FRIDAY STIR FRY - What Happens If . . .

http://www.morguefile.com

As writers, we often ask ourselves "what happens if ..." Our characters need challenges or there is no story. It can be internal or external, but something needs to happen to them to keep the story moving. Of course, we must limit the challenges so the pacing is smooth and the story line is believable. Otherwise our readers will say "Really?' and throw our book across the room or remove it from their reading device.

This week I did a "what happens if". I put my book Beyond The Horizon on Amazon free for two days. Just to see what happens. I wasn't selling that many copies anyway. It's been out over a year, so that's understandable. Here are the results:

• Almost 900 downloads.
• Pages read - close to 400 (I don't know how Amazon knows this and to tell you the truth it kind of creeps me out)
• 2 new reviews. Yippee

Reviews were actually what I was hoping for. And I hope many more are on the way. I was stuck at 22 forever. Reviews are like Amazon gold for an author.

Remember that next time you read a book. It doesn't have to be long and drawn out synopsis of the whole story. Just a simple "I really enjoyed this book" will do.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Half Way Point

http://www.morguefile.com

Well it's the half way point for NaNo. And I need a compass. Not only am I way behind on word count, but I have no clue how to get to my destination. I know the book will have a Happily Ever After. I'm just having a hard time figuring out how to get my characters there. They fight and kind of make up then fight again. I want to drive them out in the middle of nowhere, drop them off and tell them by the time they get back to my novel, they damn better have a solution.  

                                                            

That's what I get for being a pantser instead of a plotter. I just can't bring myself to outline and plot. It is much more fun to fly by the seat of my pants and just go wherever the characters want to take me. Usually. Not so much when they aren't cooperating. You hear me Jennifer and Ron? I'm tired of your nonsense. Now put on your big girl and boy pants and get this story going. If you don't, you won't get to take off your pants and have some fun. Wink, wink.

Two more weeks to get this sucker figured out. Can we do it? I'll let you know next week. In the mean time, if you see my characters hitch hiking don't pick them up.