Staying motivated to write, edit, and finish your novel can be a major challenge for aspiring writers. In this video I provide my top ten tips for staying motivated to write your novel.
Top 5 Tips for Developing Your Writing Voice [Novel Boot Camp #17]
Aspiring writers often wonder how to develop their writing voice. In this video I go over my top tips for developing a strong voice that works well for your novel.
How to Write a Strong Opening Hook [Novel Boot Camp #16]
A strong opening hook is a great way to pull readers into the story and get them invested in your novel. In this video I discuss five different ways you could create a hook for your story.
How to Write Dialogue with Distinct Character Voices [Novel Boot Camp #15]
Characters should have their own distinct voices in dialogue so that they sound unique and realistic. In this video I go over some elements of your characterization and backstory that can help you develop unique manners of speaking for the characters in your novel
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How to Write Reactive Scenes [Novel Boot Camp #14]
Reactive scenes are scenes in which the character reacts emotionally and mentally to what occurred in the previous proactive scene. In this video I discuss how to create reactive scenes that keep the plot moving forward and hold the reader’s interest.
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Scene Structure: How to Write the Consequence [Novel Boot Camp #13]
The consequence or effect of a scene on the overarching plot is a vital component of how well the scene will work in your novel. In this video I discuss several ways to create consequences so that scenes have more meaning and momentum.
Q&A Session – Question Submission Form
Next week I will be answering your questions! This is your opportunity to get advice on issues you’re struggling with.
I will make four videos (Monday through Thursday) that focus on a single question. I will choose the topics for these four videos based on which questions have broad appeal.
For the final Novel Boot Camp video on Friday, I will be filming a long casual Q&A session during which I will answer questions that are too specific or nuanced for a standalone video or that don’t require answers longer than a couple minutes.
Scene Structure: How to Write the Proaction [Novel Boot Camp #12]
It’s important for the main character to be proactive. How the character attempts to solve a problem is a vital component of strong scene structure. In today’s video I discuss what it means for the protagonist to be proactive and how it can improve your scenes.
Video Highlights
- Proactive scenes (rather than reactive scenes) require the character to take some sort of step towards solving the conflict of the scene.
- The protagonist being proactive doesn’t mean the character is being heroic or physically active. Initiating a conversation or going on a job interview could be proactive if it connects to the character’s goal.
- Because of your character’s flaw and false belief, the character will often be proactive in ways that aren’t productive or even make the situation worse, especially in the first half of the novel.
Questions to Ask About Your Novel
Look at a few scenes in your novel. Is the main character proactive?
Does the character take some sort of action to solve the conflict? If the character doesn’t take action, then it’s difficult to create a compelling scene. The resolution of the conflict (even if the resolution involves the character failing) gives strong pacing to the scene by providing a clear conclusion.
If you have any questions about proaction, please post them in the comments.
Workshop #2 peer critiques have been posted. Please don’t forget to critique at least five submissions!
Want to connect with other Novel Boot Camp Participants?
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Scene Structure: How to Write the Conflict [Novel Boot Camp #11]
Conflict is the backbone of a great scene. Without conflict, readers are likely to get bored and the scene might seem irrelevant. In this video I discuss how to write strong conflicts for your novel’s scenes that give a sense of momentum and excitement to the story.
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Scene Structure: How to Write Goals [Novel Boot Camp #10]
Scene structure is very important in creating a strong plot. In this video I discuss how to use goals in your proactive scenes to create a strong sense of momentum and to keep the reader interested.
Video Highlights
- There are two types of scenes: proactive scenes (built on action) and reactive scenes (built on emotion).
- Proactive scenes must have a goal to give the scene a sense of direction and purpose.
- A goal can be introduced immediately if the protagonist wants to achieve something, or an external obstacle can be introduced at the beginning of the scene to create a goal.
Questions to Ask About Your Novel
1. Look at a few scenes in your novel. Does the character have a clear goal?
If the character isn’t trying to achieve anything in a proactive scene, the reader is likely to lose interest or grow bored. Adding a goal can help strengthen a scene, but often adding a goal is not as simple as a quick edit and scenes need to be rewritten or cut to create a better flow to the story and a better sense of momentum.
If you have any questions about scene goals, please post them in the comments.
Workshop #2 peer critiques have been posted. Please don’t forget to critique at least five submissions!
Want to connect with other Novel Boot Camp Participants?
For more writing tips, follow or subscribe:
Ellen Brock 