Jeff Gerke

a balanced approach to writing great fiction

Plot versus character

Seeking writing success? Start at the beginning... Whether you’re looking to get published or just hoping to hook your reader, first impressions are vital. Compelling opening scenes are the key to catching an agent or editor’s attention, and are crucial for keeping your reader engaged. As a writer, what you do in your opening pages, and how you do it, is a matter that cannot be left to chance. The First 50 Pages is here to help you craft a strong beginning right from the start. You’ll learn how to: introduce your main character establish your story world set up the plot’s conflict begin your hero’s inner journey write an amazing opening line and terrific first page and more This helpful guide walks you through the tasks your first 50 pages must accomplish in order to avoid leaving readers disoriented, frustrated, or bored. Don’t let your reader put your book down before ever seeing its beauty. Let The First 50 Pages show you how to begin your novel with the skill and intentionality that will land you a book deal, and keep readers’ eyes glued to the page. About the Author Jeff Gerke is an editor and author of fiction and nonfiction including such books as the Operation: Firebrand novels and Plot Versus Character: A Balanced Approach to Writing Great Fiction. He is the founder of Marcher Lord Press, an indie publishing company dedicated to producing Christian science fiction and fantasy.

Engage Agents, Editors and Readers, and Set Your Novel Up For Success

The First 50 Pages

One of these days, I'm going to sit down and write that novel.... Everyone thinks about doing it, yet most people who do start a novel end up stalling after a few chapters. Where do these would-be novelists go wrong? Are the characters dull and cliched? Did the story arc collapse? Did they succumb to a dreaded bout of "writer's block"? Or maybe it was all just taking too long? These problems used to stop writers in their tracks, but nothing will get in your way after reading Write Your Novel in a Month. Author and instructor Jeff Gerke has created the perfect tool to show you how to prepare yourself to write your first draft in as little as 30 days. With Jeff's help, you will learn how to organize your ideas, create dynamic stories, develop believable characters, and flesh out the idea narrative for your novel--and not just for the rapid-fire first draft. Jeff walks you through the entire process, from initial idea to the important revision stage, and even explains what to do with your novel once you've finished. Whether you are participating in National Novel Writing Month or you're simply hoping to complete a draft over winter break or your vacation, this book covers the entire scope of writing a novel and lays out exactly what you need to know to get it done fast and right.

How to Complete a First Draft in 30 Days and What to Do Next

Write Your Novel in a Month

The Irresistible Novel frees you from the limits of so-called "rules" and instead provides you with a singular goal: You must engage your readers from beginning to end. This guide is filled with down-to-earth discussions on the various debates of writing, as well as innovative research on neuroscience and reader response. When you eschew the rules and focus on your readers' desires, you're free to write truly irresistible fiction.

How to Craft an Extraordinary Story That Engages Readers from Start to Finish

The Irresistible Novel

"This book changed how I write!" -USA Today bestselling novelist Susan May Warren "Absolute gold! Want to sell? Here are the major tools you''ll need as a writer." -Novelist Hannah Alexander "Hack Your Reader''s Brain is the first book I would suggest novelists read before or during writing. Jeff has broken the power of fiction down to the very basics of how good fiction actually affects the human brain, how it makes us feel if we do it right. Other writing books contain some of these points, but Jeff explains not just the how but the why. I don''t know if every author who follows his advice will write a best-seller, but he/she will write books people will read, talk about, and remember! Bravo, Jeff!" -Lyn Cote, USA Today Best-Selling Author of over 40 novels When we write fiction, we hope it will be effective. We hope it will thrill our readers. We hope they will be engaged. What if you were handed a tool that took the guesswork out of it and changed your hoping to knowing? This is that tool. The human mind works in predictable ways, and neuroscience has explained the brain chemistry behind them. Hack Your Reader''s Brain brings the power of cutting-edge research to bear on your fiction. Know your opening will catch the reader''s attention Know your reader will become emotionally engaged with your hero Know how to keep your reader engaged and when to give him a break Know exactly what to do in the climactic moment Know what your reader''s brain absolutely must have at the end Five-time Writer''s Digest author and internationally acclaimed fiction teacher Jeff Gerke takes you away from all the noise and uncertainty of writing fiction and moves you to the position of knowing precisely what to do to keep your reader turning pages deep into the night. Jeff''s books are my go-to for writing craft. If you hope to write an engaging novel, you need to read Hack Your Reader''s Brain. I''ll be re-reading it with every new book I write and I highly recommend it. Jeff dissects the essentials with the expertise of a surgeon and leaves you equipped to become a bestselling author." -Nadine Brandes, multiple award-winning novelist "Writing is an art, but connecting with your reader''s emotions is a science. Jeff Gerke, one of the leading writing teachers in the country, will show you how to keep your readers riveted and engaged from beginning to end. And you don''t need a degree in neuroscience to benefit from this powerful book: Jeff breaks it all down into practical steps and principles you can instantly apply to your novel. If you''re looking for the secret to becoming a more successful writer, you''ve got to read Hack Your Reader''s Brain." -Jim Denney, author of the Timebenders series and Writing in Overdrive "What I loved about Hack Your Reader''s Brain is that Jeff practiced what he preached and hooked me from the first paragraph. I found myself nodding in agreement, relieved to have also found solace in knowing I wasn''t alone in my frustration. His approaches to catching the reader''s attention are doable. And, as a writer, I was engaged and excited about what I was reading...exactly what a bestseller should create." -Christa Allen, novelist "Hack Your Reader''s Brain puts a new spin on the novelist''s age-old struggle to write a book readers simply can''t put down. With clear-cut steps on how to captivate a reader''s attention from the first line and hold it until the very end-along with the reasons those methods actually work-this short book is one of the best tools for novelists I''ve come across. I know I''ll be referring to it again and again." -Carol Cox, author of the Arizona Territory Brides series

