Last Friday’s winners are:
$10 Amazon.com gift cards:
Ruth Dell and Alena Tauriainen
Book- The Truth About Conferences:
Carla Kilpatrick
Book- Idea Sparking: How to Brainstorm Conflict in Your Novel
Lori Ness
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Favorite New Resource- Kiss & Tell By Susan May Warren
Yes, I know…all of you die hard writers out there have read the latest craft book by the time it hits the shelf, but I’m a bit behind. I purchase the book the moment it is available and then it sits in the cue.
Before this week, I’ve skimmed different sections of Kiss and Tell, but now 
I’m actually starting at the beginning and working my way through. Can you believe it? I found great ideas to apply by page 2.
What inspired my deeper reading besides really wanting to finally get the chance? I didn’t love my hero. That’s right, my book hero was flat.
Probably doesn’t happen to you, but I didn’t even like my hero he was so flat. Then I stumbled on this thought in Susan May Warren’s book that gave me an idea, I needed a “Boy Scout Moment”
What is a Boy Scout Moment?
This is what Susan May Warren says, “A Boy Scout moment is taking a small, yet memorable act, and building it into one of the early chapters of a book allowing us to like the hero until his Noble Cause is apparent.”
I had a boy scout moment alright, but not in the right place. I needed to move it much earlier in the story. And it isn’t just something kind for someone else, it shows tenderness and not always when the heroine is on the page.
I used to think this moment was for the heroine to fall in love with the hero, but it is also for the reader to fall in love with the hero.
Placement of the Boy Scout Moment is monumental to creating a reader who loves the hero.
Probably when Clint Eastwood stops to pet the dog while he’s being chased by the bad guys. lol
Yes..but wow is that like…wait a minute. A person would never do that…LOL! Thanks for sharing.
*Michelle Lim* *Idea Sparking – Brainstorming the Conflict In Your Novel * *Release Date September, 2012 * *Romantic Suspense Author* *Fisher Creek Collection* http://www.thoughtsonplot.wordpress.com/ * * * *
Fun! I’ll have to check out the book. Thanks.
Glad you stopped by, Julie!
*Michelle Lim* *Idea Sparking – Brainstorming the Conflict In Your Novel * *Release Date September, 2012 * *Romantic Suspense Author* *Fisher Creek Collection* http://www.thoughtsonplot.wordpress.com/ * * * *
I’ve bought Kiss & Tell–now just need time to work thru. In terms of boy scout moments, my mind hit search and came up w/ Humphrey Bogart being a gentleman to missionary Katherine Hepburn in classic movie, The African Queen. Ancient history, I know, but unforgettable.
There are those classic moments, eh Delores! Thanks for sharing!
Oh, cool! I hardly ever win anything! LOL
Well, today is your day, Carla! Congratulations!
I bought this at conference and haven’t had time to really go through it. You’ve encouraged me to get with the program. Thanks.
Have a great weekend!
You too Jackie!
Love hearing that I’m not the only one with a reading cue.