Comments on: Capturing an Unhappy Relationship: A Writer’s Roadmap

By: Top Picks Thursday! For Writers & Readers 01-16-2020 | The Author Chronicles

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 18:03:07 +0000

[…] with distinct voices, Janice Hardy shares 5 ways to develop character voices, Tamar Sloan explores capturing an unhappy relationship, and Julie Glover examines if your character will fight, flee, or freeze. If your character is of […]

By: Tamar Sloan

Tamar Sloan — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 06:36:30 +0000

In reply to Sandra Warren.

Hi Sandra,

I agree! Relationships are the cornerstone of the human psyche, which is reflected in books 🙂

Happy writing,
Tamar

By: Tamar Sloan

Tamar Sloan — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 06:35:39 +0000

In reply to Jennifer Lane.

He sure knows his stuff, huh?

Hope your 2020 is productive and fulfilling, Jennifer.

Happy writing,
Tamar

By: Tamar Sloan

Tamar Sloan — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 06:34:39 +0000

In reply to Jan Sikes.

Thanks Jan!!

Have an awesome 2020!
Tamar

By: Tamar Sloan

Tamar Sloan — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 06:34:11 +0000

In reply to Traci Kenworth.

Hey Traci,

Yes, a very painful time for all. As you say, a chance for growth (and if there are children involved, a time to remember they come first) and deepening the connections you have. It can also be a time of pain that some struggle to move on from (and some who don’t want to). Capturing both those experiences on a page can be very powerful.

Happy writing,
Tamar

By: Tamar Sloan

Tamar Sloan — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 06:31:23 +0000

In reply to ANGELA ACKERMAN.

Hey Angela,

I doubt there’s a relationship that hasn’t experienced any of those (including my own 20 year marriage), but you’re right, it’s the frequency, and whether the couple are able to acknowledge their error and forgive that’s key.

Tamar 🙂

By: Tamar Sloan

Tamar Sloan — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 06:29:17 +0000

In reply to Dawn.

Hey Dawn,

Yep, contempt is a big one! It’s actually the strongest predictor of a relationship breakdown.

Happy writing,
Tamar

By: Tamar Sloan

Tamar Sloan — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 06:28:23 +0000

In reply to Kay DiBianca.

Hi Kay,

So glad it’s useful! You’re right – relationship and their complexities happen in every genre, so understanding them can really help a writer.

Happy writing,
Tamar

By: Kay DiBianca

Kay DiBianca — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 22:40:32 +0000

Wonderful information, Tamar! I don’t write romance, but these relationship issues can be found in mystery as well. I look forward to adding a little nuance in future works.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:00:07 +0000

I don’t write romance, but this is still excellent stuff. I actually plan on having a relationship mess in the fourth book of my series. Contempt and criticism will be involved.

By: ANGELA ACKERMAN

ANGELA ACKERMAN — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 01:28:19 +0000

This is really great stuff, Tamar. We do think a mot about what brings people together in storytelling but not always the insidious things that pull people apart.

I will admit I cringed a bit because I recognize some of these things in my own relationship with hubs, but married 25 years happily, I wouldn’t say that the presence of them necessarily herald the footsteps of doom. So I’m guessing quantity is a factor and probably the willing to acknowledge and apologize when we’re not behaving our best?

By: Traci Kenworth

Traci Kenworth — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 01:00:52 +0000

A difficult phase from experience. Lives shattered. Picked up. And forged ahead to build a new foundation of promise between single parents and their kids.