Creative Writing- The Antagonist

In creative writing-- the antagonist how bad should they be?

In my previous post, mentioned about the protagonist in a story and there is always an antagonist as well.  I mean life has nice people and miserable people so it is important to have them in stories so that the reader can really relate and perhaps cheer for the character.

You need to have your antagonist  a bit of a bully or worse otherwise, how can you discover what your protagonist strengths and weaknesses are.

The reason for the antagonist is to bring out the best in the character otherwise the story is flat and rather boring.

So, how mean, nasty, or vile do you make the antagonist?

Of course, everyone likes a happy ending so it all depends on the authors ending.

In my book,  Even Exchange Amy faces many challenges and her weaknesses and strengths are exposed. And her antagonist was a nasty so and so. I am sure many of you have met or experienced someone like him.  

Again, a nasty person to make the story interesting.

Have a Happy New Year to everyone.

And for those who have purchased my books... The Magic Herb and Even Exchange 

Thank You!

Character Flaws in Creative Writing

Are character flaws in creative writing important?  When writing a story, I think it's important to make the protagonist with flaws. After all. no one is perfect even in a story.

It is important that the reader can "relate" to the protagonist. Bad habits, conceit, jealousy, miserliness we all have some of those flaws.

The more "real" the more interesting the character is and believable in the story. A goody-goody can be very boring and unforgettable while a mean or jealous character can become quite interesting.

That's  why I like to mix real people's traits into my stories- they are more believable and can be easily related to.

That's why Nora in The Magic Herb- you feel sorry for her. Her struggles and dilemmas that she faces along with the heartbreak are all things

Would You Use Magic if You Could?

Would you use magic to get what you want if you could?

What if you could use magic to have whatever you want? Love, money, relationships etc.

Would it make you happy?
Would you be prepared for the consequences of your actions?

Cause and effect always play into our plans no matter whether they are for the good or bad.

In my story Even Exchange..this young woman used magic to get what she wanted with mixed results.

It's wonderful to imagine what you would do if you had magic to work with?
What would you do if you had magic to do with what you wanted?

I guess it's safer to get lost in a story involving magic than actually using it. Can you imagine the trouble some people would have especially if it were misused?

Thank goodness for our imagination...we can read and peek at what the characters in a story are doing and remove ourselves when we are done!

No harm just entertainment!

Creative Writing

Creative writing enables the writer to create whatever story they like.

The writer can create nice people, nasty people ,devious people etc.

But what about the type of character?

Would you prefer to read about a strong person or a weak one? An optimistic or a pessimistic person?

A man or woman or both?

 Do you enjoy reading about their failures, joys, sorrows, challenges?

It's fun to create these people in my stories and as I have said before in my earlier post I usually use the character traits from people I actually know!

I believe it makes the story more interesting and the reader can usually relate to some of the characters dilemmas or knows someone facing similar issues.

Creative Writing

The beauty with creative writing is that you can make up whatever story you want.

Most of the time you needn't do research unless you're writing about a certain time period.
Of course, you need to make your "world" interesting for the reader.

I like to incorporate the area that I live in with my stories. Stephen King always had his stories based in Main where he lives so I understand now why he chose to do that.

Being familiar with the area makes it easy to pull real people, places, and events into the story.

That's why The Magic Herb is about the mountains in PA. The trails can be filled with animals lots of trees and heavy thicket and beautiful views with waterfalls.

That is why Nora could so easily have gotten lost.

What Do You Like To Read?

What do you like to read?  I read somewhere that a writer should write what they themselves enjoy reading.

I enjoy a good love story mixed with a fantasy that's probably why I write stories about love, relationships mixed with magic.

The book I am currently working on is just that but to be honest I am thinking of submitting it to a traditional publisher instead of publishing it myself.

It's again about challenges in love, but it has a three-way involvement. A mother/daughter and their troubled relationship and a man.  That alone spells trouble.

I truly believe reading  takes us away from our daily troubles and takes us on a journey inside other people's lives.

Until next time.....Keep reading and thanks for visiting my Blog

Volunteer

Would you consider volunteering to read and review a book for FREE?

