‘Plan with the end in mind’ is a great saying to remember
when plotting a book. When writing, it’s
easy to become caught up in an individual, secondary character and get off
track from the main romance between two primary characters. I keep reminding myself of something that one
of my fellow authors said, ‘The reader isn’t reading your book for the
ending. Since it’s a romance, they know
the ending. They’re reading for the
journey.”
Sometimes, the journey can be rough on the writer as she
makes it rough on the characters. Most
writers are nice people, so you have to wonder where the dark nature comes from
when we’re thinking up a story with conflicts and problems that our characters
have to overcome and from which they need to learn something. That’s where planning with the end in mind
comes in. We have to know what kind of
people we want our characters to be at the end of the book. The obstacles they overcome to get there are
what make them grow. In other words,
they have to earn their happy ending.
In my November Heartwarming, At Odds With The Midwife, I had to create a dysfunctional family
and a dishonest father for my hero, Dr. Nathan Smith – very different from any
family I’ve known. The heroine, nurse/midwife
Gemma Whitmire, is from an oddball, very happy family that Nathan envied when
he was younger. When they meet again as
adults, the differences in their personalities, upbringings, experiences, and
careers create conflicts they have to conquer.
I’m hoping that they’ve earned their happy ending and that joining them
on their journey is worth the reader’s time. Patricia Forsythe grew up in a small copper mining town in Arizona where she had the opportunity to observe a great many interesting people who have since turned up in her books. She has written many romances for Harlequin books (as Patricia Knoll), as well as indie-published books and enjoys creating the kinds of stories she hopes people want to read. Upcoming books are At Odds With The Midwife, November 2016, The Husband She Can’t Forget, February 2017, and His Twin Baby Surprise, May 2017.
Your book sounds great! I love reading about family dynamics. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia. Family dynamics can be endlessly interesting -- and frustrating.
DeleteI love that quote! "They're reading for the journey." What a perfect way to describe what books do. And it's so true. You're book sounds amazing and I can't wait to take that journey with them.
ReplyDeleteI'm eager to read yours, too, LeAnne.
DeletePatti, I have this book on top of my stack as soon as I finish Hillbilly Elegy that I'm reading right now. Every once in a while I have to pop out of fiction to read a non-fiction book where an author shows us there truly are dysfunctional families. I have to read fast now to be able to start yours. I've loved every book you've written as you have a great way with subtle humor.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Roz. Hillbilly Elegy, hm? Sounds interesting.
DeleteWhat good advice. I've inadvertently followed that because I'm at page 300 with no clear picture of where I'm going! You have another beautiful cover, and I'm sure the contents are well worth your time and effort invested. Congratulations, Patricia.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes with your upcoming release, Patricia!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kate.
DeleteI love seeing how characters' background and family dynamics make them into the people they are, and how they overcome the negatives. Can't wait to read the book.
ReplyDeleteGood point. Those secondary characters sometimes run away or want to anyway with the story. I think it''s because they're easier to write as they don't carry the responsibility throughout. Your story sounds great!
ReplyDeleteReading for the journey is so true. Enjoyed this and looking forward to reading your book!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your new book, Patricia! Your cover is gorgeous. Good luck with it!!
ReplyDeleteThe new book sounds great!!
ReplyDeletePatricia, this is great advice and some that I should probably learn to take. I don't usually know the ending until I'm nearly there. I love this cover so, so much!
ReplyDelete