Showing posts with label Shonell Bacon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shonell Bacon. Show all posts
Thursday, August 2, 2012
The Intersection of Good Storytelling - Latest BRP Article
In my latest Blood-Red Pencil commentary, I talk about storytelling and the importance of developing a good plot and good depth for the story. I call these Horizontal Road and Vertical Road, respectively. Check out the commentary here, and leave comments!
Monday, June 11, 2012
POV: A Story with a View...or Two...or More
When's the best time to shift POV in a story? I talk about this in my latest Writing in 140 post at The Blood-Red Pencil! Come read the post at B-RP and offer your thoughts!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
TIP: characters thinking
I hate these feelings, she thought to herself.
Cut "to herself". Unless, *snickering* the character is suffering from multiple personality disorder, and thus we actually need to differentiate among the many selves in the mind.
Cut "to herself". Unless, *snickering* the character is suffering from multiple personality disorder, and thus we actually need to differentiate among the many selves in the mind.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Importance of Care in Becoming a Better Writer - Latest BRP Commentary
Today at The Blood-Red Pencil, I talk about the importance of CARE--care of what? Wanting to become a better writer. Check it out, leave comments, and share it with others! Here's a link.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Editor Spotlight on Moi
Author, editor Karen S. Elliott invited me to her blog today for an Editor Spotlight! Come see what I have to say about finding an editor for your literary baby: link
Monday, April 9, 2012
Latest Writing in 140 at Blood-Red Pencil: Situating Oneself in the Publishdom
Monday, March 26, 2012
Android Apps for Writing - Latest BRP Commentary
Today, over at one of my fave places, The Blood-Red Pencil, we're talking about writing apps for Android!
I write about three apps that I use on my Android tablet for my writing endeavors. Come read about what apps keep me writing and give us the 411 on apps you use! Head to BRP now!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
How I Come to the Page as Editor
I think of editing as a series of teachable moments - my goal is to help the writer develop the best product s/he can. I fix changes, yes, but ultimately, I hope to provide information on how to fix changes so that in revisions and in future works, the author becomes a better writer because s/he has learned. In the editing process, I try to do this in three ways: Tracked Changes to fix grammatical, mechanical, and structural issues; Comments that relay to story-related issues, and Comments that I call "readerly comments".
Tracked Changes
These are the things clients typically expect to see fixed. Any issues with grammar, mechanics, structure (commas inside quotation marks, moving taglines to middle of long dialogue passages, etc.). These are typically accepted by the client overall when s/he receives her/his edited manuscript from me.
Comments Regarding Story-Related Issues
While having a clean copy (what's done in Tracked Changes) is cool, none of that matters if the story itself is not strongly written. I use comments to talk about story-related issues, such as underdeveloped characters, holes in the plot, weak development of tension, superficial dialogue, and weak beginnings and endings to chapters and/or scenes. This is primarily where teachable moments come into play. Typically, I will stop at the point of issue and write a comment that: 1) tells the client of the issue, 2) explain why I see it as an issue, and 3) provide suggestion(s) on how to fix the issue. This is where the bulk of my time goes, especially in a first edit because like I said, if the story is weak, grammar and mechanics are the least of a client's problems.
Readerly Comments
As I edit, I attempt to be "the average reader" of a client's book. And just like when readers wants to yell at a character, toss a book because it's irritating them, laugh out loud because something is so funny, or sob because they are touched, I like to illustrate those moments in the editing/reading of a book. In the past, I see these at times as comic relief for the client. Many of them contact me, laughing, because those comments were so funny. However, they do serve another purpose. If I'm laughing in a spot that's not intended to be funny, that relays something to the client and makes her/him have to consider what to do about it. If I loathe a character to the point of not wanting to read the book and the client actually wants you to like the character, then the client needs to consider what changes might need to be made. So, in the end, while the comments I make tend to be funny (because they are so off the cuff), they can be instructive, too.
What Clients Have to Say
I'm always happy when clients enjoy the work I do for them. I am a lover of writing, and I love helping writers to strengthen their stories. Here are a few words from current clients about their experiences with me. Want to know more about what clients have to say about me? Then check out the link Clients Say... on the bar above!
~~~~~
Shonell's work was truly a gift to me. She thoroughly and professionally edited my manuscript within the promised timeframe. Her review of the work was insightful. In addition to fixing grammer, Shonell pointed out several places where my manuscript could be improved (to be clearer to the reader) and even provided concrete suggestions for how. Shonell being a writer herself made the whole experience easy.
