Athena Critique Services

October 12-23: “Show – Don’t Tell” with multi-published author Flo Fitzpatrick
Are your characters spending too much time explaining, telling, thinking,
feeling, musing, wondering or debating? Let’s turn those “tell” sentences into
“showstoppers!”

Join Flo Fitzpatrick for a fun workshop that will rev up your writing
by emphasizing action, body language and dialogue as techniques for portraying
your characters’ thoughts and feelings.

$20.00 (limit 25 participants)
To register or find out more about Athena Critique Services go to the register/questions page or
e-mail info @ athenacrits.com (no spaces)

I’ve been moving a lot the last couple of years. How much? Well, enough to be smacking my head over not buying stock in rental trucks or boxes. I’m not thrilled with the whole process but – good news – the road trip is one whale of a way to replenish your supply of great characters.

Example: I was standing inside a convenience store waiting for the friend who was helping me drive finish pumping gas so I could pay. I got to talking to one of the store’s employees who’d been working an extra long double shift. Scene: Flo: “So, will you get extra time off?” Girl: “Oh yes! Actually I’m adding to other days off and getting kinda a small vacation.” Flo: “That’s great. Any fun plans?” Girl: “I’m gonna see my brother.” Flo: “Really? How nice. Where is he?” Girl: “Well, he’s coming here ’cause he’s been gone for five years.” Flo: “Where’s he been?” Girl: “Prison. He violated his parole.” Heaven must have been watching over me, because I did not have to comment. Her ride showed up and she cheerfully waved goodbye. I did the same. Moral? You can’t make this stuff up. So the next time you’re stuck for a plot or an interesting character, get out there. Take a road trip. You don’t even have to go cross-country – your local grocery or diner will do just fine.

Have you ever watched a romantic scene in a movie where the hero and heroine are talking then suddenly the musical score takes over and the dialogue disappears? The movie uses the visual of the couple staring into each other’s eyes while waves of violins proclaim their feelings. It’s a neat trick. It’s also a trick we CAN’T steal as writers because music is not going to sneak onto a page and save a sticky scene for us. We have to be clever and create interesting dialogue that can hold up without those tunes!

Dialogue is an important part of your work. Great dialogue can enhance characterization, further a plot line, and communicate back story. Bad dialogue can put readers to sleep or make editors and agents reach for the form rejection letter.

We’re starting a new year – so please join me in getting a new perspective with “Dialogue – It’s More than Just Talk.” This exciting workshop starts Jan. 7 and runs through Jan. 18th. Sign up by clicking on the Contact page or emailing us at info@athenacrits.com.

Flo Fitzpatrick

I love to sing. Love to listen to music. But there are certain venues best suited for singing; concert halls, theatres, a child’s nursery – and of course – the shower. Notice I did not include “in the pages of your work in progress.”

I’m talking about the dreaded “Sing/Song” text. (more…)

“A Little Respect”

I just finished watching the movie Giant – the 40th Anniversary video tape. I’ve seen this version more than a few times, but for some reason, I finally decided to watch the full intro instead of fast-forwarding. And I’m very glad I let it run because there was a statement made that hit me like a ” V-8″ smack in the head. (more…)