Blog: Mel's Muse

Issues Of Trust Between A Mother And Her Child

“Can it ever be right for a mother to expose her child in the name of literature?” I asked on an online forum. It was a question which has provoked an impassioned response. But it was, itself, a response – my answer – to a recent news story which has spread itself across the...

Posted at 16:59pm on 11th March 2009

Crafting Fiction: Understanding How Scenes In Novels Are Constructed - Part 4

By now I hope you’re beginning to understand the importance of conflict in a novel, and how to incorporate the three elements of Goal, Conflict and Disaster into each ACTION scene. I’ve had some feedback from readers via Twitter, but it would be great if you could post your comments and queries at the end...

Posted at 14:16pm on 7th March 2009

Crafting Fiction: Understanding How Scenes In Novels Are Constructed - Part 3

Earlier in the week, I posted some articles about ACTION scenes. We looked at the necessity for both emotion and conflict in a novel and stressed that your reader will want, and expect, to be engaged at an emotional level. That means that they will want to live the life of your main character...

Posted at 17:44pm on 4th March 2009

Uv Book Group - Why Trust The Bible By Amy Orr-ewing

The Library at The Grand is such a comfortable venue, and so conducive to feeling comfortable in every sense of the word. Seventeen of us met on this occasion and a lively discussion followed. We all agreed it was a most enjoyable evening, with everyone making a valuable contribution. This time the questions were compiled...

Posted at 22:50pm on 3rd March 2009

Crafting Fiction: Understanding How Scenes In Novels Are Constructed - Part 2a

I know it’s not very professional to abandon a blog post half way through, and I apologise for having done so yesterday. But when your mother’s poorly and needs you, there’s just no way round it. So in the hope that you’ll forgive me, and have come back for the second half, here it...

Posted at 16:35pm on 2nd March 2009

Crafting Fiction: Understanding How Scenes In Novels Are Constructed - Part 2

I finished Part 1 of this series a couple of days ago by saying that a scene is invariably made up of three simple elements:

Goal Conflict Disaster THE CONFLICT IN A NOVEL IS VITAL TO ITS STRUCTURE

In a previous post, I’ve written about what makes a story a plot, and highlighted the significance of conflict...

Posted at 19:35pm on 1st March 2009

Crafting Fiction: Understanding How Scenes In Novels Are Constructed - Part 1

How do you go about constructing the scenes in a novel? Many writers simply sit down and write, in the belief that to do otherwise impedes the flow of creativity. Others ‘story-board’ the plot in a carefully assembled series of scenes for each character, arranged in sequence on a pin board. Yet others do something...

Posted at 11:56am on 27th February 2009

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Modern Morality: What Is Its Place In Contemporary Fiction?

See, also, my post titled: Does Glamorising Abusive Sexual Relationships Adversely Influence Society? written in response to a recent BBC discussion about the merits (or otherwise) of a book like 50 Shades of Grey.

What do you learn about life, characterisation, plot or theme from what you read, or watch on...

Posted at 18:24pm on 25th February 2009

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The Integrity Partnership Between Author And Reader

I want to consider, today, something which is relevant to human life, in general; to personal development; and to all the relationships which touch on our lives. It’s an issue, however, which is of particular relevance to writers – whether you’re a novelist, an author of self-help books, a journalist, a biographer, or a blogger.

Take...

Posted at 16:02pm on 23rd February 2009

Are Biblical Truths Essential To An Author's Understanding Of The Human Mind And Behaviour?

Andrew Motion, the UK’s Poet Laureate (a person appointed by a government who is, typically, expected to compose poetry for State occasions) has reportedly said that, “Children should be taught the Bible throughout their education because it is an ‘essential piece of cultural luggage’ without which they will struggle to fully understand literature.” (The Guardian 17th...

Posted at 17:13pm on 20th February 2009

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