~Rachel Coyne, author of Whiskey Heart
Shonell provides expert editing services that can take any book to the next level. I have always left inspired and seeing my written words in a refreshed way. She is personable and pays attention to those little details. Shonell met my expectations (they are usually ridiculously high). I have used her services more than once and have never regretted it. I look forward to her being a part of my growing team.
~Maryann Reid, Award-winning author and TV/radio social commentator
Shonell has provided editing services for two books with Branchrystine Publishing. In doing so, she enabled the author to assemble a well thoughtout manuscript, challenging the author to answer the 5 W's of Who, What, When, Why, Where to make certain the reader would have a coherent portrayal of the storyline. Shonell's provided consistent, constructive criticism to create improved writing habits in future manuscripts. She completed the project ahead of schedule, providing a comprehensive overview on the quality of manuscript, what a reader may interpret from manuscript, and meticulous corrections, suggestions on subject-verb agreements, grammar and punctuation. I plan to continue to use her services in future endeavors.
~Tyrenna Tolbert, author of Who's Got Skills
Thank you, Ms. Shonell Bacon, for breathing life into my manuscript. I found your editorial services to be both professional and cost efficient. Your quick turnaround time is also a plus. With your expertise, I expect great things from my novel From Hard to Hallelujah! I'll be calling you for the next one and the next one and the next one. God's Blessings, Lela Gholar Tizano
Monday, January 9, 2012
Writing in 140: Seeing Down Writing Journey's Road - Latest BRP Commentary
Where do you see your writing self in 5 years? 10? Check out my latest post on BLOOD-RED PENCIL "Seeing Down Writing Journey's Road" and answer this question and more for yourself!
Check it out here, and leave comments!
The Blood-Red Pencil
Sharp and pointed observations about good writing
[http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com]
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
World-Building with Author Barbara G. Tarn (Interview)
Head to ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING now to read my interview with Barbara G. Tarn and definitely consider picking up one or more of her books! Here's the PERMALINK!
Direct link to feature can be found [here].
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Author Barbara G. Tarn Interviews Moi at Her Blog
Every once in a while, I relinquish my interviewer cap and become the interviewee. Friend and fellow author Barbara G. Tarn invited me to her blog to talk about myself as writer...come check out the interview! [LINK]
Saturday, October 15, 2011
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Talking with Author Catina Sinches
As a full-figured hot tamale, I am always eager to support other amazing full-figured chicas looking to do great things: case in point, author Catina Sinches and her work, Full Figure Monologues. I'm currently reading it, and all I'll say for now is it offers the inspiration women need to see ALL of their worth. Welcome Catina as ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING's featured author for October!
About Full Figure Monologues
Full Figure Monologues was written to inspire and lend a voice to full-figured women. It focuses on real life issues and captures our hopes, worries and triumphs. The intent is to open up dialogue and encourage people to sit back and look at life from the point of view of women who are realistically the population within society. Women will be able to truly see themselves or someone they know who has dealt with the struggle to love their curves, entertaining negative thoughts, their relationship with food, letting go of the past as well as the courage to pursue their dreams.
Along with our curves, we are real women with everyday struggles. The women in the book put life into perspective and open up to show others that they are never alone. Life is not always going to be easy no matter what size you are, but the journey is absolutely worth it.
Head to ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING now to read my interview with Catina Sinches and read a short excerpt from Full Figure Monologues; here's the PERMALINK!
Direct link to feature can be found [here].
Monday, October 10, 2011
"Writing in 140: Writers Read" - Latest The Blood-Red Pencil Commentary
Most people know how I feel about writers needing to read--today at The Blood-Red Pencil, in another Writing in 140 commentary "Writers Read," I offer a few quick reasons why we need to be flipping pages and reading books (that aren't our own).
Check it out here, and leave comments!
The Blood-Red Pencil
Sharp and pointed observations about good writing
[http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com]
Monday, September 12, 2011
Story Trumps Innovation - Latest Blood-Red Pencil Post
Are you trying to be innovative in your writing? Are you remembering the STORY? Check out my latest post, "Story Trumps Innovation" @ Blood-Red Pencil to read my thoughts on the subject. Leave comments - link
Monday, August 8, 2011
Break Writer's Block: Become the Storyteller, Not the Protagonist ~ Latest BRP Commentary
Are you a storyteller or a protagonist? In my latest Blood-Red Pencil post, "Break Writer's Block: Become the Storyteller, Not the Protagonist," I look at these terms - "protagonist" and "storyteller" - to argue how choosing one of these roles can dictate how we might fall into the writer's block trap...and suggest ways how to avoid that trap.Check it out here, and leave comments!
