20 Master Plots at the Louisville Write-In

Today at the Louisville Write-In we are going to learn about the 20 Master Plots as detailed in the book by Ronald Tobias. If you haven't had the privilege of reading Mr. Tobias's book, I highly recommend 20 Master Plots for any writer who needs a little shove into the RIGHT plotting direction.

In later blog posts, we will explore the 20 different master plots in detail, but most importantly how to properly develop the story in order to achieve the proper tension, hook, and depth for your reader.

According to Ronald Tobias, the 20 master plots are:


1. Quest
2. Adventure
3. Pursuit
4. Rescue
5. Escape
6. Revenge
7. The Riddle
8. Rivalry
9. Underdog
10. Temptation
11. Metamorphosis
12. Transformation
13. Maturation
14. Love
15. Forbidden Love
16. Sacrifice
17. Discovery
18. Wretched Excess
19. Ascension
20. Descension

At times, you may find a combination of the different master plots interwoven within a story to make it more complex and engage the reader. Before we explore the 20 master plots in detail, have a little fun and see if you can identify the main master plot theme in your favorite book or movie.

If you are an aspiring or working writer, blogger, or digital content developer, we'd love to have you at the next Louisville Write-In. Until then, consider adding 20 Master Plots by Ronald Tobias into your reference library. Your writing will become fresher and more cohesive as a result.

Where Has All The Customer Service Gone?

A funny thing happened to me today. My cable TV, phone, and internet got shut off.

Okay, I know, it seems like an every day occurrence, but I really and truly feel it was for a silly reason. Here's why:

My utility bills are set on a recurring basis through my internet banking. I average out the yearly bills and the average is what I put in as the amount. When I get the bill, if it is over that amount, I change it. If it's under, then sometimes I change it, sometimes I let it ride. Better to have a credit than a negative balance right?

Unfortunately for me, I forgot to change the amount last month and the average payment is what got delivered to the cable company. (The bill for February was $20 higher than the average, btw.) Not even two weeks later I got my bill for March, which included the $20 shortage for last month. So I added that to my payment and updated the online bill pay, making sure the bill went out a little early to get there well before the due date.

Now, I have a stellar payment history with the cable company. Been a customer since 2001 and have NEVER missed a payment. However, somewhere along the line I must have been branded a renegade because when I got up this morning, everything cable related was shut off. They even posted a nice reminder when we turned on the TV that read something to the effect of: "Your account has been temporarily suspended due to NON-PAYMENT. Please call this 800 number or log on to www.cablecompany.com to pay your bill and restore your service."

What is even more hilarious is that in order to call them or log on to the internet, I have to use THEIR product which they have shut off! But I digress...

No phone call, no letter, no nothing. Just simply shut down the phone, cable, and internet. How is THAT for customer service, eh? In a non-techno world, a kind customer service rep would have reviewed my account, seen my payment history, and called to find out what happened with the underpayment. Not in the new millennium!

In our technologically advanced society, appreciation for a long standing business relationship comes in the form of coupons to entice me to spend more money with that business. The penalty for a one time underpayment mistake comes in the form of shutting down my service until they get their $20.

What happened to the days of calling up a long time customer to say, "Thanks for choosing us!" or figuring out ways to make it simple and easy for me to do business with you? Where in the world has all the Customer Service gone?

The Louisville Write-In is here!

Ok, so this is the second major announcement coming from the Sheryl Brennan camp :)

I am happy to announce the formation of a new writing group in Louisville, aptly named The Louisville Write-In. The Louisville Write-In is a place for all bloggers, article marketers, social media managers, published and pre-published authors to meet, get some much needed writing done, network, and support each other.

As the internet and social networking continues to grow, content (and I mean well crafted content here) becomes more important. Unfortunately, more often than not, the creation of it takes a back seat to work or home life. This is exactly why Louisville Write-In was created. To stop the madness, get out of your usual environment, and step into a safe place where the phone, co-workers, or laundry aren't interrupting creative thought.

