Barny

Thanks Elle. These are good prompts. I’m very into settings, which I think comes from my previous life as a conservation ecologist – working in some amazing wild places. So I’ve always got to have a strong sense of the natural world that my story takes place in – weather, plants, animals, noises, tides, rock types … yeah maybe I go too far, but…[Read more]

Thanks Elle. Setting is something I usually skim over, so I will try applying this and see what happens!

Sounds like you might be doing spider diagrams, Philippa – more poshly called mind mapping I think, but ‘mind mapping’ sounds too abstract for me. Anyhow, I find the technique very helpful. Completely agree with the two ‘touch points’. I need somewhere to head for – that itself is the basis of an idea. Also need to know the main theme before I…[Read more]

That’s really kind of you Daeds. I’m OK at the moment but there could well be something as I still do bits of research as I draft. I promise not to bombard you. My story deals with flying before and during WW2 but I admit I’ve kept naval aviation at arm’s length as something I don’t need to include, at least not in any detail.

You’ve already…[Read more]

Just seen this post…

I too am floundering about in the “half-idea” realms…. I think I usually need two sort of “touch points”: an inciting incident of some kind, but then another event of some kind to head towards in the narrative. At the moment, I sort of just have my inciting incident and not another “way point”. Grrr.

These days, I find…[Read more]

Very interesting blog, Elle. Place is very important to me when I write and when I read. It’s often the element of a novel that stays with me longest after I’ve finished it. I try to think in terms of how the people in my story react with the space within the scene and what part the place has played in their lives but your list is very helpful.

Thanks Libby, that’s really nice of you. Glad you found it interesting and informative. I thought they struck the balance pretty well, and as you and Jane felt, did not overdo it with reconstructions. The little bits they did have (a snippet at the start of the Eugene Ely segment and some sailors running through corridors on a warship in the…[Read more]

I too really enjoyed this, Daeds. Thank you for sharing it. I’d never have found the programme otherwise, and it does cover some of the period of my WIP. The episode was really well paced and, as you say, didn’t talk down. I learned a lot and thought all the experts were well chosen – you most of all of course. I can find documentaries…[Read more]

Thanks Jane, am blushing now! You’re very kind

Just finished watching this. Daeds – you’re a star. The depth of your knowledge and your passion shine through. Plus I thought the programme was a quality production. It told the story in an interesting and engaging fashion, simply enough for someone with no knowledge like me to follow but without talking down and without the endless repetitions…[Read more]

Thanks Philippa for your feedback and for catching that typo! I’m glad to know that it works and yes it is the typical ex’s issue but one with darker edge than the current girlfriend, hence the title “Lilith”.

Yes, that’s good. Intriguing, suggestive and evocative. Well done, that’s a relief! 🙂

Glad you guys like it! Thanks again for all your helpful input on this. Titles clearly aren’t my forte….