The Blood-Red Pencil
Sharp and pointed observations about good writing
[http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com]
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Plotter, Pantser, Both? Talking with Author CHAMSIL @ All the Blog's a Page
Are you a PLOTTER or a PANTSER...or are you BOTH? That's the question being asked of the authors coming to you live this month on ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE. I have had author-friends who truly detest plotting, feeling it takes away from what the characters want to say, and I've had author-friends who detest flying by the seat of their author pants because the writing produced never seems to gel and come together. What do you prefer? Check out what the AtBaP authors of July think and share your own thoughts!
We round out July with an author I've known for a while now; I tell you, he's one of the hardest working writers I know. If he's not writing, he's on course to promote, promote, promote his wares: author CHAMSIL!
For Unbeknownst:
Memphis, Tennessee, 20th century.
Jamin Edson is a young business professional, boyfriend, and father of one who sorely lacks the connection, but is seeking love and acceptance within the confines of his family structure. Although, he has longed for this interaction, it has seemed so far from his reach. So far, that he continuously feels defeated. Lindsay Beauregard is a young business professional, girlfriend, and mother of one who is inflexible in every stretch of the imagination. She is very aggressive, opinionated and does things entirely in the manner in which she feels they need to be done. Hope Edson is a young child and daughter of Jamin and Lindsay, who becomes an unfortunate victim of circumstance and entangled in the web that is her parents’ tumultuous and challenging relationship. When Jamin makes the drastic decision to flee the city, abandoning his family in a last ditch effort to escape the persistent and volatile drama, Lindsay is left with no choice but to pick up the remaining pieces of the shattered mirror. Sadly, Hope is also forced to pick up a piece in order to reflect on her life and where she’s headed, even at a very young age.
Take a journey into their worlds in order to see how lives are forever changed and how those same lives run in parallel to one another in entirely different environments over a span of a number of years. Witness the trials and tribulations, heartache and pain, successes, pitfalls, and shortcomings that are the result of one fateful decision. There are many lessons to be learned. Life goes on. Life brings about new experiences. Life has inevitable challenges. Life isn’t always what it seems. But, ultimately, life catches up with you, sooner or later. The only question is…will you be ready when it does?
This is Unbeknownst.
Stop by All the Blog's a Page to not only read CHAMSIL's thoughts on plotting and pantsing in his writing life, but to also read an excerpt of Unbeknownst!
All the Blog's a Page ~ [site]
Permalink ~ [link]
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Part 5 (of 5) of Book to Screen @ APOOO Bookclub
In the last part of the five-part series, Book to Screen, I offer information on where to find agents, contests, production companies, and more for your screenplay.
Big thank you to those who have e-mailed about the series, have learned from it, and are actually interested in now turning their books into possible screenplays!
To read my latest The Write Life for You commentary in the Book to Screen series, head to APOOO Bookclub via this [link].
Leave comments!
Plotter, Pantser, Both? Talking with Author Deborah Batterman @ All the Blog's a Page
Are you a PLOTTER or a PANTSER...or are you BOTH? That's the question being asked of the authors coming to you live this month on ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE. I have had author-friends who truly detest plotting, feeling it takes away from what the characters want to say, and I've had author-friends who detest flying by the seat of their author pants because the writing produced never seems to gel and come together. What do you prefer? Check out what the AtBaP authors of July think and share your own thoughts!
This week, we ask the Plotter-Pantser question to author Deborah Batterman whose collection of short stories, SHOES HAIR NAILS, was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
The settings of these stories - 1980s New York City, 1950s Brooklyn, Las Vegas, an exurban town post-9/11 - are as diverse as the rich palette of characters drawn with heart, humor, and sensuality. With a sharp sense of the telling detail, Deborah Batterman weaves narratives around the everyday symbols in our world and their resonance in our lives.
Stop by All the Blog's a Page today to read Deborah's engaging response to the plotter-pantser question; more than likely, you'll see some truth in her words.
All the Blog's a Page ~ [site]
Permalink ~ [link]
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Knowing Your Editor's Editing Philosophy
My latest Blood-Red Pencil post, "Knowing Your Editor's Editing Philosophy," came about after reading another BRP bloggers post titled "Who Is Your Editor?" There has been plenty of advice for writers about researching agents and publishers and making sure writers have a good fit with these people; it's equally important to have a good relationship with your editor and to know what type of editor you need and want. That's what I talk about, briefly, in this latest BRP post. Check it out here, and leave comments!
The Blood-Red Pencil
Sharp and pointed observations about good writing
[http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com]
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