Line by Line 10/07/2020
#WritingCommunity,
You are invited to #LineByLineTime, A Mini Critique Hour hosted by @graestonewriter on Twitter.
In the movie, Gore Vidal’s Lincoln, the president “runs the lines” of The Gettysburg Address with his aides, saying, “I have a short short short speech, which I will try out on the chickens, as the farmer said.”
(Marvelous, powerful movie that has haunted me all these years.)
Each week #LineByLineTime writers share lines from their WIPs. (Try it out on the chickens, as the farmer said.)
During the hour, there will be a focus question, a chance to share, and a time for “best in show.”
…Nex
Next Time: Introducing a Supporting Character
Wednesday, October 7th, at 9:00 PM Eastern, the
This week we share lines that introduce a supporting character––or perhaps an antagonizing player.
I am using Betsy Byars Good-bye, Chicken Little, and The Cybil War for our Line-By-Line exercises. Byars wrote MG books for years, won prestigious awards, and knew her stuff. Betsy passed away on February 26, 2020.
Our example comes from the first page of Good-Bye, Chicken Little. I admire Byars’ ability to introduce Conrad while hinting that Jimmie Little has had his share of bad news. The reader doesn’t have to go much further to find more bad tidings are in store for Jimmy.
Your uncle’s getting ready to walk across the Monday River!” his friend Conrad shouted. He was panting for breath.
It was Conrad who brought Jimmie most of his bad news, and all of it in a loud, excited and—it seemed to Jimmie—happy voice.
I hope you will join us Wednesday for #LineByLineTime.
Feel free to make helpful suggestions about other lines the group might explore in the future.