Chickadee Words

View Original

Emeline - Big Decisions Is Finally Underway

Photo by Karolina Badzmierowska on Unsplash

The History Quill Group Coaching Programme

Because we’ve been working on houses for the last year, my writing has been taking a back seat. However, I’m pleased and excited to tell you that I’m in the Writing Groove, at last. To keep me accountable and make this next book the very best I can, I’m thrilled to have been accepted by The History Quill Group Coaching Programme which is based in London. Each month I’ll be submitting 1,000-5,000 words for critique and learning from two others I will critique as well. Additionally, we have lessons each month, Q&A sessions, and more. After three months, I will receive a one-on-one with the Lead Tutor, Louise Hare.


The Story Equation

I’ve learned a lot from this little book! It is simple, insightful, and helps with character and plot development. Many books do this, but this one speaks to me. Character study starts with a very simple question: “Who Are You?” Answer for your character in two words — one adjective and one noun. Then interview your character by asking questions like why are you (adjective) and what makes you a (noun)? Other questions come up too, like “What is your greatest fear? What do you want? What event has hurt you? What is your flaw? What are your competing values?” and so on. I highly recommend it for those of you who are writers or “would-be” writers.

It’s so much fun to talk to an imaginary character that YOU totally make up out of thin air and watch them take a realistic form of a person who we truly understand and CARE about. I’ll give you a hint about the three main characters in Emeline - Big Decisions. Even minor ones receive the same treatment.

  • Emeline: Courageous Traveler

  • Jonathan: Proud Craftsman

  • Will: Enterprising Farm-hand


Eric Hollenbeck, Blue Ox Mill

The upcoming blog on October 18th (happy birthday, Barbara!) will feature a Zoom video with Eric Hollenbeck of Blue Ox Mills in Eureka, CA. We will talk about the old-time ways of millwork. He’s a master craftsman and — probably the most notable in the field of restoration of wood trim in the United States.


Chickadee Cheer October Giveaway Winner!

This month’s winner is Yasheila! Congratulations. You’ve won the audiobook experience of Emeline - A Journey. I will contact you by email. When you confirm its receipt, I’ll send you a code for the free audiobook. Abigail VanTerry did an amazing job narrating this story. It doesn’t disappoint.

After you listen to it, please give it your honest review on Amazon. Thank you!


Enjoy the fall weather, changing leaves, apples, pumpkins, mums, and all things autumn.

Blessings.