I love to explore writing issues, like the integration of internal conflict, and the purpose of plot, and character development.In fact, I find I never really understand, consciously at least, these issues till I write about them. For me, writing is very much a voyage of discovery.
You'll find some of these voyages in my series of writing booklets, Discovering the Story Within.
These interactive booklets don't just lecture-- they invite you to explore the purpose of the major writing elements in your own story, through questions and exercises and examples.
You can email me for info on how to buy these booklets, or you can buy all six booklets now, if you have a credit card, through my authorized online retailer, CCNow:
The Story Within booklet set, postage paid: $22.00
Motivate Your Characters
Motivation is where character and plot meet. It fuels the character as conflict fuels the plot. Use these exercises and examples to find the motivations that will drive your characters through the story... and help them come out alive.Activate Your Story
Editors today want exciting, fast-paced, vivid stories. So what do you do if your story just limps along? These exercises can help you activate your story and revitalize your prose-- without ever losing the voice and tone that make it your story.Dialogue Dynamics
Terrific, meaningful dialogue can, by itself, sell a book. But what if you don't have an ear for dialogue? What if all your characters pretty much sound alike? Here's your chance to add verve and meaning to your conversation... and make it develop the characters and advance the plot.The Character Interviews
The best way to learn who your characters are is to ask them. These three in-depth free-writing exercises will prompt your characters to speak for themselves... and to tell you who they are, what they want, and what they need from your story. One interview looks for plot connections, another investigates their secret lives, and the third explores how they have been shaped by their pasts and families.Conflict Without Combat
Conflict is one of the most important and least understood elements of writing. This booklet first tells you what conflict is not (combat), and then helps you discover and develop the conflict inherent in your plot and characters. Conflict has many purposes-- let me help you find the one that will bring the most power to your story.The Heroic Alphabet
Alpha, Beta, Delta, Theta... it's not a nursery rhyme, it's an exploration of the new heroic archetypes. Is your hero a leader? An outlaw? An artist? A charmer? Use these exercises to explore his personality and his conflicts... and to match him up with the heroine who's right for him.What Others Say About The Story Within Booklet Series
These are honestly the best how-to booklets I've read in years.
Alicia is one of the best writing teachers I've ever encountered.
I've gotten so much out of these booklets I stayed up late rewriting my book.
These booklets are gems! They're excellent!
These are definitely a valuable addition to every writer's library.
This is the best money I've ever spent on writing instruction.
The Story Within 6-booklet set, postage paid: $22.00
For information about these booklets, email me at:
rasley@juno.comFor information about my workshop tapes, click here.
For information about my plotting guidebook, click here.
Copyright © 1997 Alicia Rasley