Category Archives: hook

Thrill Ride: Nine Questions for Jump-Starting a Novel

Posted on September 11, 2014 by SharonJoss

Here another useful tool I use when I’m dancing around, trying to find my plot. I find that once I’m able to answer the following 9 questions, the story has pretty well coalesced and I’m ready to start outlining and/or … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014, character development, developing plot, extraordinary, Getting Into Character, goals, hook, interesting characters, jump-start, making stuff up, novel, opening scene, Openings, plot threads, Sharon Joss, Starting a novel, story, story concept, structure | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Oh My Darling…What’s That Title?

Posted on June 18, 2013 by SharonJoss

   Two years ago, when I finished my FATE manuscript (FATE was the working title), the title I’d picked for the story was (I thought) unique and memorable.  I considered myself somewhat clever in coming up with the idea for … Continue reading →

Posted in fantasy, FATE, hook, making a promise to the reader, Sharon Joss, urban fantasy | Tagged | Leave a comment

Memorable Characters OR, How Feedback On Chapter One Got Me A Better Ending

Posted on August 11, 2012 by SharonJoss

The first three chapters of GLAMOUR have been critiqued by no less than 15 readers.   The feedback I got regarding one of the characters in Chapter One had been both positive and consistent; everybody loved ‘Justin’, and couldn’t wait to … Continue reading →

Posted in bookends, critique, final scene, hook, Justin, memorable character, opening scene, resonance | Leave a comment

The Importance of Starting in the Right Place

Posted on October 17, 2011 by SharonJoss

I admit it.  I’m starting over.  From the beginning.  After changing the POV in GLAMOUR from first person to third person, the story was still dull, and I realized I was starting in the wrong place.  And by starting in the wrong … Continue reading →

Posted in characterization, hook, media res, query, story worthy problem | Leave a comment