from him, always made worse because I'm afraid he's right.

I need to ace this job interview to land this job -- because otherwise there won't be food on the table and how can I tell my children we have to move again?

The internal goals are often things the character is afraid to confront. Notice in the first example there's the internal desire to show up the ex and shrug off his comments, but the fear that she deserves them is getting in the way. That struggle is emotional, which is why the inner goal enriches the outer goal and makes the character more understandable and relatable.

Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.

2T Repeat Performance -- Finding the Right Home

I've done a number of blog tours over the years, posting on different sites. Now I'm bringing them to you!

Originally published June 1, 2012 for The Book Binge

Finding the Right Home

Why did I choose to publish digital first? Short answer—I didn’t.

Instead I found a home with a publisher that I love. It just happens to be digital first.

Finding a publisher wasn’t easy because my Biting Love series is erotic action-packed romantic comedy with alpha male vampires and strong quirky women. It’s a fusion of styles that didn’t quite fit the chocovanilla mainstream publishing world. 

Then one day a special call came from Samhain Publishing for exactly what I write—fun, hot paranormal romance. I took one look at their hilarious warnings and was hooked. I wanted to write for Samhain! It took a bit but eventually I sold Bite My Fire, Biting Nixie and the rest. I only found out later that digital publishing was the wave of the future.

But format doesn’t matter as much as writing the best story I can for my readers. In the long run, writing and publishing is about crafting stories that find their right homes in the readers’ minds and hearts.