Hi Reader,

In this issue, I want to discuss one of my favorite writing resources, Story Genius by Lisa Cron, why I love it, and how I use it in my own writing.

Note: I have no affiliations to this book or its author. I just love using it and think it's a wonderful resource for writers at any level.

Story Genius is designed to help writers develop a story idea. It offers exercises to get clear on your why (why are you writing this story, why do you care?) and the point of your story (what is the message you want to convey?).

But did you know you can also use it after you’ve written your book?

This is how I used it when I was rewriting my debut novel, One Tough Cookie. I needed to decide if I would keep a subplot about a food safety inspection or remove it. In Chapter 5, The Why, the author asks you to go deeper into your protagonist – what do they want, why, what’s keeping them from getting it (aka their misbelief). These questions helped me decipher my protagonist Karina’s journey and figure out how to integrate the subplot into her character arc.

Now I’m using Story Genius again as I rewrite the first novel I ever wrote. I’ve been trying to fix it on and off for the last 10 years, and now I’m determined to get it right. After some feedback from my agent, I realized that my plot lacks stakes, and Chapter 8, The When, is designed to help you come up with a problem your protagonist will face that will finally rid them of their misbelief.

Lisa Cron also includes questions to test the plot problems:

• Does it build over time (can it sustain a whole novel?).
• Will it present an immediate consequence that the protagonist will have no choice but to face? This is where the stakes show up--what does the protagonist stand to lose if they don't get what they want? The main story problem has to present a scenario where the protagonist will be forced to choose: will they keep going after what they want, give up or go after something else? Whatever the choice, it will cause them to change.
• Is there a ticking clock? Most plots include a deadline to increase stakes or tension. Sometimes it involves getting a job done by a certain date or some event that will happen.

After going through these exercises, I feel like I have a much better plot. Rewriting a book is especially challenging because you have to detach yourself from how it’s already written and figure out a way to make it work while also staying true to your why and your point.

But it can also be exciting to find new ways to tell your story. And there's always a way. Don't give up!

If you haven't read Story Genius, I definitely recommend you do so. It offers practical and clear advice to make sure your story has meaning. And when you're stuck with an old manuscript (like me), it helps bring clarity to your why - why are you writing this, why do you care, what is it that attracts you to this story? Once you know that, you're free to explore other ways to tell it.

Questions:

• What are your go-to writing resources?
• Have you had to rewrite a book after many years? If yes, what were your biggest struggles? How did you figure out the problem and how did you end up fixing it.

Reply to this email and let me know!

Also, feel free to send me any questions you may have. I'm happy to help!

Work With Me

My mission is for my clients to achieve a finished product that can stand out in the marketplace and reflects their vision and their message. I offer one-on-one coaching focused on the following areas:

• Story Foundation & Outline - I'll help you develop your story idea into a clear foundation before drafting. This package is best suited tor writers with a story idea who want clarity, structure, and a solid plan before writing the first draft. Price: $600 for two rounds of feedback.
• First 30 Pages Review - I'll help you polish your first 30 pages to hook readers. This package is best suited to writers preparing to query, submit to editors or contests, or who want to strengthen their opening before drafting further. Price: $200
• Manuscript Evaluation & Revision Roadmap - I'll give you big-picture feedback on theme, character arc, plot, and stakes. This package is best suited to writers with a completed manuscript who need clear direction on what to revise and how to elevate the story. Price: $400 (up to 80K words).

If you're interested in any of my packages, fill out this form to schedule a free 30-minute discovery call to talk about your specific needs.

Delise Torres Puerto Rican Author and Book Coach ​https://delisetorres.com/​

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