by jdsmeaton | Dec 26, 2022 | How To, Storytelling, Writing
I was browsing in a bookstore when a cover caught my attention. I picked the book up and read the back cover. There were no blurbs from famous authors spouting pithy praise. No lines taken from glowing reviews. There wasn’t even a description of the story. What it did...
by jdsmeaton | Nov 2, 2022 | Uncategorized
Let’s talk antagonists and how to make them relevant to your protagonist and not just something to move the plot along. If you’re writing slice-of-life kid’s literature, protagonist and antagonist might be a better way to think about your characters rather than hero...
by jdsmeaton | Oct 4, 2022 | How To, Storytelling, Writing
Do your characters want something? They sure do on the FX show The Bear. I’m guessing your main character wants something but what about the rest of your characters? How about that no-name side character? The Bear is about Carmy, a chef trying to fix his dead...
by jdsmeaton | Sep 7, 2022 | Storytelling, Writing
I was obsessed with Gi Joe toys when I was a kid. One of the things I loved was the file cards on the back of the toy packaging. Each character had a bio with basic information, code name, real name, birthplace, military rank, and specialty. It would also include a...
by jdsmeaton | Aug 2, 2022 | How To, Storytelling, Writing
Publishing graphic novels at the middle-grade level has grown dramatically over the last ten years, and editors are looking for quality stories. Most are looking for new and unique voices but here’s the rub, if you are new and unique they don’t really know...
