tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post6180834999582194900..comments2024-03-28T14:33:26.011-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: Literary Agent Paula Munier on PLOT PERFECTJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-42851438438067759822014-11-24T11:24:00.564-05:002014-11-24T11:24:00.564-05:00I read your interview the day it appeared, Paula, ...I read your interview the day it appeared, Paula, and put your book on my Wish List. This discussion has gotten better and better. What a thought-provoking site is Jungle Red Writers!Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14412145712561180422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-40246652279462392972014-11-21T09:00:03.061-05:002014-11-21T09:00:03.061-05:00What a great interview and question and answer pos...What a great interview and question and answer postings. I'm sorry I'm a day late (and a dollar short?), but I'm a huge fan of your new book, Paula. It was immensely helpful when I did a rewrite of my book, which probably helped you being able to land a deal for me. I'm teaching/mentoring in the WCSU MFA program this semester, and your book will be required reading.Brian Thiemhttp://www.brianthiem.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-30159991380493608172014-11-20T18:00:29.345-05:002014-11-20T18:00:29.345-05:00Keenan, of course they are both great writers. Tha...Keenan, of course they are both great writers. That said: Deborah Crombie writes a series set in the UK. Louise<br />Penny writes a series set in Canada. So they can get away with omniscient POV. <br /><br />If you're writing a debut series set in the USA and want to sell to US editors, you use omniscient POV at your peril. Paula Munierhttp://www.paulamunier.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-75176953296577412882014-11-20T17:38:34.789-05:002014-11-20T17:38:34.789-05:00"it’s a red flag for editors; they assume tha..."it’s a red flag for editors; they assume that you don’t know your craft well if you are using omniscient POV. It can mark you as an amateur." like Deborah Crombie and Louise Penney? Amateurish like them?Keenan Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00020098622907001949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-86162956508156421522014-11-20T17:05:39.905-05:002014-11-20T17:05:39.905-05:00Thanks, Paula. Happy Thanksgiving!Thanks, Paula. Happy Thanksgiving!Rhonda Lanehttp://www.thehorseyset.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-52949456245609891792014-11-20T16:37:49.890-05:002014-11-20T16:37:49.890-05:00Good question, Rhonda. When I wrote my first novel...Good question, Rhonda. When I wrote my first novel, Pamela Jekyl reviewed it for me, and she told me that my big scenes were too short, especially in Act III. She told me to make my big scenes twice as long--but not to add any more events, just milk what was there. You might try that.Paula Munierhttp://www.paulamunier.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-2407831427050877442014-11-20T16:34:15.229-05:002014-11-20T16:34:15.229-05:00You bet, Leslie! Happy Plotting!You bet, Leslie! Happy Plotting!Paula Munierhttp://www.paulamunier.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-39288855182686247852014-11-20T16:29:17.509-05:002014-11-20T16:29:17.509-05:00Hi, Paula - Thank you for writing PLOT PERFECT. I ...Hi, Paula - Thank you for writing PLOT PERFECT. I picked up a copy at Crime Bake and am finding it helpful. Your book will take its place next to Hallie's and Chris Roerden's how-to's. <br /><br />I'm revising the latter half of Act III, but I'm working hard not to rush it. Yet what the NASA crowd used to call "go fever" is strong. How do you recommend we slow down those itchy fingers racing to The End? :)Rhonda Lanehttp://www.thehorseyset.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-68164132496100948132014-11-20T15:30:45.089-05:002014-11-20T15:30:45.089-05:00I'm counting scenes -- counting, counting ... ...I'm counting scenes -- counting, counting ... Whew! Got it!<br /><br />When I'm writing, I ALWAYS feel like structure is the hardest piece of the puzzle, and once it snaps into place, the picture emerges. Thanks for another set of tools, Paula!Leslie Budewitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11942314846112875042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-47420657281978990442014-11-20T14:24:06.803-05:002014-11-20T14:24:06.803-05:00No, it isn't, Lisa! It definittely isn'tNo, it isn't, Lisa! It definittely isn'tPaula Munierhttp://www.paulamunier.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-82397781419187419902014-11-20T14:00:17.236-05:002014-11-20T14:00:17.236-05:00That's so true, Paula -- writing mysteries isn...That's so true, Paula -- writing mysteries isn't for the literary faint of heart!Lisa Alberhttp://www.lisaalber.