Author Archives: Jo Whittemore
Jumping Genres
Yesterday, I had a release party for my new book Front Page Face-Off (shameless plug!). Except it wasn’t a fantasy novel like my last three have been; it was contemporary fiction, a genre I was convinced I would NEVER get … Continue reading
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Star-Crossed Lovers
If you’ve been awake for the past decade, you’ve seen some pretty unique, often freaky romances. I’m not talking about Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, I’m talking love of the supernatural kind. Vampires, werewolves, zombies, gods, faeries…have you noticed that … Continue reading
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The Showdown
When we talk about showdown, we’re talking about the major (usually final) conflict between your main character and the antagonist. Up until this point, your MC has had minor struggles, sure, but nothing compares to this. This is what your … Continue reading
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Inside or Outside?
When we talk about scifi or fantasy or any specfic world and its various aspects, there are two ways for a writer to present them to the audience: as an insider or as an outsider. By this I mean, is … Continue reading
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Coming Soon to a Theater Near You…
Spec Fic’s in the theaters, y’all! Here are some great books hitting the big screen first quarter 2010: January 15 The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold-the story of a teenage girl who, after being murdered, watches from heaven as her … Continue reading
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Creating Believable Characters
So, we’re talking now about creating believable characters because, let’s be honest, most stories nowadays are character-driven. What this means is that the main character will determine the actions and ultimate outcome of the story based on who he or … Continue reading
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The Melting Pot of Fantasy
At the SCBWI conference in LA this summer, author Holly Black made a statement that stuck with me…some of the best fantasy melds different genres (here I’m going to generalize fantasy to encompass all speculative fiction). And it’s very true. … Continue reading
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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Spec Fic…
This past weekend, I happened to catch Elf on television. For those of you unfamiliar with the movie, it’s about a human elf (I know, right?)named Buddy who was raised by elves at the North Pole (aka Santa’s workshop). He … Continue reading
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More than One Way to Make a Vampire
In honor of the recent release of a certain movie with vampires and quivering-lipped girls, I thought of how different authors have portrayed vampires over the ages. For example, traditional fiction describes vampires as somewhat captivating creatures with lothario tendencies. … Continue reading
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Fighters, Choose Your Weapons!
What’s a good spec fic story without some good conflict? And what’s a good conflict without a bit o’ bada$$ weaponry? What would I have in my arsenal? -The subtle knife from Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. Being able … Continue reading
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Parker Peevyhouse
lindajoysingleton
Joni Sensel
Chris Eboch
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Greg R. Fishbone
