Practice writing.
Love writing and have a difficult time knowing what to write? The more you practice writing the more capable you will be of conquering this problem, this basic exercise can sometimes help when you simply suffer from writers block.
This practice doesn't have to be very long or too difficult. The subject is very simple. Look away from your writing device whether it is a writing tablet, PC or old style typewriter and the first thing your eyes land on write about that.
Example: First thing I see is my coffee cup.
Written example: "Looking back at me wondering if it had worn out its use or if it would be passed on yet again, think of all the hands that have handled it to this point. It's hard not to think about the very first person who actually touched me, the one who created me and placed me in my packaging. She was quiet and tried to keep to her work always worried what others might be thinking of her."
Personally I can create a whole story out of this however the point is to get you thinking, writing and most importantly looking at everything around you as a possible beginning or even an ending to a great story.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Established authors make mistakes to
Do established authors still make the same mistakes they did when they first started?
Not to be discouraging however at times yes they do. Experience does not make anyone immune to mistakes and it's perfectly natural to make them. I've found books from well-known authors to have mistakes in them when they are in bookstores. This is when a good copy-editor or a basic editor makes a world of difference with your writing.
If you learned the wrong way the first time it is hard to break that habit and can stick with you for a life time however knowing this will always help you know what to look for when going back over your written work.
When you're typing or editing fast it is easy to miss some mistakes. It's easy to be thinking of a word and look back realizing the sentence is there while it's either missing the sentiment you were hoping for or simply one word is missing. Oddly enough a common mistake is with typing fast. Instead of writing the word 'who' the word 'how' or 'where' versus 'were' is in its place.
In basic daily life we make mistakes that we know how we should have done something or wished we had done it differently. This is the same with writing. An author may have gained much experience over the years with writing however they are still learning to find craft their skills. Some still have editors; after all it is harder to edit your own stories. Stephen King has to send his off to an editor or he will keep re-writing it until it's no longer what the story was originally intending.
It's always a good idea to read over what you have written to make sure its properly spelled, your thought is getting put across or simply understood and effective. Always have fun and enjoy writing your book, this comes across in your writing and if you do not enjoy what you are doing then then take a break and come back to it. Sometimes this can be a year or even an hour.
Not to be discouraging however at times yes they do. Experience does not make anyone immune to mistakes and it's perfectly natural to make them. I've found books from well-known authors to have mistakes in them when they are in bookstores. This is when a good copy-editor or a basic editor makes a world of difference with your writing.
If you learned the wrong way the first time it is hard to break that habit and can stick with you for a life time however knowing this will always help you know what to look for when going back over your written work.
When you're typing or editing fast it is easy to miss some mistakes. It's easy to be thinking of a word and look back realizing the sentence is there while it's either missing the sentiment you were hoping for or simply one word is missing. Oddly enough a common mistake is with typing fast. Instead of writing the word 'who' the word 'how' or 'where' versus 'were' is in its place.
In basic daily life we make mistakes that we know how we should have done something or wished we had done it differently. This is the same with writing. An author may have gained much experience over the years with writing however they are still learning to find craft their skills. Some still have editors; after all it is harder to edit your own stories. Stephen King has to send his off to an editor or he will keep re-writing it until it's no longer what the story was originally intending.
It's always a good idea to read over what you have written to make sure its properly spelled, your thought is getting put across or simply understood and effective. Always have fun and enjoy writing your book, this comes across in your writing and if you do not enjoy what you are doing then then take a break and come back to it. Sometimes this can be a year or even an hour.
How well do you know your novels characters?
Q: Towards the end of the chapter I realized my character made choices based on her personality would never make. If I change it then the ending will change also and it would change the entirety to the second book. Should I make changes or leave it as is?
A: Depending on the choices your having your character make, he/ she might be forced into making a decision they normally would not make. Having the outcome change might not be a bad thing depending on how it changes and why. There are many writers who will re-write an entire novel because something doesn't fit or feel right about it. There is nothing wrong with doing this. Take your time to make sure you feel comfortable with your ending. Make sure to make all the changes you want now because once its put out there for readers and they see it constantly being changed, especially for story-line then this will not appear very professional.
A: Depending on the choices your having your character make, he/ she might be forced into making a decision they normally would not make. Having the outcome change might not be a bad thing depending on how it changes and why. There are many writers who will re-write an entire novel because something doesn't fit or feel right about it. There is nothing wrong with doing this. Take your time to make sure you feel comfortable with your ending. Make sure to make all the changes you want now because once its put out there for readers and they see it constantly being changed, especially for story-line then this will not appear very professional.
