Friday, October 12, 2007

Breakout Premise - Part 2

With this post, we're continuing our look at Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass.

Remember those three novels you chose? (Okay, I already know some of you cheated. You have eight. Or twelve. Or three hundred and seventeen. Whatever your count, you're still in the game, and this still applies.) Think about this from Maass: "Above and beyond the setting, characters and plot, these are probably novels that altered your way of seeing the world. If they did not actually change your opinions or beliefs, they at least showed you something about humanity (possibly divinity) you had not previously realized. They are about something. They present an outlook. They have a message."

Powerful.

Is there a strong message in the novel you're writing? In the one you're reading?

Roughly, here's the premise of Broken Bones (the manuscript I'm working on): Organ donation and the lack thereof, the money to buy them, the greed to sell them, and the people who get caught up in the game and lose. Of course, my two main players will hit rock bottom and climb back out with purpose--probably.

Call me a softie.

It's all better with friends.

2 comments:

  1. Love your new blog, Peg! I've bookmarked it, I'll be back to check on you :). Lots of good tips already.

    Check out my blog. When I have time between blog tours, I give self-editing tips. It's The Writer's Tool www.marjorievawter.blogspot.com

    It was great to see you at WFTJ a couple of weeks ago! I hope we'll catch up again soon :).

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  2. Margie, I'm so pleased to see you here!

    I hope we can share some tips.

    And, I'm trying to make sure I can get to the next Tuesday morning meeting of WFTJ.

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