I’m Teaching a Workshop!

Hi y’all!

Fountain Pen Nib

May 4, 2022

I’m so excited to announce my workshop The Essentials of Characterization and Plotting that will begin at the end of June for Savvy Authors. As soon as I get a link for you to sign up I’ll post it.

THE ESSENTIALS OF CHARACTERIZATIOHN AND PLOTTING

Instructor: Tambra Nicole Kendall

Code: ESSENTIALSKENDALL2022

Characterization, plot, GMC, saggy middle, viewpoint, worldbuilding, tension

Course length: 4 weeks

Date: June 27, 2022 to July 24, 2022

This workshop material is for beginning and intermediate writers, but all are welcome!

Having a good foundation in fiction writing skills is vital. Our goal is to keep readers turning the pages and buying more of our books. Join me as we learn and discuss the techniques of characterization and plot and their relationship. Ready to get started? Here are a few of the lesson topics:

• Brainstorming: various ways to brainstorm your ideas
• Backstory, using plot sketches, show, don’t tell
• Creating three-dimensional characters
• World building, and more!

This workshop also includes a mini course on writing hot.

I hope you’ll join me for this workshop on characterization and plotting plus all the other fun aspects of writing!

Hugs, Tambra

Preptober for NaNoWriMo

24 September 2021

Old books on a shelf

Hi y’all,

I know this is a wee bit early before October but I wanted to go ahead and share some resources to help you prepare for National Novel Writing Month (November). If you have problems finishing a manuscript NaNoWriMo might help you finish. It teaches you how to muffle/choke your inner editor. Bribery works for my inner editor.

What if you aren’t writing fiction and still want to participate in this frenzied event? You can be a NaNo Rebel. A NaNo Rebel is a NaNoWriMo participant who chooses to write something besides a novel of at least 50,000 words in November. Some rebels choose to revise and edit their novels, while others wander into the worlds of nonfiction, video games, scripts, and academic writing.

Back to the topic of novel writing. It’s easy for a nonwriter or someone who only writes short stories to say, “writing a novel can’t be that hard.” It can be. Many people wistfully say they want to write a novel one day. I’ll bet they started to really think about it, then broke out into an icy sweat while slowly backing away from that idea.

Writing a novel can be a daunting task. I’ve found that breaking such a large project into smaller pieces makes the process less overwhelming and easier to organize. I write my stories in Word but keep them organized in Scrivener.

To have an idea of where I’m going, I write out what I know about the major plot points and/or the pinch points in my story. This is a good start but I also need a way to keep myself on track without interfering my flow of creativity. Using the Hero’s Journey and the 3-Act Structure, along with the plot points I’ve written out give me a road map to follow. BUT, this method also gives me the room I need if I come up with ideas that are better than my initial effort. A Google search brings up lots of resources to help you prepare for NaNo.

Reedsy has an article that explains the Three Act Structure if you’re unfamiliar with this story structure. https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/three-act-structure/

Here’s a link for the Hero’s Journey if you’d like to know more. https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-structure/heros-journey/

Author, Eva Deverell has plethora of writing worksheets to help get your Preptober off to a great start! https://www.eadeverell.com/preptober-schedule/

The NaNo website has helpful information, too. https://nanowrimo.org/nano-prep-101

Here’s the word count breakdown to reach the 50,000 word goal: 1,667 words per day or 7 pages. If you can’t sit down and write that number of pages in a single sitting you can write 556 words in three sessions which will keep you at the daily goal.

Do you have a child or teen who’s a writer? NaNoWriMo has a Young Writer’s Program.

I hope the links provide a good starting place for your novel preparation. If you’ve always wanted to write a novel, don’t put it off. Take the plunge! Don’t worry if you don’t reach the 200 pages goal what’s important is that you learned more about writing, yourself, and maybe made some new writing friends.

Keep writing and creating!

Tambra

P.S. Don’t forget my Essentials of Characterization and Plotting workshop starts October 6. Here’s the link to register! https://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/event/the-essentials-of-characterization-and-plotting/

My October Workshop

September 10, 2021

Hi everyone,

cartoon cat writing at a desk.

I hope y’all are doing well!

I wanted to let you know I’ll be teaching my Essentials of Characterization and Plotting workshop. It begins October 6, 2021 and ends November 1, 2021. The cost for Hearts Through History members is $15, non-members $25. This is the only time this year I’ll be teaching it.

The length of the course is four weeks. I post lessons every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you’d like to read testimonials from people who’ve taken the course you can find it on my website: https://tambrakendall.com

Here’s a list of the lessons. I’ve tried to organise the material so the lessons build on each other making the material as cohesive as possible.

