MEMORIAL DAY
by Paula Perron
We honor those who died in the mass
For their service to the U.S.A.
And for Bravery unsurpassed
To help the world in every way
A thankful nation with one voice
Stand with families who still grieve
For many who had no choice
Yet stood for what they did believe
I pray for all who fought as one
With scars and memories new
Thank you all for a job well done
Welcome back to the Red, White & Blue
Today is the day we honor all mothers for their constant love and dedication to keeping us a close family through kindness, love and always being there for us.
*I am sending The message below representing the feelings of myself and all the children, young and old, by sending our love and appreciation to all Mothers.
Have you used Subplots while writing your Novel? If you haven’t, you are missing an important addition to add tension, suspense, and dimension to both your story and your main character, who is constantly facing obstacles. A subplot can directly increase the difficulty for the Protagonist in the main plot. It can increase the stakes for the main character by working against the goals of the main character.
A subplot, is used to add depth to your main story. By using a subplot, you will keep the reader interested and curious of the outcome.
Add Secondary Characters. All secondary characters have a story, either a past connection to the Protagonist or a present one by appearing at an inopportune time, and causing friction. Imagine the possibilities available for you to create tension and suspense while your main character is trying unsuccessfully to find a resolution to all obstacles.
For a romance novel, try a love triangle involving the Protagonist, who must make an almost impossible decision, after the arrival of the secondary character.
For mystery, add a character who is the main suspect in a murder.
All subplots stories should run parallel to the main plot interweaving difficulties with the obstacles your Protagonist is trying to overcome. End the subplots before you end the story.
NOTE: Keep in mind that the Main Plot begins and ends the Novel.
Keep on writing: Paula
I lost my dog this past week, (due to old age), and I am very sad. For over 13 years she has my buddy, my pal, my confident and companion. I miss her. I know I can never replace her, but I am a dog lover, so I am preparing myself to take in another rescue dog to love for as long as she is with me. For all of you animal lovers, who have lost a beloved pet, and know the extreme sadness of losing a part of your family, I hope this will give you some comfort: GOODBYE OLD FRIEND I will miss your soulful brown eyes That wakens me at six a.m. Your Howl when I do not rise. My shout at you to scram You followed me from room to room Making certain all is still okay Stopped to nap each time at noon Stayed next to me and did not stray I miss you old friend of mine I know you would agree You always made my life shine Thank you for what you gave to me So sleep well, my old friend So sad you had to leave I know that death is not the end But for now I must grieve BY PAULA
You decided to write a book for children. Great! You want to write one that helps them learn new words and improve spelling, while making it fun to read. Perfect!
Where to begin?
First, decide what you want to write about…a fantasy story…an animal story…, a puzzle book within a story…an adventure about a current popular superhero, all intended to teach and inspire a child’s imagination.
Worthy Suggestions:
Read a variety of children’s books from other authors. By reading their work, it will help you to plan your direction. You can also find many books at your local library. Remember what books appealed to you the most and why?
To write fiction, read the classics… the ones still read today.
Decide beforehand whether you want your book to be illustrated or text only. Note 😦Younger children prefer picture books.
Online you will find words to use for different ages such as.
SAMPLE WORDS FOR 5 YEARS OLD
be, he, me, bee, see, she, we, go, so, do, chat, bar, car, far, cow, how, now, wow, hi, by, bye, dry, ox, box, fox, pox, egg, bay, day, may, say, way, all, ball, call, fall, tall, wall, as, ask, bask, task, with, had, have, bell, fell, well, book, cook, took, band, hand, land, say, said, are, jar, tar, car, best,
SAMPLE WORDS F0R 12 years old
There are over 100 words listed, online, that middle schoolers should know, selected by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries, such as: adversary, apprehensive, banish, bluff, commotion, counter, defiance, engross, foresight, and so on. For the complete list, please visit www.visualthesaurus.com/wordlists…
Remember, your book needs to be age appropriate, whether for very young children, middle age, and young adult.
I read that “READERS MAKE THE BEST WRITERS,”
GOOD LUCK! PAULA
In my opinion, the answer is YES. …..WHY? Subplots help your story by creating Obstacles for your main character to overcome. A good subplot adds conflict and tension and runs within the main plot. It is very important to the main story. It is the Secondary tale used to strengthen the main story. It can take the novel in another direction by adding more obstacles, if you find that your story is moving at a slow pace. You can also add another subplot if your story is moving at a fast pace and you need to slow it down. Subplots can be resolved during the progress of the story, or they can be resolved at the end. You can create a subplot that is a contrast working against the goals of the main character…For instance, add a best friend who is secretly jealous of your main character, or add a business relationship which has gone sour, or a job lost. There are many ways to add a subplot to increase tension and add conflict.
Short stories do not require a subplot. However, longer short stories should have a subplot.
In writing your first book of a Series, a subplot can be unresolved at the end, leaving the reader eager to know what will happen in the next book.
When planning the outline of your next book, keep in mind the Harry Potter books…. so successful in the use of subplots, that they were visually reproduced into great movies. All of the subplots throughout the entire Series, added suspense, conflicts and excitement to the ongoing story.
Have you used subplots? Did you find them a good addition to your story?
I welcome your comments: Paula
Is it a gift from Heaven
Reminding us he is there
As we watch it drift slowly down
And embrace itself everywhere
Is it to replenish the forests
And nourish those that reside
During their long winter sleep
Until spring rolls in like the tide
This blanket of snow is comfort to all
Whether man, woman, or child
And helps us to remember
Each time it snows, God smiled
Your novel is finished — where do you begin to find an agent to represent you?
YOUR FIRST STEP: is to COPYRIGHT your manuscript, to protect your hard work. Due to Covid 19, the U.S Copyright office is closed, but you can still file by mail or on line. Go to www.copyright.gov/registration –Create a username and password; get the form; fill out, pay a nominal fee, and submit. That done, you can now begin the search for your agent.
NOTICE: If you start on line, you will find publishing services eager to read your book— asking for submissions and offering packages that may be tempting—such as editing, publishing, consulting, promotion, and distribution Before you agree to these services, check reviews, compare pricing, and most importantly, be certain you keep all rights to your book.
NEXT: Determine what category your book belongs too… Is it fiction or nonfiction? Did you write for adults, young adults, middle school, or young children? Is it a Romance, a Mystery, Science Fiction, Educational or Non-fiction.? If you are unsure, go to a bookstore or your local library and check the books you find in the various categories, until you see one that is most like your novel. Keep in mind that you need an agent who represents other writers in your category. Do not ignore those agents searching for writers. Agents new and established are always looking for authors, and will represent your interests. They know which Publisher, would be a good fit for your book, and have the experience in creating interest in your manuscript.
NEXT: Write your Query letter directed to all agents who represent authors in your category. Look on line for samples of Query Letters. Choose one that best says what you are comfortable with, and use it as a foundation for your Query, putting as much care into creating and polishing your query as done in writing your novel. Remember, the Query is to interest the agent in you, as an author. Be certain to include important facts Agents look for, such as: genre, target audience, word count, title, and a shortened version of the story, as well as a little about yourself.
Today may be your time to be discovered. Good luck!
My sincere thanks to Robert Lee Brewer Senior Editor of Writers’ Digest, for his wonderful article on finding the right literary agent.
Paula