What is your writing style?
There is a reason we refer to writers as having their own 'style' of writing. As long as story flow is easy to follow along with and no errors, story makes sense and proper spelling then you're good to use a different style then other writers. Some writers are very wordy and many will complain about this. There are readers out there that like that and will purchase it. There are people who think vampires should be unable to control their thirst for blood or they should not be sparkly. Some readers have proven they like variety and will read these books. The way you write about your characters, setting scenes, emotions or simply the form you put the words into.
The whole writing rules of do this and don't do that and never in a millions years mention this in your book. Throw the rules out and simply write your story. In truth, there are no rules to writing other than making sure someone can understand the idea you are getting across. It helps if the story is entertaining in some way to keep their attention. It helps not having a story be only depressing, add something funny or at least something positive in there at some point. There will be some genres that have larger readerships; it's simply a matter of finding the ones who read your style of writing. If you go according to all the writing rules floating around on the internet then you will never be able to write. Have fun with your writing and make sure it's something you're enjoying.
It's along the same lines of buying gifts. The ones people generally like are those we would want ourselves. First make sure you enjoy it and simply make it available and find those others out there are also interested in it. Don't expect to be an overnight sensation, it can take many years to be known and for those who are fortunate to have certain connections not to waste them.
I don't know about you but personally I know I would get tired of books if they were all the same and stuck to the same rules of writing. I would lose interest in the characters. I want a reason for reading about them. Why did you write about them and why should they interest me? Other than that enjoy your writing.
The whole writing rules of do this and don't do that and never in a millions years mention this in your book. Throw the rules out and simply write your story. In truth, there are no rules to writing other than making sure someone can understand the idea you are getting across. It helps if the story is entertaining in some way to keep their attention. It helps not having a story be only depressing, add something funny or at least something positive in there at some point. There will be some genres that have larger readerships; it's simply a matter of finding the ones who read your style of writing. If you go according to all the writing rules floating around on the internet then you will never be able to write. Have fun with your writing and make sure it's something you're enjoying.
It's along the same lines of buying gifts. The ones people generally like are those we would want ourselves. First make sure you enjoy it and simply make it available and find those others out there are also interested in it. Don't expect to be an overnight sensation, it can take many years to be known and for those who are fortunate to have certain connections not to waste them.
I don't know about you but personally I know I would get tired of books if they were all the same and stuck to the same rules of writing. I would lose interest in the characters. I want a reason for reading about them. Why did you write about them and why should they interest me? Other than that enjoy your writing.
Creating a perfect name for your characters
Creating a name for your character can be a difficult task. We've heard people who are attached to their characters, know their strengths, weakness, likes and dislikes. Who they get alone with and who they might hate. All the way down to their favorite food however many have a problem sticking to one name for them.
Some use name generators while others look through family history to find a name and some simply are able to make a name off the top of their head.
We like to think of naming a character the same way you would name your child. Think of their personality and how you feel about them. There is nothing wrong if you need to use a baby naming book, there are many of those online to browse through especially if you feel connected to a certain letter or sound. Personally I've looked through history books to see what names have been used during certain time periods or I will simply go with what feels good and I picture this person in my mind and calling them by it.
Some use name generators while others look through family history to find a name and some simply are able to make a name off the top of their head.
We like to think of naming a character the same way you would name your child. Think of their personality and how you feel about them. There is nothing wrong if you need to use a baby naming book, there are many of those online to browse through especially if you feel connected to a certain letter or sound. Personally I've looked through history books to see what names have been used during certain time periods or I will simply go with what feels good and I picture this person in my mind and calling them by it.
What do you think of blogs?
Q: "I hate the term "blogging" do I really need to do it and write about my feelings and things? I'm friendly but I can't just sit there and chat about nothing and I don't really want to say what I ate for the day."
A: If you choose to blog there is generally a reason for it. With writing it helps the author talk about their book, story-line, characters and other aspects of the book. It also helps the reader get to know the author, what inspired them to write the book and what to look forward to. Blogging never has to be boring and certainly never has to deal with what you ate for the day unless your a chef and then it wouldn't be a bad idea.