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-46227129759062728092014-11-20T13:18:53.205-05:002014-11-20T13:18:53.205-05:00Ha! Great story, Hank! Jonathan really is the soul...Ha! Great story, Hank! Jonathan really is the soul of politesse!<br />That said, this is so common that it's practically a cliche. I think it's because that first 50 pages are the ones in which you as the writer set the stage for the story you're really going to write. Like stretching before a long run.<br />Paula Munierhttp://www.paulamunier.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-77448857100764775872014-11-20T13:15:10.120-05:002014-11-20T13:15:10.120-05:00Interesting point, Lisa. Working in multiple POVs ...Interesting point, Lisa. Working in multiple POVs can be tricky. But I thin the trickiest part of plotting a mystery is that you have two main story lines: the true one, which you hide from the reader and only reveal over time, and the one you show the reader. Figuring out what really happened (the truth about the crime and your suspects) and then deciding what to tell the reader when about what really happened is the crux of plotting a mystery.Paula Munierhttp://www.paulamunier.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-28089682319169310142014-11-20T13:13:14.844-05:002014-11-20T13:13:14.844-05:00In my very first book, I would take my pages to Jo...In my very first book, I would take my pages to Jonathan, you know, five at a time as I wrote each day and he'd read, and laugh, and I'd be happy.<br /> I gave him pages 45-50. I waited, needily, for his response.<br />Nothing. <br />I came in, upset. "It stinks, right?"<br />Jonathan looked--puzzled. "Honey," he said. "Is something going to happen soon?"<br />I cut the first fifty pages.Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-5557429962527922252014-11-20T13:05:26.445-05:002014-11-20T13:05:26.445-05:00Perfection, checking in with JRW today! I'm bu...Perfection, checking in with JRW today! I'm buying this book for myself for Christmas. My strength is character -- plot I have real trouble with.<br /><br />It's not like I don't know about the three-act structure, but I still struggle. Sometimes I wonder if it's because I work in multiple thirds -- complexifies (is that a word? :-)) things.<br /><br />Paula, I'm going to buy your book today, because as someone mentioned, I also need to think about plot in a more deliberate fashion.Lisa Alberhttp://www.lisaalber.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-38095372398668764392014-11-20T13:00:44.857-05:002014-11-20T13:00:44.857-05:00Thank you, Kathy, for such a thoughtful commentary...Thank you, Kathy, for such a thoughtful commentary!<br />Teaching has come as a surprise turn in my career. I started off as a writer and editor, then became an agent after 20-plus years in publishing. Teaching has just sort of happened. I never thought I'd be very good at it--and my kids used to tell me when I helped them with their homework that it was a good thing that I wasn't a teacher, lol--so it is gratifying to hear that I might be good at it. Of course, teaching writers is a lot easier than teaching kids!<br />As for titles, I'm for a little alliteration: Gone Girl, Pride and Prejudice, etc. But you can overdo anything.<br />Re: Prologues <br />It's conventional wisdom among editors that most readers skip anything called an Introduction or a Prologue. So writers should keep that in mind.<br />Paula Munierhttp://www.paulamunier.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-64588937504733331052014-11-20T12:43:26.832-05:002014-11-20T12:43:26.832-05:00Paula, first let me say, coming from a teaching ba...Paula, first let me say, coming from a teaching background, that you are the perfect teacher. In the conversation here, you are never pompously didactic in imparting your advice and knowledge. You actually listen to others' comments and respond with understanding and assimilation of their comments into what you are advising/teaching. Your book must be exceptional. I will be buying two copies, one for my son, who is finally beginning to believe he can be a writer, and one for me, who still doesn't rule out the writer possibility, but is interested in all things writing, too. <br /><br />Great titles are a favorite subject of mine, and I even have a category "great titles" in my Goodreads book shelves. As a fan of alliteration, I often gravitate toward clever titles that contain it. However, I'm wondering what you think about alliterative titles. Do you like them? I admit that while liking them, I think that there could be a problem with being too cute. I do appreciate titles that take on multiple meanings within the book. I think Hank's titles are most effective in this achievement. Wrong Girl and Other Woman are so cleverly interwoven throughout the books in diverse application.