notebook #4 for my current wip
I’ve been playing with characters for a new YA story since April. About six weeks ago, I started to play with a draft. Last month at writing group, Ruth helped… Read more notebook #4 for my current wip →
{Discover.Play.Build.} Generating Story Ideas
This week I talked with some third grade writers about the way writers generate story ideas. The point of a writer’s notebook is to use it as a tool to… Read more {Discover.Play.Build.} Generating Story Ideas →
{discover.play.build.} character wants
Just like real people, fictional characters are driven by their wants. And just like real life, if I can figure out what people want, it’s a lot easier to understand… Read more {discover.play.build.} character wants →
{discover.play.build.} bone map
Getting to know a character bymaking a bone map. I like forcing myself to think about characters and their lives by making different kinds of lists and maps in my… Read more {discover.play.build.} bone map →
{discover.play.build.} "hands" list
I was reading b.’s blog, Live…Write…Teach…, and was reminded of making a hand list. I first saw this strategy in Penny Kittle & Don Grave’s Inside Writing. I’m glad b.… Read more {discover.play.build.} "hands" list →
{discover.play.build.} idiosyncrasies
id·i·o·syn·cra·sy noun \ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē\ plural id·i·o·syn·cra·sies Definition of IDIOSYNCRASY 1 a : a peculiarity of constitution or temperament : an individualizing characteristic or qualityb : individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food) 2 : characteristic peculiarity (as of temperament); broadly :eccentricity from: Merriam-Webster Online Keeping a writer’s notebook has helped me to notice the details surrounding me. I like capturing tiny details that become significant in crafting the story or building the character. In order to do this, I must be aware of the world around me. Just now, as I was waiting for water to boil for my tea, I looked… Read more {discover.play.build.} idiosyncrasies →
inside a locker
I’ve had a hard time getting to know the main character in my newest WIP. In fact, I filled a notebook about her and ended up learning I didn’t like… Read more inside a locker →
{discover.play.build.} make a map
Maps fill my notebooks. They are almost magical for me to find a story, to jump into a story, or to revise a story. Map of the fictional town for… Read more {discover.play.build.} make a map →
{discover.play.build.} childhood toys
A gift from my parents when I was eight. My family has been reading The Velveteen Rabitt: Or How Toys Become Real the past couple of days. I’d forgotten how… Read more {discover.play.build.} childhood toys →
Ruth Ayres Writes 