Perhaps a way of not seeing it as blogging you could always name it your journal or thoughts of interest page and possibly this would appeal more to yourself and others who read your page. Take into account why you have the page and what your goal is with it. It does help to keep it active, at least visit the page every so often or put updates to keep readers interested. You could always have friends help out only make sure they know what sort of content you want to see on it, make sure if you post anything like pictures, music or writing that is not yours that you give credit to who owns it and that you have permission from them to use it or you will open yourself up to law suits. We wish you the best of luck!
A: If you choose to blog there is generally a reason for it. With writing it helps the author talk about their book, story-line, characters and other aspects of the book. It also helps the reader get to know the author, what inspired them to write the book and what to look forward to. Blogging never has to be boring and certainly never has to deal with what you ate for the day unless your a chef and then it wouldn't be a bad idea.
Perhaps a way of not seeing it as blogging you could always name it your journal or thoughts of interest page and possibly this would appeal more to yourself and others who read your page. Take into account why you have the page and what your goal is with it. It does help to keep it active, at least visit the page every so often or put updates to keep readers interested. You could always have friends help out only make sure they know what sort of content you want to see on it, make sure if you post anything like pictures, music or writing that is not yours that you give credit to who owns it and that you have permission from them to use it or you will open yourself up to law suits. We wish you the best of luck!
Are writers insecure.
Why would a writer be insecure about their writing?
There are many reasons and this can relate to several different fields. One common one is that we are attached to our own writing however we can feel nervous wondering if anyone else likes it. A writer can know their story is good but they do not know how the public will receive it.
Another reason for being nervous is the genre they write in. Some might not know they prefer writing about other worlds, magical beings or even adult themes. This could make a person nervous sharing something so personal and intimate with others. They could be nervous to see how friends, family or the public will think of the way they write about these topics.
Musicians get insecure when they hear someone who has been playing longer than them showing they have more experience.
Actors/ actresses, singers, writers, doctors, nurses, teachers and several other professions might feel insecure. They may know their craft well and feel confidant doing it however when they have those they respect the opinions of or simply do not know how they will be accepted, this can create an insecurity especially if they know of a personal flaw and are worried it might be exposed making them feel they have less worthy of their field.
For the longest time the genre romance has been dominated by women and men who write romance might worry they won't be accepted
Some feel insecure because they feel someone might think they are not intelligent, this is actually a popular fear among many well established people. An education is important and is certainly not a waste on anyone however if you do not have an associates, bachelors or higher that doesn't make you less qualified.
There are far more reasons than we are listing that make people feel insecure however think about what is making you insecure and what you can do to conquer it. Feeling insecure is no different than having a fear and working past it.
Don't let an insecurity keep you from doing what you love. There will always be critics and it's important to be aware that some will give you an honest review, some will simply state something out of jealousy and others actually won't like what you do. There are so many different people out there that enjoy various genres so it’s a matter of finding the group who is interested in your work. Feelings of insecurities will pop up but remember to tell yourself you're worth it and keep working hard at making yourself and your craft better.
There are many reasons and this can relate to several different fields. One common one is that we are attached to our own writing however we can feel nervous wondering if anyone else likes it. A writer can know their story is good but they do not know how the public will receive it.
Another reason for being nervous is the genre they write in. Some might not know they prefer writing about other worlds, magical beings or even adult themes. This could make a person nervous sharing something so personal and intimate with others. They could be nervous to see how friends, family or the public will think of the way they write about these topics.
Musicians get insecure when they hear someone who has been playing longer than them showing they have more experience.
Actors/ actresses, singers, writers, doctors, nurses, teachers and several other professions might feel insecure. They may know their craft well and feel confidant doing it however when they have those they respect the opinions of or simply do not know how they will be accepted, this can create an insecurity especially if they know of a personal flaw and are worried it might be exposed making them feel they have less worthy of their field.
For the longest time the genre romance has been dominated by women and men who write romance might worry they won't be accepted
Some feel insecure because they feel someone might think they are not intelligent, this is actually a popular fear among many well established people. An education is important and is certainly not a waste on anyone however if you do not have an associates, bachelors or higher that doesn't make you less qualified.
There are far more reasons than we are listing that make people feel insecure however think about what is making you insecure and what you can do to conquer it. Feeling insecure is no different than having a fear and working past it.
Don't let an insecurity keep you from doing what you love. There will always be critics and it's important to be aware that some will give you an honest review, some will simply state something out of jealousy and others actually won't like what you do. There are so many different people out there that enjoy various genres so it’s a matter of finding the group who is interested in your work. Feelings of insecurities will pop up but remember to tell yourself you're worth it and keep working hard at making yourself and your craft better.
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