Many authors offer this and I wanted to take a poll to see if anyone would be interested? You must have an Amazon account to post your review.

 I am looking for a handful of people so if interested don't delay.    
E-mail me and let me know.   macourt60@gmail.com

The Magic Herb

The Magic Herb...what is it about?  Have you read it? Have you ordered it?

Decisions, decisions...too many choices to make.

Cycles of Publishing

There are cycles of publishing that are impossible to gauge. They come in waves-  sci-fi, drama, horror, love stories.

Amazon indicates that science fiction and fantasy are big sellers, but a writer can't write in that genre if they aren't comfortable with it.

And yes, as a writer we should be able to write anything.....but I believe when you write what you enjoy you write better.

Myself, I enjoy writing about fantasy and love relationships. I wouldn't enjoy writing say a horror book. My experience is in relationships and my creativity seems to draw me towards writing fantasy.

So attempting to write for a specific genre at a certain time is not possible due to writing, editing, and then editing again before the story is perfect. By that time, the cycle would have moved on to the next one.

So as an author......when my book is complete  I publish it! Whatever cycle it  enters I rely on the readers to decide if they choose to read the book or not.

M.A. Courtney: Using Your Voice

M.A. Courtney: Using Your Voice: Your voice is important when writing . Writing should flow easily and effortlessly from you-the-author. I have read to use your own v...

Using Your Voice

Your voice is important when writing. Writing should flow easily and effortlessly from you-the-author.

I have read to use your own voice when writing so that you come across natural. The reader will hear your voice and in time trust it.

Don't use fancy words unless they are part of your normal speech.

Keep on writing

Are You A Fantasy Reader?

Do you love fantasy? Stories that take you away from your problems? Perhaps you enjoy the romance and passion that love stories provide or perhaps you like to delve into the paranormal.

Either way fantasy books take us to places that we only dream about.

Even Exchange delves into magic and how we this young woman uses it.

The young woman in the story lonely and heartbroken after a relationship went sour has an opportunity to have what she has always wanted. Like the majority of us.

Discover what she does and how it challenges her.

Even Exchange available on sale until the end of Nov on Amazon.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

On this day where we gather with friends and loved ones let us be thankful for the many blessings we have.  You don't need to be rich in a money sense but rich in love and kindness.

Be thankful for what you have today and for the coming days ahead. Watch the miracles that will surround you when you wake each morning being thankful for the day ahead.

Let us be kind to our fellow man and keep love and peace in our hearts so that our light shines bright and will erase the hatred that is erupting in our society today.

M.A. Courtney: Kindle vs Nook

M.A. Courtney: Kindle vs Nook: Nook Kinde Kindle vs Nook. ..Which do you have? Both are similar and both are e-readers. Amazon has the Kindle and  Barnes &...

Kindle vs Nook

Nook

Kinde

Kindle vs Nook...Which do you have?

Both are similar and both are e-readers.

Amazon has the Kindle and 

Barnes & Noble has the Nook.

You can download and read on both. They both are compact and can easily fit into a handbag, duffle bag, or backpack.

Which one do you have to read your ebooks on?

The beauty of these handy devices is that you can download what you intend to read and there is no need to buy a book. When you are done you can save the story or delete it. No pesky books to store.

Handy devices for sure!

Of course, you can download an ebook on your PC and read it on that. A perfect way to relax and enjoy a good fantasy story. Perhaps one where the character stumbles upon another dimension of time.  Hmm sounds interesting to me! 

Curious

Are you curious?  Well here is my link to my Amazon author page. It provides some information about myself.

It also will display some of my  posts if you haven't visited my blog recently.

As always questions are welcome.

http://amzn.to/1MTxvce

M.A. Courtney: The End

M.A. Courtney: The End: The End!  Endings can be tricky and some like a happy endings and others could care less. What type of ending do you prefer? I belie...

The End

The End!  Endings can be tricky and some like a happy endings and others could care less.
What type of ending do you prefer?

I believe most people would like a happy or at least satisfying ending compared a story that has a sad ending
.
Yet life's endings are not always happy and if a story is close to real life then it can be a challenge to achieve that.

That's  why I enjoy writing fiction. My characters  mimic  people I know, and the storyline is usually up to my imagination.