Bring the Power of Brain Chemistry to Bear on Your Fiction

Hack Your Reader's Brain

Joanna Emerson

Less than a decade after the great potato famine in Ireland, a political refugee from Japan arrives on the shores of this impoverished and hurting nation. Akemi lands almost in the arms of Paddy O'Brien, the day after he finds his mother killed in mysterious circumstances. He doesn't know it, but Akemi is the Mapmaker's Daughter, and the Japanese Shogun will do everything he can to get her back. Can Paddy protect Akemi from the ruthless pirates who have been commissioned by the Japanese shogun to bring Akemi back home? Jun, a transgender pirate who has lived so many places she has nowhere to call home, may ruin everyone's plans. Except her own, if she can help it.

A Steampunk Novel

The Mapmaker's Daughter

What's more important to a story: a gripping plot or compelling characters? Literary-minded novelists argue in favor of character-based novels while commercial novelists argue in favor of plot-based stories, but the truth of the matter is this: The best fiction is rich in both. Enter Plot Versus Character. This hands-on guide to creating a well-rounded novel embraces both of these crucial story components. You'll learn to: • Create layered characters by considering personality traits, natural attributes, and backgrounds • Develop your character's emotional journey and tie it to your plot's inciting incident • Construct a three-act story structure that can complement and sustain your character arc • Expose character backstory in a manner that accentuates plot points • Seamlessly intertwine plot and character to create a compelling page-turner filled with characters to whom readers can't help but relate • And much more Filled with helpful examples and friendly instruction, Plot Versus Character takes the guesswork out of creating great fiction by giving you the tools you need to inject life into your characters and momentum into your plots.

A Balanced Approach to Writing Great Fiction

Plot Versus Character

Artist and Craftsman As a Christian novelist, you're both. You know the soaring creativity of the Creator and the serious discipline of the artisan. And you feel the impulse to excel in each. So grab a steaming mug of your favorite hot drink and come learn the art and craft of Christian fiction from one of its master teachers. You'll learn: How to find your story amidst all your ideas How to bring your characters onstage the first time How to convert your telling into showing How to handle profane characters in Christian fiction How to use the dumb puppet trick How to write for the (approving) audience of One The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction is the complete school of fiction from Jeff Gerke, popular writer's conference teacher, professional book doctor, and Christian novelist. It includes and expands upon his influential Fiction Writing Tip of the Week column at WhereTheMapEnds.com. ** Christy Award-winning editor Jeff Gerke entered the Christian fiction publishing industry as a novelist. Under the pen name Jefferson Scott, Jeff has had six of his Christian novels published. He has served on the editorial staff of Multnomah, Strang Communications, and NavPress. Novels that Jeff has edited or acquired have won multiple Book of the Year awards. He is the founder and publisher of Marcher Lord Press.

The Complete Guide to Finding Your Story, Honing Your Skills, and Glorifying God in Your Novel

The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction

They all dream of a bear. It's coming for them, ravenous and enraged. The team compares notes and soon learns the meaning of the dream: The Gate has put its pieces in place and is ready to make a move that will spell disaster for all mankind. Chad Thorton believes the bear in the dream is the mysterious human leader the Gate has been raising up, and the team realizes they must somehow find this man and stop him before the Gate can carry out their designs. If they're going to do this in time, they're going to have to pool their talents and decide how far they are willing to go to save the world.

Jeff Gerke

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