Comments on: Romance Writer, Amateur Psychologist

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:33:24 +0000

Literary fiction doesn’t have much in the way of dialogue prob, Maisey, so maybe that’s why your creative writing teacher told you you had too much. Three cheers for romance! Because I lovez my dialogue too and that’s what they like about me as well.

By: Maisey

Maisey — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:25:25 +0000

Just on the subject of dialogue, my old creative writing teacher always told me I used way too much. I didn’t listen. Come to find out, my ed thinks my dialogue is my strength. Not coincidentally, she said my characters were a strength too. I think it’s because, and I think it was Trish Morey who said this, “Nothing is more interesting than what comes directly out of your character’s mouths.”

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:51:16 +0000

Becca – you know that’s SO true. If I was going to quit, I would have done so after my full was rejected actually. But no, here I am still. For my sins. 🙂

Eve – love the hugs! 🙂 Yep, your old heroines sound like mine. Hee hee. But yeah, like that observation – I’m a dialogue girl myself. Good luck with Modern!

By: Eve

Eve — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:29:45 +0000

Hugs to you!
Today will be rough but tomorrow I know you’ll get on with what you do best– write. You're going forward and upward. No doubt about it. Because you see, talent always wins out. 

Amen to your editor. I agree character driven stories are the most difficult to write. To complicate matters, the 50,000 word limit challenges real character development.
My earlier heroines were stimuli-induced amoebas and as deep as a teaspoon of water plus TSTL.
Years ago after sharing a movie with friends, we were talking about the comedian in the film in his first dramatic role. A friend’s husband made an acute observation that to this day stuck with me. ‘It takes a very talented dramatic actor to perform comedy’. Unlike drama comedic characters are rarely plumbed but cleverly conveyed in phraseology.
I’m targeting Modern with its dramatic flare and the one conversation taught me to turn up the dialogue to enhance characterization. Freudian slips anyone. 

By: Becca J. Heath

Becca J. Heath — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:03:17 +0000

Hugs Jackie!
Oh to be getting closer but having the damn thing seem further away. It's all progress and they must see SO MUCH in you.
Deep breaths and soldier on - cos if you could have quit you would have ages ago.
You'll make it!

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:09:19 +0000

Kerrin – yes it is positive. Have to keep thinking that! Thanks for the Kiwi support. 🙂

By: Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:08:20 +0000

Romy - yes, I do know what i need to do. And I can do it!

Judy - what a lovely thing to say! Thank you. Hopefully when I get there I'll find you enjoying the view too. :-)

Angie- thanks for the hugs. No, not precisely no external conflict. You need the external to bring the two together. Just once they are together, it's all internal. Which is why you need such strong conflict because that carries the story. This is for Modern/Modern Heat only I mean.

Lorraine - the champange's in the fridge. Been there for a while but that just means it'll be extra cold when I finally get to open it. :-)

Maya - yes the ed is very awesome. I can't believe she's been so patient with me. That in itself is something to celebrate.

Suzanne - an incentive is definitely what it is. I am keeping going!

Sally - I've got my Lindt 85% cocoa solids ready in the cupboard. Chocolate is all part of the plan. :-)

Sri - lovely hugs, thank you! I've sent the ed a few ideas on how to make the characters stronger and have asked whether she wants to see an updated synopsis and partial. Don't think the synopsis really did my heroine justice to be fair. Will let you know what she says.

By: Kerrin

Kerrin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:38:23 +0000

Wow what really positive feedback, they really want you Jackie! Keep working, you are almost there!!
Huge encouragement from fellow kiwi xx

By: Sri Pammi

Sri Pammi — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:16:08 +0000

Hi Jackie,

I'm so sorry. Lots of cyber hugs to you. Anyone who thinks this is easy should have their head examined.
Does the ed want to see the partial after the heroine is fixed?

Wow, that sounds weird!
Onwards and upwards, dearie!

By: Sally Clements

Sally Clements — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:59:54 +0000

Jackie, when all else fails remember the restorative power of chocolate. or in my case, liquorice all sorts.
Great to have feedback from ed too. Best of luck.