The first meeting of Louisville Write-In is April 15th from 9am-12pm. Admission is $7.00 per person and provides:

• Coffee, water, and munchies
• Classroom setting with free Wi-Fi
• A 30-minute writing craft tip session
• Networking opportunities
• Time to do nothing but write
• No pressure, no stress, peer-to-peer critiquing session
• Plenty of FREE parking

Pre-registration is required because space is limited, but ya can't even get a cup of Starbucks and all those extras for that, so come on out and see us at the launch of the Louisville Write-In!

Three books coming in 2012!

Sheryl Brennan inks three book contract with Turquoise Morning Press

Louisville, KY March 16, 2011 — Turquoise Morning Press signed Sheryl Brennan to a three book contract on March 15, 2011.

"It isn't often an author is lucky enough to reside in the same city as their publishing company," stated Brennan. "I am looking forward to working with the staff of Turquoise Morning Press, not only for this series, but many more."

Brennan is a local author of romantic fiction and founder of the Louisville Write-In. The three book series will have Celtic themes and include a re-release of Ms. Brennan's debut novel, Celtic Sacrifice, the sequel, Celtic Hope, and an additional title to be named later. All books are slated for release in 2012. Each book will be available in print, audio, and ebook versions through all major distribution channels.

"We are thrilled to announce the signing of Louisville author Sheryl Brennan," Kim Jacobs, CEO of Turquoise Morning Press, responded. "The addition of Sheryl's work to our house will enhance our historical romance line, and we look forward to more books from Sheryl in the future."

More information about Sheryl Brennan can be obtained via email at sheryl.brennan@yahoo.com or phone (502) 802-7328.

To learn more about Turquoise Morning Press, please contact Kim Jacobs at kim@turquoisemorning.com or through the website at http://www.turquoisemorning.com.

I got an idea!!!!

Yes, I have been remiss in posting to my blog, but hang tight because I am getting ready to announce a really cool community idea for all my writing friends. So bookmark this blog and you will be one of the first to hear about the happenings!

TTYL and Happy Weekend to all,
Sheryl

Ruin is the road to transformation

If you were among those who were in awe at the movie "Eat, Pray, Love", you may remember this phrase tripping off the tongue of Julia Roberts.

I found it so prophetic, I added it as a note into my I-phone. Partly because I was going through quite a bit of upheaval in my life at that time, and partly because I wanted to remind myself that although things may seem completely lost in the moment, there is a new journey awaiting me afterward.

What are some of the quotes that help you get through each day, week, or year and keep you reaching for the brass ring?

Spending Your Time Intentionally

The first 2 weeks of January I was relaxed, felt like I got so much accomplished, and had time for myself and my family.

It's now February and I feel overwhelmed, under appreciated, anxious, and miserable.

Why? I think I have over-scheduled myself. You see, I have this plague of an issue that makes me feel like if I just organize my time better, I can take on one more thing. Help one more person. Be a better me if..... does anyone else suffer from this affliction?

I'm finally at the point in my life that I am looking at where and how I spend my time, then making a conscious decision to spend my time intentionally. As a result, I am paring down my life.

The volunteer activities I choose to involve myself in will include aligning with organizations that I truly love, can use my talents, and I feel like I am making an active contribution to the betterment of the organization. I am also limiting my volunteer hours each month so that I am not putting off my family, my friends, my businesses, and my writing to be engaged in that activity.

In business, I will look for people to help and stop feeling like I am the only one who can perform certain functions. I will also stop over-thinking my decisions to ask for help and give the other person the opportunity to accept or reject the offer. My drive to be considerate of other people's time and circumstances, oftentimes gets in the way.

For my family, I will protect my girl's night time with my kiddos and actually block out that time in my schedule for them. I will plan a family-game night so we can begin having those "fun times". Might even teach the kids to be better poker players!

I will routinely set aside evenings that are just "me" nights where I treat myself to a night out to have fun and let off steam. And I will be more purposeful in inviting girl-friends out for a GNO so I can reconnect with them.

Most importantly, I will say "no thank you" to those things I am asked to do that fall outside of this plan and NOT feel guilty about it. That is the key to my success, because as a people pleaser I want to feel needed and wanted. I just need to learn that my life is very full and I am not living it on purpose by allowing other people, places, and things to find the chinks in my armor.

How about you? Are you spending your time intentionally or allowing others to spend it for you?