Saturday 23 March 2013

Back Story


For something different, I have written a little back-story from the point-of-view of one of my other main characters.



Here's Louie's Story

Louie sifted through the charred remains of his home.  Not much remained.  He picked up a scorched jewellery box.  Holding his mother’s precious possession brought a tear to his eye.  His mother was gone.  Gone, as swiftly as the firestorm that had engulfed them.

He opened the lid of the box, and his heart skipped a beat.  Photos.  Probably the only remainder of any treasured memories he owned.

As he flicked through them, one caught his eye.  The old black-and-white photo showed a lone man leaning against a fence.  Louie had never seen it before.  Due to the fire damage, the man’s face was unrecognisable, but Louie could just make out the words on a sign in the corner.  Di Rossi’s Vineyard. 

He turned the photo over.  The writing that was scrawled across it read, Johnny, Yarloop, 1965.  He frowned.  Yarloop?  Where the hell was that?

Coming Soon.  Read the Blurb.




Saturday 16 March 2013

Characters


Picture:FreeDigitalPhotos.com



Characters are fundamental to a story and may be classified as ‘good’, ‘bad’ or ‘neutral’.

A ‘good’ character does what is right or tries to.  A ‘bad’ character causes the needed conflict in the story usually because of their selfishness.  A ‘neutral’ character is often a combination of the two and readily changes depending on the circumstances.

The dishonest, morally corrupt, manipulators, and the indifferent, are just as important to the story as are the fair, compassionate, protectors and supporters.

The writer cannot create characters to be solely perfect, villainous, or stagnant because that is not realistic.  Each character must have a range of emotions, thoughts and reactions. 

By placing characters in bad situations, the writer allows the reader to discover how the characters will react.  Will they be cowardly or brave?  Will they be selfish or do what’s right?

A writer needs to ‘get inside’ the head of each character in order to understand their motives and perceptions of events because they will all think and react differently. 

Remember, one person’s molehill is another’s mountain.


Saturday 9 March 2013

One Night by Malla Duncan



4 and a half Stars. Another well-written, enthralling novel by Malla Duncan. The situation was gripping, the characters strong and intriguing. This is the third book by the author that I've read. Each one is completely unique. Mystery, humour, terror. It's all there. Malla Duncan writes a compelling thriller. Definitely recommended.  



Jeanette's 4-stars-plus book montage

An Offer He Can't Refuse
Emily's Affair
Taste
Rough Harbor
The Chosen One
Runaway Heart
Bared to You
Melodies of the Heart
Fifty Shades Freed
Fifty Shades Darker
Fifty Shades of Grey
Anon
Somewhere in Time
House Guest
A Cop, His Wife and Her Best Friend
Hero Of Her Heart
All In Time
Asking for Andre
Almost a Bride
The Fence My Father Built


Jeanette Hornby's favorite books »

Jeanette's bookshelf: diversity

In Love With Death
3 of 5 stars true
I liked the authors take on the Angel of Death and enjoyed learning about the individual characters. The story was interesting and I liked the way the author simplified the subject matter. With a little more editing and polishing, this ...
tagged: from-dec-2011-to-now and diversity
An Offer He Can't Refuse
4 of 5 stars true
A thoroughly enjoyable tale. I liked the characters and the situation they were in. A good read for romance lovers.
tagged: from-dec-2011-to-now, 4-stars, diversity, and favourites
All In Time
4 of 5 stars true
An interesting and enjoyable story. I would have liked the unique events to unravel slower and continue longer, but overall, the tale was quite engrossing. A good read.
tagged: from-dec-2011-to-now, 4-stars, and diversity
Bloodtrail
4 of 5 stars true
An intricately woven vampire tale that keeps you wanting more. The historical and scientific content was unique and engrossing. I particularly liked the way the author separated each character's story in the beginning and then tied the...
tagged: diversity, 4-stars, and from-dec-2011-to-now
House Guest
4 of 5 stars true
A short, creepy and enthralling story. The development of the main character and situation was strangely enjoyable. A good read.
tagged: from-dec-2011-to-now, 4-stars, and diversity

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