How do you begin a story? Not in the sense of create, but where do you start? I was always told to start in Media Res. Latin for in the middle of things. There are countless ways to start a story. I'm going to talk about a few ways to start, but this is by all means not exhaustive. When I'm wanting to strengthen a skill, I look to mentor texts. So let us take a look at some excellent stories and see how they begin.
Maudie and Arthur were not only orphaned and sold to a cruel family, their father and their name was disgraced. The twins know their father didn't do what he was accused of doing and they are determined to become explorers like their father and clear his name. Maud is a brilliant engineer. Arthur loves to read and learn and discover. Of course, the children still hold hope that perhaps their father survived the expedition south. So when they get the opportunity to go on an expedition south, they jump at the chance to fulfill a life long dream and maybe even find their father, or at the very least, find out the truth of what happened on that trip.
Now that my first novel manuscript rough draft is done, you might think I'd start on revisions. Not quite. Often writers need time and distance from a rough draft to do a good revision. I recently began grad school so I will likely set it aside for 2 years while I work on my MLIS. … Continue reading Writers of the Future Volume 33
Years ago I read The Lightning Thief by Riordan along with the rest of the world. I enjoyed the book, not enough to go on and read the rest of the series though. It wasn’t bad. My kids loved it. It is a great way to introduce kids to the basics of Greek mythology and … Continue reading Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer
The book begins with three young children, Kate, Michael, and Emma, who for unknown reasons are give up for adoption.
The Land of Stories The Wishing Spell is a fun romp through a fairy tale land.
This book has been on my To-Read List for AGES! I'd heard it was good and they were right. I enjoyed it very much. I actually picked it up a year ago and read the first chapter. I realized if I continued to read it, I'd not be able to put it down. I had … Continue reading Graceling Book Review
I saw this book all over Instagram and people kept raving about it, so I decided to try it. I am so glad I did! I love a good heist story and this is the best I've read. I read Shadow and Bone a number of years ago when it first came out. I thought … Continue reading Six of Crows Review
I received a copy of this book from Ravenswood Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is my first one ever! It's exciting! The book grabbed my attention because it has been compared to Edgar Rice Burroughs. The concept of the story is much like his Land that Time Forgot Trilogy which I loved. … Continue reading Eye of the Storm
I'm still reeling from the death of Carrie Fisher and now her mother, Debbie Reynolds. My heart aches for Carrie's daughter, Billie Lourd and the rest of the family. I've been thinking about Star Wars a lot the last couple days. I read Lost Stars about a year ago when it was released. Since it … Continue reading Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens LOST STARS
Quill and Books 
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