story & craft

Dissecting the writer’s craft via pop culture stories, and updates on particular pieces I’m working on.

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  Before Blogging, There Were Newspapers

  Posted on May 17, 2012 by Kat French in story & craft

  So last night, I went to the monthly meeting of Quills & Quibbles writers’ group at the Harrison County Public Library. Lee Cable, formerly of The Corydon Democrat, was our guest speaker.  A long time contributing feature writer who also covered local politics and other news, Cable has recently retired and is going to be [...]

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  Writing Notes: Character Development Challenges

  Posted on May 14, 2012 by Kat French in story & craft

  So yesterday, I finished up my second draft of Bitter Cold and sent it off to Echelon Press as part of the Once Upon a Clockwork Tale project.  Then I watched the season finale of Once Upon a Time. It was a big night for fairy tales in the Grey Cottage. I’m sure it will [...]

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  Good Storytellers are Good Listeners

  Posted on May 9, 2012 by Kat French in relationships, story & craft

  I have a friend who is almost a good storyteller. He has a wealth of interesting, eclectic life experiences and knowledge to draw from.  He can tell a story in a funny and entertaining way. He can tell a good story. But he’s not a good storyteller. Why? Because he doesn’t listen to the audience. Whether it’s [...]

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  Sympathy for the Duck

  Posted on May 2, 2012 by Kat French in real life, relationships, story & craft

  We’re all familiar with the fable of the ugly duckling. It’s easy to empathize with the kid who struggles growing up in a family where s/he feels defective for being different. At least, I can certainly relate to that character. But I had the thought today that being the Mama Duck in that story is [...]

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  Sometimes a redneck zombie is just a redneck zombie.

  Posted on May 1, 2012 by Kat French in story & craft

  So last night, The Man and I went to see Cabin in the Woods.  We almost never watch horror movies even on DVD, and this may actually have been the first one we’ve seen together in a theater.  I’ve been angsting a little lately about choice and free will, and the lingering feeling that all [...]

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  Friday is for Fiction: The Chronological Man

  Posted on April 27, 2012 by Kat French in story & craft

  So, I have been admittedly lax about my “Friday is for Fiction” reviews because apparently, Friday is also for Date Nights. The Man and I have a short window left when The Boy is both old enough to babysit The Girl, and yet not old enough to have a driver’s license. Plus, we know how [...]

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