So now I decide if my third book that I am finishing should have a happy ending or not.
What do you think?

M.A. Courtney: Titles Are Tricky

M.A. Courtney: Titles Are Tricky: Titles can be tricky when choosing one as a title for a book.  I wonder what techniques other writers use to pick their book titles? A...

Titles Are Tricky

Titles can be tricky when choosing one as a title for a book.  I wonder what techniques other writers use to pick their book titles?

AS for myself I try and get something from the story and use it as part of the title.

Like The Magic Herb part of the story is about a magic herb discovered in the mountains of Pensylvania and how it works its magic.

With Even Exchange, I did the same thing. I had taken from the story the challenges and risks tampering with magic. There is always a price! Some kind of exchange is needed.

Now I am pondering what to name m y third fantasy book. Hmmm, I will get back to you on that one.

Leave a comment if you feel compelled to.

Until next time

Follow Your Passion

Do you have a passion? It can be anything that makes you feel happy.  Mine is writing. I can sit behind a computer for hours oblivious to everything that is going on.

I get so intuned to what I am doing usually writing I can lose half a day.

It's important to follow your passion because we are on this earth for such a short time.

"Follow your bliss and the Universe will open doors for you
where there were only walls"      Joseph Campbell

Very true. So whatever your passion is......follow it today and don't delay.

Reminder...my ebook  Even Exchange on Amazon is on sale until the end of November.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0150GDKIC

Please leave a review or comment.

Enjoy the day

Writing And Endings

As I have said before in my previous post writing is fun but then comes the ending.

How to write an ending that makes sense or is pleasing.  Since I use real life people when writing my characters sometimes the endings are not happy.

I had been e-mailed from some who didn't like my ending?  Well, life is real and depending on my mood I sometimes will stay fairly close to the real thing.

Then I had another person write me and tell me she didn't like the sex scenes in The Magic Herb. Well in real life people have  sex!     If it's called for I write it in.

So now with my third book The Mystery of Mill Brook.....Once again I a contemplating the ending.

A happy one or not?   Hmm,  I will let you know when I finish it.


Have a great day!

Review- The Magic Herb

The Magic Herb is a fantasy story about a woman who finds love...but not in a conventical way.
Follow her challenges and explore her new discoveries.

Please leave me a review or comment.

Thank you in advance        The Magic Herb - She yearned for love BUT will she be able ...

Creative Writing

Creative writing is fun!  I have always enjoyed it and allowing my mind to create interesting story 

lines. Many writers write in different venues. I began Blogging then did some ghost writing until I decided to write for myself.

That's how I wrote my first book- Even Exchange.  Actually I had begun The Magic Herb first but that book I had put down and began writing  Even Exchange.  Then after it  was published I then had the urge to finish The Magic Herb.

Many authors will start a book...put it down...attempt something else and then come back to it.  Has anyone ever done that?  I am sure I am not the only one!.

Now I am working on my third book and I am pretty excited about it. I had gotten a good response with the Amazon promotion so I am encouraged that my new book will do as well.

Until my next blog entry

Enjoy the day

Sale

My ebook on Amazon is still on sale for $.99  due to the response I have decided to keep it at this low price for the month of November.

I enjoyed writing this story especially since I had met a woman similar to the one in Even Exchange. I try and create my stories that are close to life with one exception.they are fantasies.  I take some of the traits from the people and sometimes embellish them a little but not very much.

This young woman had low self-esteem to do what she did in the story. Love cannot be manipulated for any good. Many women have so much going for them yet they will lower their standards to have someone.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0150GDKIC

I hope you enjoy the story and leave me a comment or review.

Have a blessed day!

Letting Go

   

Letting go....Can you do it?
Can you let go of something you love?
What would be so essential to your decision to walk away from everything?

Letting go can be refreshing and good for the soul.

Letting go is another step in our journey in life but it must be made with care. Choices have consequences so a choice must be given a lot of thoughts.

Sometimes holding on too tight can be the worst decision for anyone.

In my book, The Magic Herb Nora faces some of these tough choices.

What she decides to do you will need to read the book and find out.

What would you do? What choice would you make?




