Historical fiction novel set in the Bronx in the mid-1960s
Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.
They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
I was asked if I would post about dialogue, character building and plotting, etc. I shall start by being honest about myself. This kind of thing intimidates me because I do not consider myself an expert writer no less an instructor. Okay, I have thrown out this disclaimer because I am probably worried about what will follow. Anyway, here goes.
Let's start with "plotting". For me, I have the idea in my head. The more I think about this idea the more vivid things become. It is as if I am picturing a house I want to build. I know where the foundation will go and I can see the finished product with its roof, windows, doors, shutters and even shrubs. But, I have not been inside that house nor have I painted the outside. I still have to install plumbing, heating, electrical, cabinets, sinks, decide on colors etc. That's what it is like for me when thinking the story through from beginning to end. Where and how all of those necessary parts and pieces will fit together I do not know. It happens as I write and there are many changes that continually take place. By the time I have actually finished I have re-constructed that "house" many times before I even considered moving in.
As far as the characters are concerned, (the people living inside this house), you have to get to know them quickly but only enough so you want to know more about them. As I write, these folks develop and sometimes even I am surprised when I find out who they really are and what they are capable of. Actually, it is the same as meeting real people. Sometimes you may meet someone and become life-long friends. Then there are those who initially impress you but you find out soon enough that they are trouble and you quickly distance yourself. But, you never know that immediately.
As far as dialogue: I try to write just the way people speak. I use slang ie; "ain't got" or "I dunno" depending on the character speaking. I also try to dialogue interaction where there is a minimal amount of "he saids" and "she saids". I try to do it in such a way that the reader knows who is speaking even though you are not saying who is speaking. That can be a bit tricky at times but I think it is important to do. Also, try to avoid long winded dialogue and speeches. Get it done in one or two sentences if possible.
Okay--I'm done. I thank you for allowing me visit and post here. I do appreciate it.
Thank you Larry for sharing your thoughts and wisdom on my blog today.
If you'd like to get in touch with him or Tribute books you can contact them through the links below:
Larry Peterson's blog:
http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com
Larry Peterson's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/larrytpbx
Larry Peterson's Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/slipperywillie
Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com
Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176
Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks
Larry Peterson's Bio:
Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former Metal Lather/Reinforcing Iron-worker, he left that business after coming down with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida 30 years ago. Larry began doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in 1984.
His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.
He also has a blog (http://www.
His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.
He also has a blog (http://www.
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Hey Heather (I wil reply to email today :) ) great to see a guest post on your blog. Is this your first? And he bought some great tips. I need to try to leave behind a few he said, she said tags too. I hate them when I'm reading, but as a writer I fear readers might not know who's talking. Bleh! :) X
ReplyDeleteHeather, thanks again for hosting Larry today. We appreciate your support of his new YA release.
ReplyDeleteI like how Larry said that he gets to know his characters just like he gets to know the people he meets in real life. It's a great way of looking at things as a writer, and I bet he picks up such great personality features for his fictional characters by really taking the time to notice other people in real life.
I picked up some interesting things from his post, too. I like the way he says he likes to think of plotting as building a house. I thought it was really interesting and the dialogue, making sure people could figure out who was talking by that was a good tip, too.
ReplyDeleteShah, no, I've probably had between 25 and 30 guest posts on my blog and almost always they write on writing.
Heather
The house analogy totally works for me. I always approach writing like I used to approach scenic/lighting design. It's a comfy process for me.
ReplyDelete