Tag Archives: protagonist

Reading like a Writer

Posted on September 4, 2015 by E. C. Ambrose

One of the dangers of crossing the line from reader to writer is that it changes the way you read. For me, it makes me impatient with bad style, slow starters, lack of tension and plot holes. I am much … Continue reading →

Posted in books, character development, fiction, writing, writing advice, writing series | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Review: Songs for a Machine Age

Posted on April 24, 2013 by E. C. Ambrose

Songs for a Machine Age by Heather McDougal My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book is a delightful journey through an unusual fantasy world where machines and magic co-exist. While I didn’t find the heroine initially engaging, her talent … Continue reading →

Posted in book reviews, books, fantasy, fiction, medieval technology, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Great Characters of the Middle Ages: Cola di Rienzo

Posted on November 20, 2012 by E. C. Ambrose

Part of the fun of researching other times and places is discovering fascinating people who have, for one reason or another, failed to rise to the attention of the wider public, even those with some interest in the milieu.  “Great … Continue reading →

Posted in history, medieval, profiles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Review: Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption

Posted on October 24, 2012 by E. C. Ambrose

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand My rating: 5 of 5 stars Anyone interested in survival of either body or spirit should read this book! This is the story of an Olympic … Continue reading →

Posted in book reviews, fiction, history, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

. . . From a Certain Point of View

Posted on September 26, 2012 by E. C. Ambrose

Hands up everyone who immediately recognized the source of my title quote?  Okay, that was an easy one. In a post a couple weeks ago, I referenced the special difficulty of writing a book in a single point of view … Continue reading →

Posted in fiction, writing, writing advice, writing process | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

“Avengers” and the vulnerable superhero

Posted on September 19, 2012 by E. C. Ambrose

I went to see “The Avengers” again recently. Don’t ask how many times I’ve seen it–I’m not an addict, I can quit any time.  Really. The film got me thinking about the role of vulnerability in heroes.  Any time you … Continue reading →

Posted in character development, fantasy, fiction, movies | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

The Scooby-Doo Monster Effect, part 2: The Rubber Suit

Posted on July 13, 2011 by E. C. Ambrose

In my last Scooby-inspired post, I noted that there were a couple of problems with the Scooby monsters and talked about the convenience factor in plotting.  I noted in passing that the other issue hinges on transportation.  Well, not just … Continue reading →

Posted in character development, fantasy, Uncategorized, writing, writing advice | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment