Category Archives: Backstory

Backstory: Putting your world in context

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Donna Maloy, Author

Context = Clue Context gives us clues to the meaning of an unfamiliar word, the emotion behind a friend’s reaction, the point of a political slogan. The word “flag” can call several images to mind. But even if we’ve never … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Backstory, Backstory, Craft of Writing, Description, Differentiating Characters, Editing, Interaction with Setting, Interior life; interiority, Words and Phrases, world-building, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Monday Advice from Editors and Agents: Motivate Your Characters’ Decisions

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Donna Maloy, Author

Today’s (one day late) advice comes from agent Peter Knapp of New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. Peter will be part of the faculty at the Pacific Coast Children’s Writers Novel Workshop and Retreat, September 23-25, 2016 in Santa Cruz, CA. (Note: there will … Continue reading →

Posted in Avoiding coincidence, Backstory, Backstory, Character-driven action, Character-driven action, Characters, Conflict, Contrived Plots, Craft of Writing, Editing, Foreshadowing, Mistakes and Consequences, Motivation, Pacific Coast Writers, Plotting, Resolutions, Revising, Stakes, Story Elements, Teaching Writing, Teen Authors, Teen writers, Teen writers, Workshops, Writers Conference, Writing, Young adults | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Backstory: Putting your world in context

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Donna Maloy, Author

Context: the set of circumstances or facts that surround a particular event, situation, etc. Context can give us clues to the meaning of an unfamiliar word, the emotion behind a friend’s reaction, the point of a political slogan. The word … Continue reading →

Posted in Backstory, Backstory | 2 Comments