Asked a Half-Blood for Help

Lessons in writing through reading fiction

I have completed writing, rewriting and editing my upper middle grade novel to the point it's worthy of a literary agent's consideration. While I wait, I'm plotting out book two. How does the writer make a series work for the reader?

Time to hit the books.

 

I decided to read a series my boys enjoyed, Percy Jackson and the Olympians. However my boys did not like Book 2 as much. I read Book 1 in a weekend, but Book 2 took me a bit longer.

For those who have not read Rick Riordan's Olympian series, here is a description of the first two books.

After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. There's little time to process this news. All too soon, a cryptic prophecy from the Oracle sends Percy on his first quest, a mission to the Underworld to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus.

In this second adventure, Percy is anticipating the end of seventh grade and a summer at Camp Half-Blood with kids who are the offspring of Greek gods and mortals. He dreams that his pal Grover, a satyr, is in danger. After monsters attack in his school gym class, Percy and Tyson, a homeless kid, are picked up by Annabeth, a half-blood friend, and rushed to the camp, which is under attack. The tree that guards the camp is dying, and Chiron, the activity director, has been dismissed. Another dream reveals that Grover, whose peril is increasing, is on the same island as the legendary Golden Fleece, which may be the cure for the troubled camp. Encouraged by Hermes, Percy and his pals set off to the Sea of Monsters, where they encounter legendary dangers.

Why wasn't Book 2 a favorite in our family? 
• Balance of likeable versus non-likeable characters
Chiron, a caring and intelligent leader, was replaced by a very unlikeable creature from the underworld. The replacement hated Percy and his friends. 
Percy's loving mom was sidelined as well. 

• Commit to go
Percy was unsure about going on the quest. Hermes the Messenger God had to encourage Percy and his friends to set sail. Thus my young readers were hesitant about going on the journey too.

• More telling, less showing
It's tricky to bring new readers into the series without boring ones who read Book one. Percy tells us who his fellow characters are, what happened before and acts as narrator in his present adventure. The reader is not drawn into the action.

 I look forward to learning more from reading the rest of Rick Riordan's Olympian series. 

What writing lessons have you learned through reading?

Plotting Characters

 

Thanks to http://exp.lore.com for sharing this informative post.

Cut these Words

Weak Verbs

Scan your manuscript for weak verbs that rely on an adverb (-ly word). For instance: talk quietly or walk slowly. Cut both the weak verb and adverb. Replace them with a stronger verb. In this case: whisper or stroll.

Under Edit on your computer, use Find to search for these weak verbs in your manuscript.

do, had, have, get, got, goes, make, put, show, take, tell, was, went, could, should & would    

Filter Words

Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway discusses the use of filter words. “Filtering is when the writer forces the reader to look at rather than through the point of view character’s eyes” (Burroway 2010). Deleting these words shows the reader what’s going on instead of telling. They distance the reader from the story. It’s one extra step the reader has to take in order to experience action with the character. Only use filter words when it’s critical to the meaning of a sentence. Here’s a list of filter words to look out for in your manuscript:

• can
• to hear
• to look
• to realize
• to notice
• to feel
• to touch
• seem
• to know
• to start
• to sound like
• to seem
• to think
• to see
• to decide
• to watch
• to wonder
• begin
• to try

While Writing your Novel

Perfection Blocks your View

Taj Mahal in Agra, India is one of the Great Wonders of the World

Last March, I visited India's jewel. The Taj Mahal was constructed using white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan designed the grand mausoleum in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Completed around 1653, the Taj Mahal as well as the surrounding landscape are completely symmetrical. Ironically the one element that lacks symmetry is the Mughal Emperor himself. Shah Jahan tomb's lies next to his beloved wife who lays at the center of the mausoleum. 

What's my point? No body is perfect. But placing Shah Jahan's tomb next to his wife only adds to the beautiful love story of the Taj Mahal.

As a writer, I don't focus on being perfect. First drafts are meant to capture "what comes next" not perfect sentences. If I worry about writing right, instead of simply allowing the words to flow out and onto the page, then I'm frozen by writers block. 

Fear of imperfection does not create amazing characters and woven plot lines. So, I challenge myself and all of you to write without fear. And may the bodies lie where they wish. Happy Valentine's Day!