Writing is a solitary occupation. Many hours are spent listening to characters speak in your mind, choosing the right words, and analyzing everything that goes down on paper or a Word document. A critique group is a group of writers who can make the job a little less lonely and help you polish your manuscript. Being part of one provides a network of people who understand the world of a writer. Their experiences, knowledge, and [...]
Most authors do not begin as excellent writers. It's a life-long process. Here are some tips to help you improve: Writing takes practice. To get in the habit of doing it, follow tips one and two: Find your writing space. Have a comfortable space without distractions that’s conducive to writing. Create a writing ritual. Set aside a specific time each day or week that is used only for writing. Learn from others. Tips 3 through [...]
Our job as writers is to create believable and entertaining stories for our readers. This is true whether you’re writing for children or adults. Details about the setting — location, time period, and everything that goes with it — are what make the story realistic. Research is part of the process. Writers need a clear picture in their minds to build their imaginary worlds. The trick is knowing how much information to include without [...]
Short stories offer the opportunity to practice the craft of writing. They don’t take months or years to complete, and the sense of accomplishment once you finish is satisfying. Short stories also provide a chance to explore genres you might not otherwise try. Here are some tips if you would like to write your own: Figure out the basic plot. Short stories are usually 3,500 words or less, so you’ll need to make every [...]
Some new writers believe that writing is an innate talent that some people have and other people don’t. That’s simply not true. Great ideas might come from great minds, but great writing comes from studying, practicing, and perfecting the craft of writing. What will you practice today?
What writer couldn't use some help with PLOTTING? I know I always appreciate advice on how to make the process go smoother. Christina Farley is the author of the bestselling Gilded series and THE PRINCESS AND THE PAGE. Prior to that, she worked as an international teacher and at a top-secret job for Disney where she was known to scatter pixie dust before the sun rose. She and some of her author friends put together the following video. [...]
