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Category: #MFRWauthor

I Love Romance Writing Research #MFRWauthor

 

Research, oh how I love research. This wasn’t always the case. In school they taught us how to research various topics, many of which I didn’t care for, but it helped prepare me for what I now do. Writing. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying ‘write what you know’ well what if you don’t know what you’re talking about? Research can be your best friend. What better excuse to meet a handsome firefighter, or police officer than research? Want to know how to bake a cake? I mean why particular ingredients are in a chocolate cake, but not a yellow or white cake? And what is the real difference between a white cake and a yellow cake? Or maybe you just want to know why a spark plug takes a particular gap on a Chevy, but not on a Ford. Unless you’re a genius it takes research.

 

Just like you spend time developing your character, research helps give the story body. DON’T GET BOGGED DOWN IN ALL THE LITTLE DETAILS OF RESEARCH. Most times you’re not going to even use it in the story but writing from a place of knowledge lends credibility to the character; but I was limiting myself.

 

I’ll admit I’ve had some lazy moments and those stories didn’t get written. Research opens a whole new world of possibilities. Some research is easy. It could be something small like verifying a fact. Or it could be more arduous, especially when it deals with history, anything technical, medical or whatever it may be That’s when the writer needs to become a mini expert in a subject and  network with other who live and breathe the subject they’re researching.

 

One of the fun things I got to research was the world of gaming. Did you know you can make a substantial amount of money playing video games? And win prizes too. I‘ve met a few of the top players in the region, thanks again to my children.

 

The best part of research is learning something I didn’t know before and sharing it with my readers in a story. After all, truth is stranger than fiction.

 

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What is an Epilogue by Lynn Chantale

What is an epilogue? #MFRWauthor

What is an Epilogue by Lynn Chantale What is an epilogue? According to the online dictionary it’s the afterword in a story where the author speaks directly to the reader and used to bring closure to a piece of work.

 

An epilogue that little bit of story after everything has come to a dramatic close. Personally, I enjoy a good epilogue. It gives the author a chance to wrap up any remaining loose ends or maybe unravel a few of the knotted ends.

 

A few of my favorite authors employ an epilogue at the end of their stories. It’s usually gives the wrap up of what happened a few days or months later.

 

When I use an epilogue in my stories it’s to give a little more of what happens with the characters after all the drama. Unless it’s part of a series, then I use it to introduce the next story. Can epilogue hurt your story?

 

If the epilogue is used to only wrap up loose ends that would better be served in the main body of the story, yes.

 

How can an epilogue help?

 

Jonathan Mayberry employs multiple epilogues at the end of his Joe Ledger novels. He always has a satisfying ending where you know the good guys have kicked some major bad guy butt and the book could end right there, but he goes that extra bit to close some a few remaining threads.

 

If you’re a fan of the DMS then you know the agency has come under some major fire and there was the question of whether they could keep their charter. That question was answered in ‘Deep Silence’ and left the reader, at least this reader, looking forward to the next book.

 

If an epilogue is used correctly it can be a great asset. But if not . . .  It can leave the reader feeling cheated.

 

 

 

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For The Right Reason #MFRWauthor

MFRWauthors 52 Week Blog Challenge

Contests are wonderful things, especially when you win. 🙂 Entering a writing contest can be beneficial if you’re doing it for the right reason.

 

Striving to win the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is admirable, but shouldn’t be your only motivation. Does the contest offer feedback on entries?Is the contest held by a reputable company? Are you seeking fame and fortune or just the experience?

 

A few years ago, while I was working on my graduate degree, we were tasked with finding writing contests. Some of the major networks offered internships as a prize and a chance to write for a new show or join an existing one. How cool would that be to write for one ‘Blacklist’ or ‘MacGyver?’ Better yet to create your own show and have it in a prime time slot for the summer? But on the downside of something that huge and momentous, would be leaving family and friends for something unknown. I know writing scripts and screenplays isn’t the same as writing a romance novel, but the contests are still very similar.

 

Some require a small entry fee, a polished manuscript, and a lot of mail stalking. I’ve entered contests and have judged contests and have marveled  at the skill of some of the entries. When I judged a contest some time ago, I was humbled at the talent of the authors. One of the hardest things I ever did was turn a wonderful story away because of glaring grammatical errors. I am not a grammar snob, but when simple typographical errors and such pull me from a story, it’s bad.

 

I have yet to win or even place in a writing contest. Truthfully, I’ve been so out of touch with fellow writers, publishers, and the like  that I couldn’t even tell you what’s hot or not in the industry.

 

What I can tell you is to do your research before you enter a contest. If the prize seems too good to be true, it probably is and for the love of writing, submit your very best work and that means more than the computer’s spellcheck.

 

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