Michelle Griep

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Nix the Loud Mouths

DAY 4

Word Count: 0

Sentence of the Day:

I must admit, it is a little depressing to continue writing zero for a word count. Note to self: Lay off the cold medications and start writing!

On the up side, though, I finished mapping out a synopsis for book 1 in the Bow Street Runner trilogy yesterday. That's got to count for something. Maybe I should add a Thinking Really Hard category.

Anyhoo, here's another tidbit from The Plot Whisperer...

Don't tell a character's backstory until the readers have had a chance to know him.

Just as when you meet someone for the first time, begin by showing the character on his best behavior. Show off his strengths. Hint at his weaknesses and flaws, but keep them in the background. This gives the reader time to get to know and like the protagonist. As the reader becomes comfortable with the character, he is more apt to endure the protagonist's flaws.

Yeah, who likes a loud mouth that only talks about themselves when you first meet them?