WRITING CRAFT: BODY BEATS TO BUILD ON BY APRIL W. GARDNER

deb gardner allard — Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A Valuable Tool for Novel Writers

For me, the art of writing is equivalent to working a puzzle, and Body Beats to Build On is like finding the center piece that will connect the frame. It offers suggestions and ideas for authors. I've scanned and re-scanned pages, dog-earred many, and literally worn-out the book. But how could I ever part with this ragged copy? Having spent hours thumbing through the chapters, I know where every jot, tittle, and drop of sweat lies. LOL

But let me back up and explain what drew me to Body Beats to Build On. One thing is that it omits lengthy text and chapters about why the author wrote the book. That appeased my ADHD, which worsens when I can't get to the gist of a craft book quickly. I wanted to roll up my sleeves and get busy enhancing my story, and this book delivered. How, you might ask? Well, I'll tell you about the next thing that drew my attention...

After four scant pages, I dove headfirst into chapters filled with golden ideas for actions and gestures, which are otherwise known as body beats. Coming up with motions is often time-consuming. We might sit in front of our manuscript for eons trying to create the right action for a situation. But no more. After reading through this book, I kindled my palms, then clicked open my story on the computer screen, and got to work.

The final things that drew my attention were the types of actions—those to replace dialogue tags, describe characters' behaviors, and show body gestures and emotions. April W. Gardner offers plenty of suggestions, but rather than use her ideas, I reword them to make them my own. I highly recommend this book to authors. After months, you'll fly on your own.

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SPOTLIGHT ON COZY MYSTERIES

deb gardner allard — Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

WELCOME JEN DODRILL!

Deb: Hi Jen, I enjoyed reading your two cozy mysteries–Birds Alive! and Where’s the Quetzal? One thing I loved about them is that both books contain a little romance. Book one sets the stage for potential romantic relationships and book two develops them. You had us guessing which man Peg would choose–the birder or the detective. It was touch and go there for a while. They all had unique, definitely not run of the mill, relationships, which made the books a hoot to read. Peg’s feisty mother-in-law, the parrot, and the dog had me laughing out loud. Many times I stopped reading to relish their antics. And your mysteries are well developed with detailed clues. Kudos for a great job. Would you ever want to write a romance?

Jen: I don’t write romance, but my own real-life romance is 39 years strong, which I say is because my husband is even more stubborn than I am! Finding joy in whatever brings you joy is a precious thing and not to be taken for granted. My husband and I have very different interests, but our love for our family brings us close each day.

Deb: I can relate to having a stubborn husband, LOL. Thanks for your romance tip. Many couples don’t have a lot in common, but you’re right, having something huge that unites both of you with joy, such as your love for family, organically creates a relationship that will last, plus you have Christ in common, and that is the strongest bond you can have.

Changing the subject– some of my readers are writers. Is there a writing tip you’d like to share?

Jen: If I could tell new authors one thing to do, I’d say join up with other authors. Whether it’s at writing conferences, critique groups, or just chatting with other authors, do it. You will learn more than you can imagine. One extra tip – pay it forward. Bless those authors by supporting them, encouraging them, writing reviews, hosting them on your blog (thanks, Deb!), or whatever else you can think of.

Deb: Thanks, Jen. Great advice.

About Cozy Mystery Writer, Jen Dodrill

How bad can a birder be?

Peg Howard has planned the perfect baby shower for her oldest daughter. But the return of Estelle and Roger Keaton disrupts her peace, reigniting old mysteries.

A chance discovery of a centuries-old shipwreck sets off a chain of events, thrusting Peg and her friends into a perilous game of deception. As they unravel the mysteries surrounding a rare quetzal bird, they uncover a plot that threatens their very lives.

With Detective Marcus Sharp and her mother-in-law Hazel by her side, Peg races against time to solve the mystery. But as she digs deeper, she realizes that some truths are better left buried.

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deb gardner allard | Updates

WRITING CRAFT: BODY BEATS TO BUILD ON BY APRIL W. GARDNER

SPOTLIGHT ON COZY MYSTERIES