Cupcakes and Writing: Coffee

Coffee: Plot

According to GanoCup.com, coffee has become the second most popular drink in the world (after water of course).  They state that over 400 billions cups are consumed every year, making the coffee industry valued at 80 billion dollars.  And so, it should only follow that the world’s favorite drink should be transformed into cupcake form.  Now, I’ll admit, I’ve never had a coffee flavored cupcake, but I know they exist.  And if you were to hand me one, I'd gladly try it.  I’d imagine they taste like a Starbucks—the bitter smell of coffee, sweet smell of sauces and sugars emanating from the little cakes.  

And just like I go to a Starbucks to meet a friend or get some reading or writing done, people get their coffee to help them as they scurry around crossing things off their to-do lists.  Just as a coffee lover wants/needs their caffeine to keep them going throughout their busy day, so a good story needs an intriguing plot.

Whether you're participating in NaNoWriMo this year or not (I am for the fourth time and have yet to 'win') plot is something that is foundational to any story.  My first manuscript I ever wrote was a flop simply because it was so character-driven and had very little plot.  Not that characters aren't important, but if you want your readers to care about your characters, you have to give them a story they care to sit through.  And our goal shouldn't just be that our readers sit through our book, but that they're at the edge of their seats, turning those pages, rooting for those characters, "just one more chapter" kind of sitting through our books.

I have yet to learn the secret to developing a great plot.  I've read lots of helpful books, but I'm still not there.  I'm more of a 1) get the story out there, 2) think about it a looooong time, then 3)  revise it so the plot is more suspenseful.  And repeat steps two and three a gazillion times.  

I've learned a few tricks.  Such as make sure the inciting event occurs in the first chapter.  End each chapter with a cliffhanger. Each chapter should contain some kind of conflict.  Make sure there is something at risk for the main character and that they have strong motivation.  Start strong with a great hook.  

I wish I had the secret to developing a great plot.  Just as I wish a delicious frappe would plop in front of me anytime I sit down to write or read or surf the internet.  Or that I had a coffee flavored cupcake to try.

I'll just have to settle with learning new tricks for developing a stronger story.  Just like I make my own frappachinos.  But man, those things taste amazing when you have to blend all those ingredients together yourself.  You appreciate them a little bit more.

Hey readers and writers, what do you think makes a great plot?

Writers, what tricks do you have for developing a strong, intriguing plot?

And anyone else doing NaNo this year?

Cupcakes and Writing: Chocolate

I decided to combine two of my favorite things, cupcakes and writing, and each Wednesday another cupcake flavor will be compared to an aspect of writing.  Well, until I run out of flavors, or inspiration, whichever comes first.  Bon appetit!   

If you've missed any of the first four Cupcakes and Writing posts in the series, you can find them in the archive here.

Chocolate:  Hooking Your Readers

Mmm. Delicious, creamy chocolate. When things get tough, that's where I turn. When I'm frustrated, I grab a few pieces of chocolate. Bored? Unwrap a few Hershey kisses. Stressed? A little hot fudge drizzled on my ice cream. Happy? Time to celebrate with (what else?!) chocolate. And of course, chocolate cupcakes are up there as one of my faves. The hubster knows this. He knows if his wife is getting a little emotional, throw her a few chocolates and run.  To put it simply: I am a chocoholic. I am addicted to the stuff.

How is that any addiction starts?  Something grabs hold of you.  You like it.  Before long, you need it to function.  You may or not be aware of it's hold on you, but it makes you feel good, and you know when it's been a while since you've had it.

When we write a story, we want to write something that captures the attention of our readers.  We want them to become addicted to the story, to NEED to know what's going to happen next, just like I think I "need" chocolate.  To get their reading fix with YOUR book and not someone else's.  

I've lost count of how many times I've rewritten my intro.  I've changed POV's and started with different scenes.  I am in no way an expert on how to write an intro that "hooks" readers, but I've found that I prefer intros where I can immediately identify with the protagonist and where they're thrown into action immediately.

It seems there are so many ways to begin a story, and everyone has different opinions about what to do and what not to do.  So, if you're struggling with your intro, struggling to hook your readers, I highly recommend you read Les Edgerton's Hooked.  It's a fabulous book for not only helping you write that captivating intro, but to keep the momentum going throughout your book and write a compelling story.

One that could be as addicting as chocolate. :)

What tips do you have on writing an intro that "hooks" readers?