• Lesson One: Brainstorming
• Lesson Two: Backstory, Plot Sketches, Show, Don’t Tell and Effective Description
• Lesson Three: Character is Action, Plot is Action
• Lesson Four: GMC – Goal, Motivation and Conflict Goal, Urgency, Motivation
• Lesson Five: Writing Strong Characters and Viewpoint, Deep Point of View, Stimulus and Response
• Lesson Six: Sagging Middles
• Lesson Seven: Scene and Sequel Structure
• Lesson Eight: Plotting Methods
• Lesson Nine: Creating Dimensional Characters
• Lesson Ten: Adding Tension and Danger
• Lesson Eleven: Writing Sexual Tension
• Lesson Twelve: Basic Worldbuilding

As you can see, most of the lessons can be applied to other genres of fiction besides romance. I hope to see you in October!

Here’s the link to register for the workshop: https://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/event/the-essentials-of-characterization-and-plotting/

If you’re at my website, please consider signing up for my newsletter. In exchange for signing up, I offer a mini-journal. The schedule is approximately every quarter, unless something special is occurring. I’m passionate about using essential oils/natural healing, recycling/upcycling, Celtic mythology, the Templars and Arthurian history.

Have a great weekend!

Tambra

New Website, Newsletter and Chit Chat

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the large gap of no blog posts. Life happens, we get back up, and continue on. But, I’m back again. *grin*

It’s taken me quite a while but I’ve finally finished overhauling my website and put together a newsletter. There are links to this blog, my art and photography on Fine Art America and my new Rage On! online store where I have some great designs for women, men and children. You can check it out here: https://www.rageon.com/TambraNicole

I hope you’ll stop by and visit and sign up for the newsletter. There is a section for readers to submit recipes for my recipe corner. I’m asking for those submitting to write a little about how the recipe originated, or when you make it,  what makes the recipe special to you. I’ve added one of my recipes in this first newsletter to get started. I have a teatime cookbook for those of you interested in more recipes. It has measurements for the US and UK, plus a section on spirited beverages. It’s available on Amazon in print and ebook.

A cup of hot tea and a good book is magic to the soul.

I’ve got some projects both fiction and nonfiction in the works and when they’re closer to being finished I’ll share the details with you.

July 2-17, 2018 I’ll be teaching my online course The Essentials of Plotting and Characterization for the Hearts Through History Romance Writers of America chapter. When it gets closer to the workshop I’ll post more information. Just letting y’all know now so you can check your schedules. So far this is the only workshop I’m teaching this year. If you’d like to take it then work it in your July schedule. I post lessons on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I answer questions throughout the workshop.

Other than the newsletter and website revamp, I’ve been learning more about digital art and using a planner. I’ve tried a few and hadn’t found one that works until the tried The Happy Planner disc system. I discovered I can create my own covers and dividers which is fantastic. I need a flexible system and so far the disc system is the best one. The Passion Planner would have worked if it had been in a three-ring binder instead of perfect bound.

I love all the awesome spreads for bullet journaling but I don’t have the time for something that involved. I do bullet lists in my disc planner. I’ve been watching YouTube videos of romance author and planner goddess (to me, anyway) Hildie McQueen. She’s wonderful and funny and I’m learning how to do planning from her.

What kind of organization system do you use and why? I’m always open to suggestions and ideas.

Hugs to all! Tambra

Website: https://tambrakendall.com

 

 

The Essentials of Plotting and Characterization

 Just a reminder, this is the last class I’m teaching for this year. If you’ve been wanting to take my workshop now’s the time! Remember, National Novel Writing Month is in November along with Thanksgiving, then Christmas and the New Year.

 I’d love to see you and help you reach your writing goals!

Hugs to all!

Tambra Nicole Kendall

The Essential Guide to Plotting and Characterization

Online Workshop for the Hearts Through History Romance Writers of America Chapter

When: 10/2/2017- 10/27/2017

Where to register: https://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/the-essential-guide-to-plotting-and-characterization/

Syllabus:

In this course, we will discuss how to plot a story, what keeps it moving, and how storytellers drag readers into a fictional world and keep them there. We will learn story structure, pacing, world building, how to connect the beginning, middle and end, and much more.

Lesson One: Brainstorming

Lesson Two: Backstory, Plot Sketches, Show, Don’t Tell and Effective Description

Lesson Three: Character is Action, Plot is Action

Lesson Four: GMC – Goal, Motivation and Conflict Goal, Urgency, Motivation

Lesson Five: Writing Strong Characters and Viewpoint, Deep Point of View, Stimulus and Response

Lesson Six: Sagging Middles

Lesson Seven: Scene and Sequel Structure

Lesson Eight: Plotting Methods

Lesson Nine: Creating Dimensional Characters

Lesson Ten: Adding Tension and Danger

Lesson Eleven: Writing Sexual Tension

Lesson Twelve: Basic Worldbuilding

Presenter, Tambra Nicole Kendall:

I knew when I was 12 years old I wanted to write romance. All those summers spent at the public library reading Nancy Drew, historical romance, and category romance infused my love of the romance genre.

Authors who have influenced my writing are Sherrilyn Kenyon, Angela Knight, Deidre Knight, Christina Dodd, Arnette Lamb, Kerrelyn Sparks, Kimberly Raye, Stephen Lawhead and Jim Butcher. I’m a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and the following chapters: Northwest Houston, Kiss of Death Romantic Suspense chapter, Futuristic, Fantasy and Paranormal and Celtic Hearts Romance Chapter.

