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Elisheva,

I used to write a chapter every month to two months. I didn't want to write something that wasn't correct and I wasn't sure on the plot at that time.

So an example of what I'm dealing with right now…

I'm stuck with the characters in a place where they can talk, have time, and at least one character is aware of something 'not quite right'. I have to get the conversation to make sense. In other words, it's time to pass out some clues. So I'm going to write the second half of the chapter and get that over with. I have that part in my head and it is action, so it should flow pretty easily.

Another way that I get my writing faster is to write future scenes that will tie in with the story later. If a battle or encounter is really strong in my imagination, I find that I replay that part of the story in my head.  I have to write it out to move on. This is how I used to write all the time. The disadvantage is that you have to connect the dramatic parts with less-interesting moments that don't hold attention as much. 

The contribution of this site to my writing is that it made me write/publish in sequence. Now that I see the value of linear story, my piecemeal storytelling can come out of the closet and get thrown back into play…it isn't a disadvantage any more. I just don't publish those chapter until they are linked into the linear storytelling.

So anyway, consider writing ahead of where you are in your book. It really helps you with the overall plot. Even better? Write the ending. Having a destination for your story is a HUGE mental leap. It gives you somewhere to aim your arrows instead of just writing onto a blank wall.

Calorie free as well. Just not as fun if the chocolates aren't in front of your face.

I agree that the film was rife with inaccuracies, but the beefcake was nice to watch. I found it thought-provoking to learn about Thermopylae. Our entire civilization would be a very different place if the Persians hadn't chosen 1) that site to land, 2) that pass as a choke point, and 3) 300 men hadn't been standing in the way. As far as significant-globe-changing-battles, that one is certainly near the top of the list. That, and the battle of Marathon.

Here is a site I liked. http://ancientgreekbattles.net/Pages/48 … opylae.htm 

Don't know how much more accurate it is than others, but still an entertaining read.

Oh, and '300' also let Lena Headey get a meaty role (Cercei Lannister from Game of Thrones)

Consider yourself invited. It's a hike, but in the past, those who live far away fly in to Cleveland (or Pittsburgh) and have someone pick them up. I'd be honored to meet you, Elishiva. The whole shibang lasts 2 weeks at the beginning of August. I'll get a tent for you and try to find you some garb. That way, you won't feel like a fish out of water :-)

Same to you, Janet, and your boys. And husband, if he could be lured to join us. Did I mention that my group brews their own beer?

Same to you, Rebecca.

Kenny can't come because he doesn't have a passport.

NJC can't come because he needs to stay a mystery. (Though he does owe me a cup of coffee :-)

I shall stop making predictions and sit on my laurels lest I fail in being right all the time. Better to quit with a perfect record...

OK, well…fine…

Fair enough :-)

Nope, I'm not just flailing. The Steward is my top suspect.

I think this is about priorities. You have repeatedly said that you want this book to be about boinking and the mystery is secondary. Now you're asking if you can leave the mystery slightly obscured so that you don't have to add any other characters (so you are avoiding the mystery). Then you say that this mystery will be tied together over the course of three books and only resolved at the end. (Three books to resolve a mystery that was promised in the first chapter? It sounds like my story…) Then you say there is an epic battle coming but you don't want to write about a sparring contest between M and BJ. AND Aiden. Don't forget Aiden.

I find so many opinions confusing, only tied together by a bunch of tumbles in the hay, on the dining room table, and in C's bedroom.

You said, 'instead of just having Matthew noting his strength was deteriorating fast with every blow he deflected'. This is where I see you having trouble with the action. You write with an analysis, while no one has time to think between being pummeled repeatedly. Combat is about action. Movement. Ex: Go to a movie that you like, put the action scene on the screen and write it. Just for practice. Don't make the scene about who is stronger. Leave the results up in the air. Then draw the picture instead of just saying, "They struck each other with a flurry of blows."

In my (questionable) opinion, you have to tell a story well to make the characters live and thrive in your world. So if you want to present a mystery, make it a GREAT mystery. If you don't want to add characters, then BJ can't be present during the initial attack where C is injured. You have to find a way to make EVERYONE in M's world a suspect so that C is the only one he's sure that it is safe to talk to. Even the kid who overheard the conversation might be lying. Let the reader figure out who they think is innocent. Since C is the only safe confidant, this could lead to further sex, so win-win.

However, I believe (again questionable) that you need to write better combat in the beginning so it is expected at the end. A sparring match isn't a battle, but M gets portrayed as tougher if he beats BJ. BJ's reaction gives clues on how persistent he is, how much hurt he is willing to take, and how far he is willing to go. (Ergo…leading to whether he is a suspect or not). I never have any doubt that M is going to win his fights. There has to be risk. So if you have BJ as strong or perhaps stronger than M, this is a series of clues in addition to being an action scene. So learning to write better combat will increase the learning curve of your reader, as well as you.

In other words, I don't think that adding additional characters is a waste of time or that it is counter-productive to your primary goal. I've gone to a talk or two about romance. A consistent theme is that editors are looking for good stories with a love story in there. To do that, you need to work on the mystery because that is what you are selling in the first chapter.

I see your snowplow and raise you one ROTARY COMBO. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuX4G3znpDE    Take a look at this! (Bounces in delight)  There are two…only two of them in the United States. They are used once a DECADE (or for snowfall of 10 feet or more). They keep Donner pass open, which is the only freight line from Washington/ California and through the Sierra Nevada mountains.

It makes my inner geek howl with delight to see it throwing snow in excess of 300 feet. Don't stand close to this one, kiddies...

Interesting thoughts that made my head hurt. This must mean I learned something.

Happy holidays to all, in the fashion to which you've become accustomed and with the people who matter.

A

I have true Xmas off. Which is good because the last day I worked, I was alone with my surgeon for company and I admitted seven patients . Three were gunshots. I've officially decided that nobody/nowhere can shoot nobody no-how for the rest of the year.

So much that I'm not going to think about those double negatives.

Nope. Not allowed

I'm celebrating on the 26th. I hope God doesn't care. I did the same thing last year. I believe a new tradition is in order.

A

Thank you. I'm busy thinking about how pressure is dispersed through a tire...