<br /><br />It was interesting to me what you said about prologues and the ensuing conversation in the comments. I actually like prologues in books, but I do agree that calling them that is probably a mistake. My son was just talking about including one in what he is writing, but what he described to me fits. I'm thinking that it is like so much else in writing, a case by case decision. To me, the ones I've read that worked well served to whet my appetite for what was to follow. <br /><br />And, I do think that to achieve breaking the rules successfully, there needs to be an underlying knowledge of rules, a building upon that knowledge. When I worked with writing portfolios, 4th graders and 12th graders, I emphasized creating a basic knowledge of writing elements before a student could sit down and write a coherent, meaningful piece. Unfortunately, with students that involves basic grammatical knowledge as well as writing skills, and that can be one long winding road. <br /><br />So, kudos to you, Paula, for using your knowledge to help others. While writing is a solitary activity, it is comforting to know that there is much support out there and those willing to share their expertise. Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-91648358551382232862014-11-20T12:40:23.078-05:002014-11-20T12:40:23.078-05:00Thanks, Deborah! I hear you on slipping from one c...Thanks, Deborah! I hear you on slipping from one character's POV to another in the same scene. That kind of head-hopping drives agents, editors, and readers crazy. Like watching a tennis game on fast forward!Paula Munierhttp://www.paulamunier.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-82479358971589421572014-11-20T12:23:43.066-05:002014-11-20T12:23:43.066-05:00Hi Paula--Ordering your book right this minute. An...Hi Paula--Ordering your book right this minute. And I'm struggling with a title at the moment, so the title section would be especially helpful.<br /><br />I've always been fanatic about writing in scenes and keeping strictly to one POV per scene. Floating around in POV within a scene drives me crazy. Not quite the same as omniscient but almost as irritating.<br /><br />I haven't made the leap to reading books with unlikeable protagonists. Too many books, not enough time.Deborah Crombiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16988750789088153601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-47287182400825080922014-11-20T12:23:20.768-05:002014-11-20T12:23:20.768-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Deborah Crombiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16988750789088153601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-65969197071630003022014-11-20T11:57:11.059-05:002014-11-20T11:57:11.059-05:00Karen! Thanks for dropping by! Ray's book is g...Karen! Thanks for dropping by! Ray's book is great--and he's the perfect example of a writer who did his due diligence and made it happen. Of course, you were the wind beneath his wings. We could all use a Karen Salemi!Paula Munierhttp://www.paulamunier.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-75862151926565600072014-11-20T11:56:42.663-05:002014-11-20T11:56:42.663-05:00Karen! Thanks for dropping by! Ray's book is g...Karen! Thanks for dropping by! Ray's book is great--and he's the perfect example of a writer who did his due diligence and made it happen. Of course, you were the wind beneath his wings. We could all use a Karen Salemi!Paula Munierhttp://www.paulamunier.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-4566305953453040032014-11-20T11:50:10.161-05:002014-11-20T11:50:10.161-05:00Congratulations on your new book, Paula! I can'...Congratulations on your new book, Paula! I can't wait to read it. You're so right about the first 50 pages often being more about the author than the reader. The first version of my husband's new book, Terminated, was like that. Once he got rid of those pages, his story just rocketed along (and got published!)<br />KarenShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03077289621647909115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-41873041160597013072014-11-20T11:28:38.512-05:002014-11-20T11:28:38.512-05:00Ha! Karen, don't mean to give you homework but...Ha! Karen, don't mean to give you homework but that's a fun exercise, one that you can do with popcorn and wine ;-)Paula Munierhttp://www.paulamunier.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-40372827059051832182014-11-20T11:25:04.502-05:002014-11-20T11:25:04.502-05:00Thanks for the suggestions, Paula!
And for writi...Thanks for the suggestions, Paula! <br /><br />And for writing the book. Seems I have some serious homework to do. Karen in Ohionoreply@blogger.com