Comments on: Interview with Lorin Oberweger, Part 2

By: Writer Unboxed » Blog Archive » Interview with Lorin Oberweger, Part 1

Writer Unboxed » Blog Archive » Interview with Lorin Oberweger, Part 1 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:08:04 +0000

[...] words, aren’t they? Read on for for part 2 of my interview with the oh so wise Lorin [...]

By: Susan Smith

Susan Smith — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:51:50 +0000

This is great advice for evolving a manuscript. I had the good fortune of meeting Lorin at a Writing the Breakout Novel Intensive Workshop this past September. Lorin was just as approachable and knowledgeable as she seems here.

By: Maya

Maya — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:18:59 +0000

I definitely plan to try that exercise!

Donald Maass… I’d love to see more examples of exercises like this in your posts. I appreciate the general inspirational nature of a lot of your posts, but THIS exercise made me think for the first time that I wanted to buy THE FIRE IN FICTION. I’ll put it on the shelf next to WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL. :)
Maya´s last blog ..Come see "Just Say Yes" at the Haifa English Theatre!

By: Christine Goff

Christine Goff — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:01:49 +0000

Lorin, great interview. You always give such sage advice. I remember the first time I meet you at the Writers Retreat Workship in KY in 1996. Without that workshop experience and the sage advice you and the other agents and editors in attendance offered, I would never have sold my mystery series. I know, I know, I could have been more gracious about listening and not reacting. That’s one of the best pieces of advice. Listen to things people say, the reactions they have to your work, and listen honestly. Bravo, dear friend!

By: Jody

Jody — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:51:35 +0000

This is so helpful. Thanks for posting it.

By: Fred

Fred — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:44:05 +0000

Ah, narritive backstory- how can the reader really and truly understand the complexities of my character and their predicament unless I tell them his life story right now. Great interview.

By: Jo Anne

Jo Anne — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:54:07 +0000

Great blog. I hate when I reread my work, deeply immersed in character POV, and find a detached line of backstory that sounds like I’m in a boardroom reciting a report. What was I thinking? Narrative distance. It seems to be my lesson of the week, so thanks!

By: June

June — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:55:02 +0000

This post is so right on! I just attended the Backspace-Agent conference in New York. The primary reason, agents seemed to reject the work was a lack of being immersed in the scene. There was too much description, explaining, confusion-about purpose and motive. In order to get agent requests for your work, a writer really has to draw the reader into the story, into the scene so that the reader forgets they’re reading and becomes a part of the action. This seems to be a critical skill to acquire, especially for the debut novelist who still has to prove herself. Save the fancy tricks with flashbacks etc until after you have your first book deal. Perfect the basics of telling a clear, coherent story that draws your reader into the scene. You’ll stand a better chance of an agent requesting your work.
June´s last blog ..Can anyone write and get published?

By: Kimberly Frost

Kimberly Frost — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:17:07 +0000

Wonderful interview! Thanks for the terrific exercise that I’m sure any writer will find useful. :)
Kimberly Frost´s last blog ..BARELY BEWITCHED – National Bestseller!

By: CS

CS — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:04 +0000

Very helpful information. Thank you!

By: claudine

claudine — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:46:58 +0000

Great advice and perspective. Thanks for the interview and thanks to Lorin for sharing her knowledge! I found the discussion on that certain “something” particularly helpful.
I can’t wait to get your book, Lorin!
Claudine

By: Melanie

Melanie — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:21:41 +0000

The exercise at the end is just what I needed. My novel opens with a violent scene and I’m trying hard to make sure it’s not the standard grab-you-by-the-throat fight scene.

Thank you!
Melanie´s last blog ..US Airman Killed in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

By: Kristan

Kristan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:52:47 +0000

I love the overview and examples she gives in the first answer! I also really like the idea of breaking down a violent (or sexual) scene. (Funny how those two can sometimes relate…)

Great interview and pointers, thanks!
Kristan´s last blog ..Quotes and links for the writerly minded

By: thea

thea — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:43:38 +0000

thank you! i needed this help today!