Exploring Writing Resources #1

I had to miss this year's NaNoWriMo, but I am beginning to work on my novel again after a very long break. I am reading a lot of blog posts and articles about writing a novel because it is much more difficult than one would think.

You can have a couple of great characters and a great plot, but so much more work goes into fleshing out those main characters, the supporting characters, and a story line, that you can become discouraged very easily. I often realize that I need to return to the beginnings and write character sketches so my characters don't (unintentionally) switch gears midstream.

While I intend to finish my novel in 2020,  I thought it I could take a page out of the NaNoWriMo book. I was reading a blog post By Rae Ell of Barely here Books entitled "How to Write a Killer First Chapter: (AKA What Your First Chapter REALLY Needs)" and ended up buying her book. I just did this today, so I haven't read the 54-page book yet; though I'm hopeful that my small investment will yield some good tips to help me write and finish this novel. I'll let you know how it goes.

Book Review: The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny

The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I LOVED THIS BOOK! So many levels of human goodness and failings.The realities of human nature abound with jealousies between friends, lovers, and newcomers come to light. Secrets are revealed that will give you insights into the characters you thought you knew from the previous books. These secrets will haunt you. The characters become more real, more human, more uncomfortable with their own feelings. This is  especially true for Clara and Peter, Olivier and Gabri, and Ruth. But, of course, this is a murder mystery and the culprit must be found. This ending will surprise you. A must read for Louise Penny fans!!



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Book Review: A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny

A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the first Armand Gamache Series that was not set in the familiar location of Three Pines. I suppose such a little place should not be filled with murderous residents and guests, so this was a good switch. Plus, it was set during the Gamaches' anniversary get-away. Not only was Armande Gamache solving a murder in his usual calming fashion, but we were able to see a different side of him. The family man. He and his wife became more three-dimensional characters. We can identify him and we can begin to understand how he approaches the murders he and his team solve. Bravo!

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