Learning to Write: Suzanne Gilchrist on Writing Craft

We have Author Suzanne Gilchrist talking about writing craft.

Suzanne Gilchrist can't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. Now she dreams up stories where her favourite words are … 'what if' and 'where'? Writing as both S. E. Gilchrist and Suzanne Gilchrist, she loves combining romance with adventure and suspense across many different genres including science fiction/space opera, apocalyptic, and contemporary small towns.

S. E. takes a keen interest in the environment, anything to do with space, and loves walking her two dogs and spending time with her family and friends. She co-runs the Hunter Romance Writers group and is the organiser behind the multi-author writing ventures: the best-selling Bindarra Creek Romance series, the Deadly Forces series, and the Mindalby Outback Romance series.

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So you have a fabulous idea for a book and you’re positive it’s going to be the next best thing since sliced bread. That’s excellent. However remember that no matter how wonderful or unique your plot idea is – it won’t matter one iota if the reader isn’t invested in your hero/es.

(Note: The word hero is used in this context as gender neutral and they can be both good or bad.)

The main characters (heroes) are the backbone of any story and whether this is your first book or your hundredth, they are crucial to your success as an author. It’s their ‘reality’ that will capture a reader’s interest. It’s their circumstances and their backstory and/or misbelief (also think personal wound here) that will make the reader care.

And this all has to happen in the first ten pages of your book!

Example of the opening paragraphs of Under an Outback Sky which hopefully tickles a reader’s curiosity and makes them want to learn more about Maggie and the mystery man:

“Paper cowboy heading your way, over.”

The two-way radio crackled to life rousing Maggie Hayes from her heat-induced doze. She swung her bare feet down from where they rested on the countertop and straightened in the chair. Fighting a yawn, she reached for the mic of the ham radio reposing on the shelf beside her, mumbling, “Say again, over.”

“Look sharp, Maggie. He’s already outside the store. Remember. Suss him out. We’ve got to know what he’s up to.”

And from a little further into my story:

After Maggie had handed back his change, she tried again. Snake could be wrong. The stranger could have nothing whatsoever to do with the mining company. Simply someone passing through. But passing through from where? Sturt’s Crossing was a long, long way from Antarctica. A long way from anywhere really. Which made it all the more curious as to who he was and what he was doing in their tiny country town.

“So, what brings you to Sturt’s Crossing?”

Making your readers care about your characters’ circumstances is a must – regardless of whether they are heroes or antiheroes or even characters who only play a minor role. When readers care, they will become loyal fans of your work and that is a goal writers aspire to – a fan base of readers hungry for the next book. But how do you go about making someone care? A suggestion is that you choose from one but no more than two from the following aspects and work this into your characters’ circumstances and backstory: Suffering; Lack; Humiliation; Embarrassment; Worry.

Example of Jace’s misbelief and his current circumstances:

As he wheeled his luggage bag inside the bedroom he’d chosen, he gave a satisfied sigh. Peace and quiet. Miles away from anyone who knew him. Exactly what he wanted. Sturt’s Crossing was too damn far for anyone to think about dragging their sorry butts through the Outback to hunt him down and spew guilt onto his head. No one cared enough to do such a thing anyway. He’d made certain of that – pushing what little remained of his family away until they rarely bothered to make contact. Unless it was when the date of Douglas’s anniversary rolled around which would be in three days time. Seventeen years and yet the rawness of his loss was an ache in Jace’s heart that wouldn’t heal.

Example of Maggie’s circumstances and worry:

Behind the counter, Maggie fingered the discarded wrappers reflecting on the old biddies’ comments. In particular, she couldn’t help wondering what was behind her parents’ sudden decision to return home. Since their last phone call, worry had gnawed at the back of her mind. Then to receive that text from her brother which had been remarkably light on detail despite her repeated queries to her parents as well as Glen. Could ill-health be the reason they were heading home?

Spend time on developing well-rounded and relatable people – relatable in that they have problems and/or a backstory that readers can empathise with, and/or want to be them. Then check each scene and ask yourself - do your characters react and act in a manner which is consistent with the personalities you have given them?

Example in Jace’s point of view:

Jace bolted to his feet and stuffed the book back into the old guy’s hands. “You’re mistaken. I couldn’t care less who Maggie marries.”

“Hah! I did wonder.” Brian whipped out a pen and wrote down another name.

Unable to resist his curiosity, Jace peered over the other man’s shoulder only to see his own name in bold black strokes. Leaving Brian cackling like a proud rooster on the veranda, Jace stalked inside the house, his head whirling with a fantasy he hardly dared hope could come true.

Example in Maggie’s point of view:

Maggie stared down at her hands in her lap. “I don’t like the idea of spying on my neighbours. I know everyone in this town. It’s hard to imagine anyone working against the rest of us.”

“Money does strange things to all of us. Someone could need that money badly. Everyone has secrets.”

“Like you?”

Turning to face her, he nudged her chin with his knuckle and grinned. “Good one. I didn’t see that coming.”

“It was worth a try.” She smiled.

“My life isn’t so much a suspicious secret, rather I value my privacy. I’m not one for sharing or getting too close to others.”

Was that a warning? Her spine stiffening, Maggie compressed her lips. Well, she wasn’t that desperate for a man of her own that she’d throw herself on someone who obviously wasn’t interested. She did have some pride.

How your story impacts your characters and their wounds or misbelief, and how they react and act throughout the book will immerse readers and leave them wanting more. It is through the twists and turns of your hero’s journey as your story progresses that adds breadth and depth to any plot and keeps the reader glued to each page hoping that the hero will succeed, solve the problem or attain their heart’s desire.

So work hard on those characters and make them intriguing and relatable from the first page to the last page of your story. And happy writing.

Best,

Suzanne

Is he her enemy or her future?

When a handsome stranger arrives in a remote outback town, Maggie Hayes’ almost forgotten dreams are re-awakened. For too long, she’s denied her adventurous spirit and now suddenly her future is filled with wonderful possibilities. At least it will be if only this intriguing man isn’t her beloved town’s enemy.

A past tragedy has led Jace de Haven to live without the complications of family or companionship. Yet when he meets small-town Maggie, her big heart and vibrant community spirit show him what he’s been missing. Can he find it in his soul to forgive and allow old wounds to heal?

But to have the future they crave, Maggie and Jace will need to take a leap of faith - together.

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Under an Outback Sky is a love story and the fourth book in the Edge of the Outback series. The book is about forgiving the past and finding the courage to forge a new direction in life. If you love reading about small towns, country and rural communities (like Bindarra Creek romances) then you’ll love this series – similar to books by Barbara Hannay, Bella Andre, Melody Grace, Nora Roberts, Maisey Yates, Sarah Williams, Susanne Bellamy, Annie Seaton, Fiona McArthur, Heidi McLaughlin.