In Episode 81, Bill asks Kervin Searles about the shocking opening sentence of his new book.

Subscribe, download and listen today! https://linktr.ee/bwabits

#Therapy #MentalHealth #BookAuthor #OpeningLine #TheHook

https://youtu.be/5-QZkeuy2tU

In Episode 81, Bill and Jumelle interview licensed therapist Kervin Searles about his new book!

Subscribe, download and listen today! https://linktr.ee/bwabits

#SouthCarolina #mentalhealth #counselling #therapy #therapists #author #bookauthor

https://www.amazon.com/Undrafted-Purposed-Living-Loving-Leading-ebook/dp/B0FXNZNFNJ

Power of Illustrations in Your Novel!

Illustrations are an absolute game-changer for your novel. Here’s why?

1. Improved Imagination: Illustrations infuse life into your words. They guide readers through your world with vivid imagery. Words alone cannot always convey the right set of emotions that you are aiming at.

2. Engagement: The topics which you found difficult to understand in your textbooks without visuals turned super interesting in the book with visuals. Has this happened to you? Visuals, my friend, grab the readers’ attention and exudes emotions. A deeper connection grows between readers and your story.

3. Universal Appeal: Pictures help you and your story to overcome language barriers. Do you want to make your story reaching to the heart of a broader audience? Illustrations would give your stories the much needed universal appeal.

4. An Experience That Stays: A well-executed illustration, that portrays the true essence of the story can leave a long-lasting impression. You will find readers literally recalling your characters long after you created them in your story.

You cannot afford to underestimate the power of illustrations in storytelling. Whether you are writing a children’s book, a fantasy epic, or a thriller novel, allow your imagination flourish on the page!

I discovered the importance of illustrations after my first book THE QUEST OF VERMILLION. My second book, AN UNEXPECTED DETOUR, has many thematic illustrations. It took me a couple of months to work on the illustrations alone. I went for a whole new edition of THE QUEST OF VERMILLION thereafter. When my editor read AN UNEXPECTED DETOUR, she was mesmerized with the illustrations. According to her, they have accentuated the thrill, the twists and turns I have implanted throughout the story. Her words instantly clicked me and I went for a fresh new edition of THE QUEST OF VERMILLION, with a range of illustrations straight from my heart.

If you are apprehensive about incorporating self-made illustrations, hiring a professional illustrator would be a great idea!

Do you want to know about the illustrations in my books? If you feel like exploring the theme of my stories that prompted me to use illustrations, give them a read. If you are curious, why I was so eager to allow my books to reach the heart of readers, or why I was confident that the stories are sure to touch the hearts of my readers, give it a read. They are available on Amazon and Flipkart. I am eager to know your feedback.

And, if you like this post, share it ahead! Hope it helps!

#WritingCommunity #Illustrations #NovelWriting #Storytelling

Plotting and Structuring : A Tricky Aspect :: Part 2

You picked up a book and found out a rather predictable narrative turning into an unforgettable experience. A tale that appeared familiar got infused with a fresh burst of energy and intrigue beyond expectation. If this happened to you, you have come across the work of an expert storyteller. So, what was that secret weapon of the storyteller? Definitely, the art of including plot twists.

Why Plot Twists?

Plot twists serve a lot more than simply surprising the audience. They challenge the reader’s assumptions, induce emotional reactions, and compel us to reevaluate and reanalyze everything we thought we knew about the story and its characters.

1. Plot twists elevate the narrative from the usual to the extraordinary, transforming a good story into a memorable one.

2. They enhance engagement, deepen thematic exploration, and accentuate the overall impact of a narrative.

If you are a writer looking to your stories to life or a reader seeking the thrill of unexpected revelations, it is important to know the power of plot twists and unlock its full potential.

Here are some secrets to hook the readers through plot twists:

Foreshadowing:

Plant subtle clues throughout the story that indicate an upcoming twist. Build anticipation and make the disclosure a memorable surprise. Build the tension, keep the twist plausible and avoid contrived plot developments.

Character-driven Twists:

Leverage your characters’ complexities and craft twists that feel organic and true to the story’s emotional core. Fully realized characters with depth, contradictions, and hidden agendas resonate well with readers. Employ character arcs and relationships to set the stage for surprising revelations. The twist should add depth to the characters and challenge their beliefs or assumptions.

Reversal Element:

Flip the narrative or character dynamics upside down with a well-timed reversal, where the protagonist’s beliefs are suddenly thwarted. A reversal sowed at the right time can upend the narrative and subvert readers’ expectations, transforming the story in an instant. Identify key moments when a reversal could have the greatest impact, like the climax or midway into the story. Plant the seeds of doubt in the reader’s mind. Challenge the protagonist’s beliefs or goals, forcing them to reevaluate their choices

So, just master the art of foreshadowing, using character-driven twists, and play with the element of reversal. Keep your readers engaged, entertained, and keep them wanting for more. Dare to defy expectations, embrace the unexpected, and unleash the full potential of plot twists in your writing.

The thrill of the twist is waiting for your perusal and the adventure is all set to begin with a single unexpected turn of the page. Unleash your full writing potential today.

When I was writing my book, AN UNEXPECTED DETOUR, I could actually decipher the power of plot twists in structuring the thriller story. The first draft was not the one with all plot twists at the right place. It was during the fifth round of editing, when I was convinced with the plot twists I incorporated throughout the story. You may check it out if you like. Just click on the link above.

Like this article? Share it ahead. Want to discuss more on this? Get in touch with me through a comment or on My Instagram Handle. I would be happy to help and have a fruitful discussion.