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Operation Agent Ink Workshop Check in and Agent Insider

Hey all! It's check in time! I'm sorry for the late posting. I know check in is on Monday, but yesterday, I spent the day in  Nashville Christmas shopping! I got better deals than Black Friday and I'm so happy!!

So how's your writing coming along? Any questions or comments about passive voice of plot holes? Go ahead and send them in to

workshop ink in the book at gmail dot com (no spaces)

No one sent in material last week and we missed an a half page critique from the mentors:( But this week, we have extended the half page critique~ So go ahead and send in you questions!!

Agent Inside news you can use...What do the Agents have to say this week? Let's hear, straight from the email answer!

What makes a good first sentence, first page and first chapter?


Agent Brittany Booker says -
 
First off- what makes a good first sentence is 'the voice.' That first sentence should say something about the plot, character or storyline that would let the reader know the type of voice in the story and the tone of the story. If the heroine/hero is a goofy or sarcastic character, the first sentence should reveal that. 

The first page should give us a good idea of what the character is going through, what they are thinking, or a little description of the scene that the character(s) are in. 

By the end of the first chapter, the reader should have a clear view on what the main character is going through, their goals, and a visual of the character. Also, if there are a few main characters, then the reader should be introduced to most of them within the first chapter. 
 
Agent Mary Sue Seymour says - 

The perfect first chapter begins with a great hook. The first sentence must be high interest and must begin with a scene that is immediately engaging - no set-up, which I define as setting and characterization for a hook.
 
Agent Marisa Cleveland says - 

Perfect first chapter - starts with the perfect first page - engaging and not reflective - I'm drawn to first pages where the character(s) are immediately in motion (addressing an issue) - and the chapter should always end with a hook or conflict.
 
 
Okay, and last for today, I have a question/survey:
 
Does everyone prefer the weekly workshops, like I have been posting 
 
or~
 
Would everyone prefer me to post all the workshop for the moth of December all at once and participants will have the leisure of working on the classes as time permits?
 
I know December is a busy month for many people. For me, I'll have company most of the month and will be shopping, decorating, baking, wrapping presents, et. just as many of you!

So, voice your opinions! What would you prefer???


Perfect character - if it's a hero, it's guy you would like to date [if you weren't married!], and if it's a heroine, it's a gal that could be your best friend.

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 4, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    Hi Talynn! Glad you had fun shopping. Personally, I like the posts as you're doing them. I'm afraid if you posted them all at once, I'd be a slacker,but that's just me.

    Loved the information about the first chapters and sentences-- thank you.

    After a couple days of sulking and licking my writer wounds, I am ready to rip my original MS to shreds to start a rewrite. I feel like I'm starting over!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ink in the BookDecember 4, 2012 at 4:39 PM

      I'm the same way sometimes. Having a weekly prompt seems to keep me motivated:)

      Delete
  2. Katie HamsteadDecember 4, 2012 at 2:14 PM

    I like having them spread out too. Reading one at a time only takes a few minutes and I can do it on my phone while I'm on the run.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ink in the BookDecember 4, 2012 at 4:40 PM

      Quick reads are easier to digest, so yes, keeping them weekly and short in length helps stay on top of things!

      Delete
  3. prerna pickettDecember 4, 2012 at 2:28 PM

    one at a time works best for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ink in the BookDecember 4, 2012 at 4:41 PM

      I think for me too, so unless anyone offers a different idea, it looks like weekly workshops wins:)

      Delete
  4. MorganDecember 4, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    Looks like you're doing fun things here, Ink! Really cool. :D

    ReplyDelete
  5. T.J.December 4, 2012 at 4:44 PM

    I like the current format :) Sorry, I did have questions, but the issues arose with a recent dream job acceptance and personal issues slamming home LOL

    Funny that my current MS is set in Nashville. LOL So glad you took some time to yourself!

    I need to write, or I'm going to miss my goal. Icky!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ink in the BookDecember 5, 2012 at 12:11 PM

      Home and family first. Always! And congrats to the dream job! Yay!!!

      Delete
  6. Tonja DreckerDecember 5, 2012 at 4:45 AM

    One at a time is great for me too. I already have a lot of catching up to do.
    Glad you enjoyed your shopping trip :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ink in the BookDecember 5, 2012 at 12:13 PM

      I like the one at a time, too. That's kinda what I thought, but I wanted to ask so all would be happy this holiday season:)

      Delete
  7. Brianna ShrumDecember 5, 2012 at 8:08 AM

    One at a time is cool with me! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownDecember 5, 2012 at 11:48 AM

    Thanks so much for this post. (And I'm so glad you got some good deals!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ink in the BookDecember 5, 2012 at 12:15 PM

      I love finding good deals. Christmas time deals are even sweeter!

      Delete
  9. Lanette KautenDecember 5, 2012 at 7:16 PM

    I vote for one at a time.

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownDecember 6, 2012 at 6:38 PM

    Agreed with everyone. One at a time is good. And these are wonderful pointers, Talyn. Thanks for the incredible workshops. Usman

    ReplyDelete
  11. Katie HamsteadDecember 6, 2012 at 7:09 PM

    Hey I was wondering if my emails are getting through. I've sent two things at different stages and heard nothing back :-(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ink in the BookDecember 6, 2012 at 7:37 PM

      Let me check Katie. I'll let you know in a second...

      Delete
    2. Ink in the BookDecember 6, 2012 at 7:42 PM

      Katie, I don't see your two emails. Plese resend them to

      workshop inkinthebook (at) gmail (dot) com

      I'm so sorry! I dont know what happened!

      Delete
    3. Katie HamsteadDecember 6, 2012 at 7:55 PM

      ok! I thought that was the case! I'll try sending from a different email address

      Delete

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