Author: Molly Murn Genre: Literary Fiction Length of novel: 80,000 words This is a braided novel with three separate but interwoven storylines that converge at the climax of the book. Each line has its own story building elements: Inciting incident: 1st strand: Fifteen-year-old, pregnant Nell is sent away from Kangaroo Island to give birth. … Continue reading Heart of the Grass Tree
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On Chesil Beach
Author: Ian McEwan Genre: Literary Fiction Length of novel: 40,000 words (novella) Beginning hook: Edward and Florence, a couple on their wedding night, struggle with their private fears about the consummation of their marriage. Edward knows that Florence is shy and he is anxious about his own performance. We become more acutely aware of Florence’s … Continue reading On Chesil Beach
My love affair with suspense
"This suspense is killing me—I hope it will last" Tension, uncertainty, doubt, doubtfulness, anticipation, expectation, expectancy, excitement, anxiety, nervousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, strain — what do these words have in common? They are all synonyms of the word SUSPENSE. When we think of suspense in novels we immediately think of Thrillers, and Gothic stories, such as … Continue reading My love affair with suspense
Mockingbird Writers 