Amy Ivan
The Pen Marks the Line Between Love and Murder®
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AmyIvan

September 19, 2022

Rule Breaker

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” – Picasso

A fantastic bit of advice, but as a “pre-published” writer, not one I can enjoy. Me gaining experience being the most convincing reason. Giving the wrong impression to agents, another.

Even so, I sometimes break one. One that even contest judges have appreciated because the transition was smooth and the tension spiked – switching POV (point of view) during an intimate scene without a scene break. (I’m talking about trade length fiction, not category romance, novellas.)

Writers, editors, and agents have dug in on this issue in several camps. Near the tent, the staunch “Don’t do it, ever” are huddled around the “this works” fire. I appreciate the warmth that outlook provides because the last thing a writer should do is confuse the reader. The next bunch are willing to wander from the fire to dip their toes into the mountain stream of pacing and voice. “You may change POV once during the scene, but that’s IT.” Okay. Hmm.

As an author who writes in close third person, I should write a scene in the character’s POV of whomever has the greatest stakes. Who has the most to lose? Or struggling the most? That’s the “head” we should invade. Obviously the protagonist gets first dibs because it’s her story.

So what if both characters are experiencing high stakes, have something to lose, and are risking something huge to have this intimate moment? To come together and create something new. Doesn’t the reader want to hear from both people?

Bestselling authors shift the POV. Seamlessly. I’ll let their readers answer that question.

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AmyIvan

September 19, 2022

So grateful for my Killer Nashville experience in Franklin, TN. With over 1K entries in the Claymore competition I was honored to be a finalist and rub elbows with such a fun, high-caliber group of writers. Keynotes were inspiring and as always, I take advantage of pitching. My thanks to Clay Stafford and all the volunteers who made the event such a success.

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AmyIvan

August 2, 2022

I’m a 2022 Claymore Finalist!

I took a few days to sink in – but Blind Conviction finaled in the Claymore competition For Best Suspense. I am so excited for Killer Nashville later this month!!

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AmyIvan

July 24, 2022

Sleuthfest 2022: Back to Fla-mingling

Had a blast meeting with MWA members from Florida and beyond, attending great workshops, and selling raffle tickets.

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AmyIvan

July 22, 2022

Blind Conviction Finals in 2022 Claymore!

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AmyIvan

June 24, 2022

Manuscript #12 Repeat Offender

Kara Cinnamon #6. Am I really here?

Yes. And it’s shaping up to be anything than what the reader expects.

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© Amy Ivan 2023
The Pen Marks the Line Between Love and Murder ®