January | 2011 | Cathy C. Hall Writes

Almost every day, I open a Google Alert to find my name on someone’s blog because of the Big Bang B & N Followers Contest. And then I go wheee! Wheee, wheee, wheeee!

I know just how the little piggy feels! It’s so thrilling to find so many of my blogger friends, spreading the word about the contest. Not because it’s such a thrilling contest (though winning a B & N gift card is nifty), and not because I’ve gained quite a few new followers (though that’s awfully swell, too). But because I have such totally awesome friends!

Honestly, y’all have gone way beyond the call of duty, and I’m so blessed by your generosity. In fact, I’m a little farklempt…talk amongst yourselves for a minute, okay?

So. What else I found in my inbox today: the newsletter from Reading is Fundamental. RIF is a non-profit group that supports literacy, particularly among those children, from birth to age 8, who are economically challenged. To put it another way, RIF wants everybody to have books. Because how can you instill a love of reading without wonderful books?

We always had books in our home when I was growing up. And when my kidders were small, I loved taking them to the library, or when I could afford it, allowing them to pick out a book at the bookstore. Oh, how we agonized over which book to buy! It’s so special to have your own books, isn’t it? That’s what RIF is all about.

January’s RIF sponsor is Nestle. Remember that jingle? N-E-S-T-LES. Nestle’s makes the very best…chocolate. Mmmmm…chocolate. I could go for a Butterfinger right now. Or a Baby Ruth. No, I’m sticking with the Butterfinger…peanut buttery chocolate bliss. Mmmmmm.

Um, where was I? Oh, yeah. RIF. Check out how you can help Nestle share the joy of reading here.

And thanks again to all y’all who’ve shared the joy of reading my humble blog. HUGE chocolate hugs are winging their way to you!

I’m pretty sure I live in Georgia. But I’m wondering if I’ve slipped into some alternate universe. I mean, there’s STILL a couple inches of snow on the ground and brrrr! Baby, it’s cold outside. So, I bundled up to take a little trek, seeing as how I’m stuck in this freezing universe at the moment.

It wasn’t horrible, I suppose. I dressed in layers. That’s the trick. Which brings me to Snow Writing Lesson, Part II: Layers.

Without layers, I can step outside for the journey, but I won’t get far before I give up. Better to be prepared for the adventure. Pull on that thermal shirt, and then a flannel shirt, and then the toasty, knitted scarf, and finally my extra-thick, winter coat. Maybe even that goofy stocking cap. All those layers make a difference.

What about your adventurous novel? Or your short trek of a story? Have you added all the layers you need to make the difference between a richly woven, complex tale or a one-dimensional, static fizzle-out? You might want to start with your characters.

Characters can add a ton of texture. Multi-dimensional characters are interesting, believable, and keep the reader hooked. Flat characters, not so much. You might want to check out Darcy Pattison’s Checklist of 17 Character Qualities (and maybe even the related posts.) I heard Darcy speak at a conference; she’s a pretty multi-dimensional character herself.

Or take a look at the Character Workshop offered by Holly Lisle. Lots of interesting story paths to consider when answering those questions.

Bottom line: Bundle up your writing in warm layers. Then, your readers will follow your story anywhere. (Um, maybe not into some freezing alternate universe where it’s crazy cold like Georgia. But that could just be me.)