The second book in The Gumboot & Gumshoe Series is now out in audio book. The Dastardly Mr. Deeds, narrated by the accomplished narrator, Carrie Burgess, is now available on Audible worldwide. Carrie did a wonderful job, like she did with Gumboots, Gumshoes & Murder at capturing the world of Seal Island and all of its quirky characters. Click here for a listen on Audible.com!

BUY NOW AT: Audible.com  Audible.UK  Audible.ca  Audible.DE

I love it when someone comments on my posts and asks a question about writing, whether it be screenwriting or fiction. Because of a recent query, I thought I would post an updated list of reference books.

Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat method of screenwriting: I use this method in writing my scripts because it is what is generally accepted as the ‘norm’ in Hollywood for action and character arcs. It also works well for fiction. I can easily break out the 3 Acts of my screenplay or fiction piece and see where I am either lacking character direction or action to keep the reader/viewer engaged. This is not a substitute for good writing, but it is a well structured guideline. I used this guideline to win and/or make the finals in four major screenwriting competitions… it works. Here is a template that you can paste into a word document: (page numbers are for a script only)

THE BLAKE SNYDER BEAT SHEET

PROJECT TITLE:
GENRE:
DATE:

1. Opening Image (1):
2. Theme Stated (5):
3. Set-Up (1-10):
4. Catalyst (12):
5. Debate (12-25):
6. Break into Two (25):
7. B Story (30):
8. Fun and Games (30-55):
9. Midpoint (55):
10. Bad Guys Close In (55-75):
11. All Is Lost (75):
12. Dark Night of the Soul (75-85):
13. Break into Three (85):
14. Finale (85-110):
15. Final Image (110):

As for fiction references, the following books are ‘must haves’ for the fiction writer:

On Writing by Stephen King

The Least You Should Know About English by Teresa Ferster Glazier

The Elements of Style by Strunk & White

Writer’s Digest Magazine is a great resource. They also put out a yearly publication with a list of publishing companies and agents.

A good Thesaurus.

There are lots of other helpful books out there, but the above list will get you started.

Cheers and Happy Writing.

Look no further than One Frosty Christmas – a heartwarming tale for horse lovers aged 7 and up.

One Frosty Christmas – A heartwarming, hanky waving, Christmas classic

ORDER THE PRINT BOOK NOW SO YOU WILL HAVE IT UNDER THE TREE ON CHRISTMAS MORNING!

Teased by the local kids for being a city girl and an amputee, Hannah Storey feels alone and isolated just like the old mustang she sees on the way to and from school every day. Hannah vows to save the pony the local kids have cruelly nicknamed Frostbite from freezing to death or being sent to slaughter, but events spiral out of control. Will Hannah be able to save the pony? Will the townsfolk of River Bend ever accept her? Maybe Hannah Storey is just what the town needs to remember what love, friendship and Christmas is really about. Available in PRINT, AUDIO-BOOK & EBOOK!

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