which is why I link to them here…
Stephen King’s Top 7 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer … gotta love the King
Plot like a Best Seller: 8 Things you Should Know …oh, plot, where art thou?
Determination vs Confidence…or, didn’t we just talk about this??
Tips for Writing a Best-Selling Novel…Lessons from Star Wars…may the force be with you
5 Tips for Starting (and Finishing) Your Novel…now to put it into practice!
Filed under Advice, Believe, Perseverance, writers, writing inspiration
What I'm reading now
I’m a voracious reader, as every writer should be. My fun reading list consists primarily of YA novels, since that is what I write and love to read these days. Perhaps I’ll break down my favorite characters, plot or theme for a post or two. One day.
But this series idea came while I was scribbling away in my hardbound journal while hiding out in Michigan last weekend. Hiding out from the internet, phones, TV, family and pretty much life in general. All that distracts me from Writing. My. Novel. So, while journaling, I was also reading my other favorite genre: books on writing craft and writing life. Like fiction, I can read several books simultaneously (I am easily distracted.) I figured, since I’m reading these great books on craft and doing the exercises or otherwise gleaning knowledge and motivation, why not share my findings with you fine readers? Kind of like an on-line nonfiction book discussion/group/thingamajig. Win-win?
So, let’s start with authors who inspire us and why. In The Art of War for Writers (fiction writing strategies, tactics, and exercises) – James Scott Bell, Bell suggests we find pictures of 3-4 of our favorite authors. Bonus points if the picture reflects the essence of these authors and why you admire them. Mine area always changing, but when I thought about it, I came up with this list…
Laurie Halse-Anderson
~ Laurie Halse Anderson…
o REMINDS ME… to speak from my VOICE
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Becca Fitzpatrick
~Becca Fitzpatrick…
o REMINDS ME…of what’s possible
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Stephen King
~Stephen King…
o REMINDS ME…to put the work and extra effort in!
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Toni Morrison
~Toni Morrison….
o REMINDS ME… of the beauty of writing, why I want to keep doing this
>>>>>>>>What do you think? Who would be on your list and can you find these authors’ photos to hang around your writing area – filling your space with experience, passion, motivation and art? I’d love to hear who you selected…
Filed under books, Reader Wednesdays
created by Mark A. Hicks, illustrator.
I just finished reading On Writing, by The King of Suspense & Horror. Gleaned many little tidbits from his experienced words. I’ll share them with you, sprinkled here and there.
But the statement that stuck with me, giving me back my (writing) mojo was this: King asks
Are you waiting for someone to give you permission to take time for reading and writing all you want?
Well, here it is. Your official permission to do it!
I’m taking that permission and running with it! How?
“Reading” via audio books every day on my commute to and from work (about a 2hr round trip ordeal)
Writing down ideas as they hit me – in the car, walking, lounging with family. I simply excuse myself or pull out my mini notebook and pen and jot images, situations, what if’s, quirky snippets of dialogue. I also need to put my portable audio recorder to use again ; )
RE-Writing my novel draft – one scene at a time. I’m currently on week 3 of a 6-week course REVISE FOR PUBLICATION, taught by Jordan Rosenfeld. So far – I’ve learned tons on the process of breaking down the novel and how to search for and fill the holes, how to dislodge and dump the extraneous details (and even characters!) and how to make backstory work by weaving in threads instead of quilting on big gaudy patches.
Reading a few books every time I get a few minutes alone (before bed, before morning shower, etc.) I’m reading in the genre I’m writing: YA Fiction, as well as Rosenfeld’s writing reference book: Make a Scene
The result of this permission granted time? I am super psyched about my novel again, ideas are ramming into me left and right and I’m dreaming nightly and waking up with vivid pictures to record. I feel alive again. I feel like a writer again.
Are you waiting for permission?
By the power vested in me (ala’ Stephen King) I hear by grant you permission to WRITE! READ! and WRITE some more!
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Filed under Advice, Get Published, Inspiration
Writers Inspired 