Turning an Idea into a Plot

good advice

Uninspired Writers

Good morning writers, I hope you’ve had a great week.

I took a little time out this week, and took myself to Edinburgh for a few days. It’s an amazing city, and my aim was to spend some time alone, plotting novel 2 ahead of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).

Whether you’re planning to take part in NaNo or not, you may sometimes find yourself struggling to turn an idea into a full plot. I know do. So I’m going to share with you my method for turning a fledgling idea into a full story outline. (Please note, this is not a guaranteed guide, it works for me but may not work for everybody.)

Take a look at the following eight steps, to turn your novel idea into a plot:

1. Spend some quiet time thinking
The first thing I do when I have the stirrings of a new…

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Dinner And A Movie Monday-The Light Between Oceans

Tags

lighthouse keeper, movies, period drama, poignant

The Light Between Oceans is a 2016 period drama based on the novel of the same name.  An international co-production between the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, the film stars Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Rachel Weisz, Bryan Brown, and Jack Thompson. The film tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who rescue and adopt an infant girl adrift at sea. Years later, the couple discovers the child’s true parentage and are faced with the moral dilemma of their actions.

Tom Sherbourne has been traumatized by WWI. He feels a terrible guilt because he survived the war when so many others didn’t. He takes a solitary job as a lighthouse keeper and falls in love with Isabel…something he never expected. He is willing to do anything for Isabel’s happiness. Even sacrifice his principles. But when he realizes he can’t continue, he’s willing to go to prison for her.

It’s a poignant, touching movie with brilliant scenery and beautiful music. Get your hankies ready. FYI: Michael Fassbinder and Alicia Vikander fell in love during the filming of this movie.

Hokey Pokey

The recipe I chose is a candy made in New Zealand. Hence the Chelsea white sugar and Golden Syrup. I’m assuming you can substitute. I’m going to try this one soon!

Grease the base and sides of a 9X9 tin with butter.
Place Chelsea White Sugar and Chelsea Golden Syrup into a heavy-based saucepan. Heat gently, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.

Increase the heat and bring to a boil. Boil for two minutes. Stir occasionally, if necessary, to prevent burning. Remove from heat. Add the baking soda and stir very quickly – the mixture will froth up rapidly.

Pour into prepared tin immediately. Leave until cold and set then break into pieces.

Coat hokey pokey pieces in melted chocolate for an extra special treat!

 

It’s Finally Here!

Here in Texas, the first day of fall sometimes slips by virtually unnoticed, but this year was an exception. It began with a downpour. Heavy dark clouds, a little fog, and chilly weather set the tone for the day.

Made me want to pull out my recipes. After months of salads and quick meals, nothing sounds (or smells) better than a pot of homemade soup and hot bread. I’ve already changed my comforter and added another thin cotton quilt for cooler nights to come. My tub of fall decorations is sitting in the living room, waiting.

Soon it’ll be time to get out and look at all the fall decorations, search for the red mums and colorful pumpkins I use on my front porch. October is a busy month. Our town hosts Autumn Trails every year so there’s something going on every weekend. My daughter and I usually go to the Arts and Crafts show for her birthday. My sister and I plan to go to Canton to celebrate our birthday at the end of the month. And every year my son and daughter-in-law host a Halloween party.

I’m looking forward to it.