Holding on is believing that there’s the past;  letting go is knowing that there’s a future.
—Daphne Rose Kingma

photo...goggle

M.A. Court-Alternative Remedies: Do You Want To Lose Weight Easily?

M.A. Court-Alternative Remedies: Do You Want To Lose Weight Easily?: Do you want to lose weight easily ? I know that's a stupid question. The majority of people want to shed those excess pounds but a...

She Doesn't Like It!

 She just doesn't like it!   I added my ebook The Magic Herb to the Goodreads site and I received thumbs down with an I don't like rating.

Now, The Magic Herb has some sexual scenes to the story and this woman did not like it.  I feel those scenes are appropriate to the story line and although I was a little surprised I guess some people may feel that way.

It is nowhere like Fifty shades of Gray, but I suppose some may be offended.

I just wanted to share this thought with you.

E-book Sale

On Amazon, my e-book Even Exchange is on sale for a limited time.  It is on sale for $.99 cents!

You can purchase it now at the sale price for just a few days.  The sale will be on until Oct 26th.

I wanted to share this special offer with everyone because I had such a good ebook promotion response.

Again, please leave a comment or review.

Thanks in advance

M.A. Courtney

Creative Writing

Creative writing can be fun and exciting. It is a great way to exercise ones creative muscle by expressing ideas that happen to pop into one's head.

I enjoy walking and being in nature which  often is when ideas about stories begin to surface.

As a writer, there are so many ideas swirling around that I need to carry a notebook and write them down.

I would love to know how other writers get their ideas.  Do you enjoy writing? If so how do you get your  ideas?

If you are a writer who is reading this please share with me how you get your ideas for stories.

Going to a carnival gave me the idea to write Even Exchange and walking in the mountains of Pennsylvania gave me the idea to write The Magic Herb

I am currently editing my third book which is also a fantasy story but with a twist.  I will post when it is published.

How Far Will You Go For Love?

How far will YOU go for love?   Have you ever given it a thought?

In my book Even Exchange, a young woman had to decide that very question.

She wanted it all love, marriage, family....BUT could she have it?

Sometimes, we will go to far for that perfect relationship but at what cost?

Did she make the right decision?

Was it worth it?

Read and find out


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0150GDKIC

Amazon Kindle-Ebook -The Magic Herb

I am pleased to say that my two e-books on Amazon:

Even Exchange
The Magic Herb

Both are doing well. Thank you to all that have downloaded the ebook or who is using KNEP read on Amazon.

I am excited and please with the progress.  Please, if you are reading this leave a review or a comment on Amazon.

We all enjoy a little fantasy to help us keep the stress away from our daily lives. And a little love and romance doesn't hurt either.

Have a wonderful day

I will keep all of you update when the third ebook is ready to be published.

On another note- Does anyone have an opinion if I should make The Magic Herb a sequel??

Let me know if you have an opinion.

Thanks

Free Ebook Download

The free ebook download was very successful. I want to thank everyone who had the chance to read my ebook.....The Magi Herb.

I am hopeful some will leave a comment or review.

I am editing my third book     The Mystery of Mill Brook Creek.  I should have it completed and ready to publish within the next 4-6 weeks.

Thos book is also a fantasy story but with a slight twist.

Have you ever heard of other "realities or dimensions".  The Quantum physics theory. Well, my ebook is along those lines.

I will keep you informed of the progress.

Enjoy

The Magic Herb

My Free ebook The Magic Herb is available for FREE to download this weekend.

This story is an interesting one that everyone can relate to the character.  It takes place in the Mountains of Pennsylvania.

The mystery around the story is an interesting one since today most people are searching for that perfect love. Someone to share our life with.

This character faces the struggles of loneliness and heartache.  But does she find new, love?

And the struggles to keep that new love becomes a challenge just like real life.

So please leave me a comment or review

Have a wonderful weekend

Love, Romance, Magic, Suspense,

What genre do you enjoy reading?    Love, romance, magic, Suspense?

Many people love to read magic with romance mixed in it. Some like love and magic. And others prefer Suspense with love and romance.

So many choices to choose from.  When I view my bookcase I see mostly romance, and suspense mixed with fantasy.

