Monthly Archives: September 2010

When the Hero takes a trip
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So, your story begins in Ordinary City, where Hero lives and has friends.  Then something happens to impel Hero to travel to Special City, where he will find  strangers and adventures.  Good plan.  What’s the best way to move Hero from his home to his adventure?

Or maybe your character needs to get from his office in Metropolis to his grandmother’s house in Idyllic Meadows.  Does he take a taxi, subway, or limo?  When does it matter?

A Sideways writer asked that question and got some helpful, interesting answers.

Log in to join the discussion.   No luggage required.

What a ride!
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A recent grad of How to Revise Your Novel recently posted this:

Yesterday I finally completed the revision of my ms! I sent out my first submissions this morning. Now I’m going to take a few days break and spend time with my husband and daughter.
It made me see revision in a way I never would have discovered otherwise. I’m anxious to drag out another ms and start revising it. But first, a much-needed break.

She finished her announcement by adding:

Thanks Holly! I will definitely recommend this course to others! Onward!

Come and give her appropriate congratulations and good wishes.

What a difference an e-mail makes.
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A Sideways writer posted this:

Earlier today, I was feeling sorry for myself so I made a confession in here, then made some decisions about how to re prioritize my writing time and so on.


Well got in and tonight thought I’d check my email before toddling off to bed… Lo and Behold I got one from my publisher ..My BOLDPOINT Graphic Novel A.K.A Nikki has won another award. YAHOO !!


It’s a Learning Magazine 2011 Teachers’ Choice for Children’s Books Award.


Log in to offer your congratulations and get the full scoop on this story.

Real life stole my plot!
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What happens to your book when real-world events mirror those in your fictional one?

Do you delete your manuscript and start a new story, one that doesn’t feature those events?  Or do you rush through revisions, hoping to get your work to bookstore shelves while the events are still topical?

Is there a third way?  Log in to join the discussion.  The fact that you write about dragons and space travelers doesn’t mean this couldn’t happen to you.  Be prepared.  Be very prepared.

Who’s in your attic?
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One of the most enjoyable, creative, and useful projects for How to Think Sideways writers is meeting and getting to know their own muses.  Since the muse could take any form, what’s the process for recognizing her?  Or him?

Dragon? Panther? Tinkerbell?  Leather-clad hot guy?  When the muse strolls across your keyboard or hooks a ride on your ceiling fan or whispers in your ear, does she create a cool breeze, a riffle of rose scent, or the gentle song of temple bells?

Is it okay to have a team of muses, or are they rationed?  Your ideas are welcome, so chime in!

A convention of hermits
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For most authors, the days of the glamorous publisher-financed book tours are past.    However, today’s storytellers have a whole new world to create, and it’s a world where they and their readers can meet one-on-one.  For the readers, no jostling in line.  For the writers, no strange, miserable chairs and writer’s cramp from scrawling autographs.  No–shudder–fluorescent lights!  This world is a place of grace, created by the author for his readers to explore.

Log in to join the discussion about creating an author’s website.

Workshop on Main Street
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If you’ve ever wondered what a professional writer’s first draft looks like, now is your chance to find out.  Holly is posting her new novel, Talysmana, as she writes each scene.  Holly says this is the closest she’s ever come to pure pantsing and promises to show her work, defects and all, as she creates the story.

Log in to read Talysmana as it grows.

Grad Novel Closes–HTTS Expands
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Hey, HTTS Grads–

It’s time to transfer your account from Grad Novel, which is closing soon, into the extended Think Sideways so you can continue to get updates and upgrades and use the community.

To do this, log into your account.  Once you’re on your student page, go to UPGRADES.

Don’t miss both the upcoming HTTS walkthrough and having your account transfer to the new site.  This is going to be so great!

Check the e-mail account you use for messages from the Writers’ Boot Camps for full details.  (We’re also discussing it in the HTTS forum.)