My publishing credits include nonfiction: magazine, newspaper and trade publications.

I illustrated, wrote and self-published a specialty children’s book on ADHD. A few years later, I took the Institute for Children’s Literature course continuing my interest in writing for children while learning the craft of romance writing.

Teaching is my way to give back to others and I teach when time allows. In the past, I’ve given workshops to various RWA chapters and Savvy Authors and on occasion at my local college.

 

 

 

Another Workshop Scheduled for July 2017

If you can’t join me for my March workshop, I’ll be teaching it again in July for the Futuristic, Fantasy and Paranormal RWA chapter.

The Essential Guide to Plotting and Characterization

In this course, we will discuss how to plot a story, what keeps it moving, and how storytellers drag readers into a fictional world and keep them there. We will learn story structure, pacing, world building, how to connect the beginning, middle and end, and much more.

Lesson One: Brainstorming

Lesson Two: Backstory, Plot Sketches, Show, Don’t Tell and Effective Description

Lesson Three: Character is Action, Plot is Action

Lesson Four: GMC – Goal, Motivation and Conflict Goal, Urgency, Motivation

Lesson Five: Writing Strong Characters and Viewpoint, Deep Point of View, Stimulus, and Response

Lesson Six: Sagging Middles

Lesson Seven: Scene and Sequel Structure

Lesson Eight: Plotting Methods

Lesson Nine: Creating Dimensional Characters

Lesson Ten: Adding Tension and Danger

Lesson Eleven: Writing Sexual Tension

Lesson Twelve: Basic Worldbuilding

For More Information: FF&P Essential Guide to Plotting and Characterization

 

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About the Presenter, Tambra Nicole Kendall:

Tambra knew from the time she was 12 years old she wanted to write romance. All those summers spent at the public library reading Nancy Drew, historical romance and category romance infused her love of the romance genre. Authors who have influenced her writing are Sherrilyn Kenyon, Angela Knight, Deidre Knight, Christina Dodd, Arnette Lamb, Kerrelyn Sparks, Kimberly Raye and Jim Butcher.

 

In 1994, she joined Romance Writers of America (RWA). Through years of study and hard work, she became a multi-published author writing for e-publishers and small press.

 

Tambra also writes nonfiction.  Her work has been published in magazine, newspaper and trade publications.

In 1990 she illustrated, wrote and self-published a specialty children’s book on ADHD focusing on behavior modification.  A few years later, she took the Institute for Children’s Literature course keeping learning more about writing for children while soaking up all of the information on the craft of romance writing.

Teaching is Tambra’s way to give back to other writers. She’s given workshops to various RWA chapters and for Savvy Authors and occasionally at her local college.

 

You can connect with Tambra at these social media places:

 

Website: http://www.daughersofavalonpublishing.com

Amazon Author Central: http://www.amazon.com/Tambra-Kendall/e/B002G84988/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tambra.kendall

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/tambranicole/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TambraKendall

Blog: https://tambranicolekendall.wordpress.com

Fine Art America: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/tambra-sas.html

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Cost: FFP Members:$20.00/Non-Members: $30.00

Tambra Nicole Kendall: New Workshop at Savvy Authors in January 2015

I’ll be teaching a month-long workshop, Weaving Together Characterization and Plot at Savvy Authors. It’s from January  15,2015 to February 8, 2015. Characterization and Plot aren’t separate and somewhere in the middle they muddle together to form a story. If your characters are weak, unmotivated and flat, the reader/agent/editor isn’t going to care.

A predictable plot likewise will make the reader/agent/editor feel like they’ve wasted their time. Learning how characterization and plotting affect each other plus other methods such as GMC, the difference between plot and story, and how to avoid a sagging middle are areas addressed in the workshop.

Understanding and learning these areas of writing can help when you’re editing. How? By having the knowledge to identify specific character issues and plot problems you’ll know what to do and how to fix them while saving time in the whole writing process. Let me point out, if you’re at the beginning stage of your writing journey this is something for you to work toward.

I have taught genre fiction creative writing online and on site at my local college since 1994. In the past, I was a content editor for a few e-publishers and small press. Teaching is something I enjoy and my goal is to share some of what I know to help other writers.

I do hope you’ll join me for this workshop at Savvy Authors. If you know anyone who would be interested please pass this information along.

Savvy Authors is a wonderful writer’s resource. I taught for them a few years ago and I’ve taken some amazing workshops there too. They offer a wide range of topics, price ranges and time lengths. Here’s the link: www.savvyauthors.com

If you click on the calendar in the upper right when you reach the workshops, click on January and scroll down until you reach January 12. My workshop is the second one I believe. There is a place that says register.

Start off 2015 by taking a workshop that will help you reach your writing goal. Characterization and plotting are essential elements of fiction writing.

All the best! Tambra Nicole Kendall