What about you?

Countdown-Free

Countdown-----FREE Ebook

Tomorrow is the day! You can download FREE my second ebook on Amazon.

10/10-10/13   The Magic Herb

Please leave a comment or review


 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015BKBV0G

K-9 Kraving Raw Dog Food Recall October 2015

K-9 Kraving Raw Dog Food Recall October 2015

Count Down-Free Ebook

The Count Down Two days left for the FREE ebook.

Two more days until Free download on Amazon.

To those who enjoy reading interesting stories I hope you enjoy this one.

A summary of the book is

 A lonely divorced woman rents a cabin in the Pennsylvania Mountains and while on one of her walks she stumbles upon a magic herb. She discovers this herb can transport her to another dimension where she finds love and  romance. Is she willing to leave everything to go back to that other dimension?  And can she?

Please leave me a comment and or review I would appreciate it.

Have a wonderful weekend.

10/10-10/13

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015BKBV0G

Hero's Good or Bad

Do you prefer your hero's good or bad?   I know as a writer that it is important for the reader to connect with the main character. But in real life that isn't always the case.

Some like their hero's or main characters to be a goody- goody and others prefer them to be nasty.
I don't care either way.

When I begin a story the character takes shape as the story progresses so you will see their flaws develop.

I always add drama and challenges to the story to make it interesting.

Remember the countdown...for my free download of my second ebook.

  FREE     Oct 10-12th...if you decide to download it please leave a review.

Enjoy          http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015BKBV0G

Countdown on FREE Download

There are only 7 more days until you can download my second Ebook on Amazon FREE.

Again, I would appreciate a review if you would be so kind.

I am almost finished with my third ebook...This one is slightly different in its story content but interesting. Another fantasy story but with a twist to it.

I will post when it is published or you can e-mail me to ask when if you want.

macourt60@gmail.com

FREE- FREE-FREE Ebook

The weekend of October 10, 11, 12th I am giving away FREE my second ebook.  It is published on Amazon.

I would appreciate it if you would leave a review, even a small one.

Here is the link:   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015BKBV0G

So mark your calendar.

I will be reminding all of you as the date gets closer.

Writers Ideas

                                                                                

Finding ideas can be a daunting task for a writer. I usually get most of my ideas when I take my walks on the Pennsylvania roads.

They are quiet and it gives me time to just let my mind wander.

That is how I got the ideas about my other two books.

The book I am currently writing and due out soon is another idea I hatched just from walking but with a little twist.

It's a fantasy story but dealing between worlds. And of course, there is love involved and romance along with struggles and decisions.

 Just like real life.

So back to my story!

The Magic Among Us

Have you ever wanted to use magic in your life?  Have you ever wanted everything to be perfect with no obstacles in your way?

What about being lonely?

Well in my new ebook The Magic Herb Nora faces these dilemmas and discover how she deals with them.

Magic and entering another dimension can often bring relief knowing that there is something much better there if you can get there.

That other dimension holds your true future if you can grasp it.

This is what Nora attempts to do.

The Magic Herb is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble -Nook

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-magic-herb-maryann-courtney/1122675130?ean=2940150836433

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015BKBV0G

I appreciate any reviews and or comments

Welcome

This is my first blog post and I am eager to start posting.  I will be sharing my published Ebook links and I am hopeful that I will begin to interact with you.

I would enjoy your comments and look forward to them. I have written two fantasy Ebooks on magic and I hope you will buy them and let me know if you enjoyed them.

I am presently working on my third ebook- another book on magic and as soon as it is finished I will post it here.

Even Exchange is about  a young woman heartbroken from a  love affair moves to a new town and discovers that she can have what her heart wants but with a price!.

The Magic Herb is about a lonely divorced woman rents a cabin in the Pennsylvania Mountains and while on one of her walks she stumbles upon a magic herb. She discovers this herb can transport her to another dimension where she finds love and  romance. Is she willing to leave everything to go back to that other dimension?  And can she?


Here are the links:   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015BKBV0G

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0150GDKIC

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/even-exchange-maryann-courtney/1122678724?ean=2940150922204

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-magic-herb-maryann-courtney/1122675130?ean=2940150836433