A Novel Creation www.WatersWords.com

1. You rewrite the endings of movies in your head to create the outcome you want. For example, did you know that Jack and Rose both survived the sinking Titanic, married, and lived happily ever after? Or that Captain Miller didn’t die saving Private Ryan. In my version, Ryan is the grandfather of the doctor who will discover the cure for cancer. It was a little harder to rewrite Perfect Storm since I’ve been told it was a true story, but I managed to do it. I figure if politicians can rewrite history to suit them, I can rewrite it to suit me. All survived. 2. You keep lists of names of people and places you think may be interesting names in a story someday.   Do you suppose Steele Mattingly, Cincinnati Zoo’s former veterinarian, would be opposed to me using his name in a spy novel? I’ll put him in a safe house on Crooked Tree Road in Burnt Corn, Alabama. He’ll be there protecting a woman named Diamond Lee Kinsington. I kid you not. 3. You write scenarios ...

Recently, I was part of an online discussion group focused on editing. Particularly, several new writers were asking about the importance and cost of hiring a professional editor for their work. A few were wondering where to find an editor and the moderator threw a monkey wrench into their thinking when she informed them there are different kinds of editors. Not all editors do the same job. And just because someone “edits” it may not mean he attends to spelling, grammar, and format. Then again, maybe that’s all he looks at and your story is falling apart. I tried to think of a metaphor to share with the group. I tried to find a solid illustration that would convince them they need to use editors at different stages of their work for different purposes. I couldn’t think of anything. Then I went camping. Stay with me here. I hope this strengthens your writing as well as your respect for editors. Last year, my husband and I bought a truck camper. Having camped all ov...

This week, July 15- 22, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas has put Breathing on Her Own   in the Kindle Countdown program. During this time you and your friends can download the book to your Kindle for only $.99. Don’t have a Kindle? There’s an app for that…a free one from Amazon. It will turn your computer or android into a Kindle reader. And once read, don't forget to post a review. Thanks-- Rebecca From the back cover … Molly Tipton and her husband are looking forward to retirement but Molly's life suddenly spirals out of control when her oldest daughter is involved in a terrible accident. An icy road and a sharp turn leave one woman dead, another clinging to life. While two families grieve, details emerge that reveal Molly’s daughter was driving under the influence. As she prepares her daughter for the prospect of a vehicular homicide lawsuit, Molly discovers her oldest child is not the only one injured and under attack for past mistakes. If it is true...