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August 8, 2016
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By D. Jean Quarles
Over my writing career I've received a lot of advice. Some of it good
and some, well, less valuable. Here are the tips that I find myself
sharing with others along the way:
- Writing: Just start. However you can, whenever you can, just do it.
You will not be alone in seeing the blank page and panicking. We've all
been there, done that. The first and most important action you can take
is to sit down and begin.
- Writers' Block: Okay, this tags onto number 1. When you don't know what to write - write about that. I'm
not sure where to begin. I could begin with the beginning, but I think
it will take too long to then get to the action. Perhaps I should begin
with the action like start with a really exciting sword fight. . . Suddenly you will find yourself writing. Put pen to paper, fingers to the keyboard and get started.
- Writing What You Know: I heard that a lot when I was first writing,
but I really wanted to also write about things I wanted to learn about. A
writing friend of mine learned how to harvest wheat by working on a
farm in order to add that element to her story. Write what you know
and/or what you want to know more about. Your interest and passion for
your topic will transfer to the writing and, most importantly, to the
reader.
- Show Don't Tell: This advice was another I heard often. So the difference between showing and telling? Telling: He was embarrassed. Showing: His ears turned red.
- Dialog: Go to the mall, the nearest coffee shop or stand in line and
listen to conversations. People talk in short sentences. Conversation
is a give and take. It should be no different in your story or novel.
- Characters: Everyone is flawed and complex so each of your
characters should be as well. Yes, that includes the heroine, the hero
and the villain. The heroine and hero will have flaws and the villain
may have a gentle side. That is what makes them interesting.
- Surprise the Reader: Every page should contain a surprise for the
reader. Okay, what does that mean? Well, a word choice that is a bit
different, a decision the reader won't see coming, a plot twist or a
metaphor or simile that makes your reader smile. Something that will
keep the reader turning the page.
To read the full article, please go to:
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