More writing advice (not from me)…
So, today I'm lazy on blogging...and industrious on something else. I am installing a security system for someone and writing 2000 words on the MIP--a masterpiece in progress (tongue-solidly-in-cheek). Lack of quality blogging seems to be my mode of operation lately. That said, I found these cool blog posts in the wee hours of the morning while I was planning the above tasks and wanted to share them. You might find them useful: If you can't go to the Iowa Writer's Workshop, isn't it good to still learn something from it? http://www.writersdigest.com/uncategorized/5-unexpected-lessons-from-inside-the-iowa-writers-workshop My favorite lesson--the last one. You still have to be human. A writer needs a community and you, my friends, are my online community. We also need a personal community-so don't get so tied to the writing that you neglect to socialize. In person. And exercise. Preferably outside. Enough about humanism and back to writing. Here's something most of us constantly struggle [...]
Need a quick reality check?
Every once in a while I find a site that sounds like a great tool for writers and I like to pass on the information. This one looks interesting. They specialize in helping build your platform, as well as marketing tools and author consultation. Take a look: http://www.juneclark.com/getthere.html Oh, and I met some of the ladies from this Literary Agency at the San Francisco Writer's Conference. Great group!
What an editor can do for you and why you need one
So, you think you can write, huh? Well, I did too. Until I wrote my first manuscript and sent it to every editor, publishing house, and friend of a friend that knew someone who's sister worked for something to do with books. Then I accepted that while I have a brain overcrowded with all sorts of ideas for books and I was an A student in my English, Creative Writing, and English Lit classes through college, there are still things that I do wrong. VERY wrong. I won't say what they are because some things aren't worth saying. No matter how great a writer you are, you will miss something. It may be grammatical. It may not. It may simply be something about your characters that rings false, or perhaps a hole in the setting or action that needs further embellishment. If you're lucky enough to have a lot of [...]
Sometimes persistence is the key…
Persistence is one of those things that can be good or bad. When it comes to almost any artistic endeavor, the longer you work at perfecting your craft the more likely you will be to succeed. There is a theory in business (proven actually) that it takes somewhere around 10,000 hours to become an expert at any skill whether it be artistic, athletic, or educational. That equates to about five years. Which to a teenager sounds like an eternity. But I'm no teenager although I'd gladly do it again if I had the opportunity. Does five years sound overwhelming to you? I know a few musicians that would probably agree with that theory, along with a mass of writers. Most certainly, in the technical world, that's the case. But it's hard to persevere when you hit a lot of roadblocks along the way, isn't it? That's why only a few [...]
Your favorite reads…come on, give your favorites a boost
A long time ago I created this list on Goodreads (hoping someday I'd be submitted to it of course) and haven't looked since. I checked it out this morning and was excited to see so many great responses. Soooo, here's your chance authors, readers, and friends. Please add to the list and get the word out. Submit your favorite unknown or emerging authors to the list and give them some much needed publicity. After all, getting the word out is the hardest part for an emerging author. The only rule is--you can't put yourself on the list. http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/25483.Little_Unknowns_You_Will_Love?type=list#rating_13211395 Oh, and for all you artists of other flavors that I follow, tell me where to start the buzz for you--and I'll get moving for you also. Have a great day!
Point Of View…Does it Matter?
Here is an excellent resource on writing point of view, Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View. I would highly recommend it to any and all writers. Point of View is one of those areas that a writer can really stumble--badly. From a reader's perspective, it's doubtful that anyone ever notices how an author chose which head to speak from. It's a critical decision though and can make a world of difference in the effectiveness of the story. Once chosen, some writers make the mistake of not digging deep enough or gritty enough to draw the reader into the action. If the point of view doesn't delve deeply into a scene so that you, the reader, believes and feels the action personally--it's not working. A person should not feel that they are standing on the sidelines watching the story unfold--but rather that they are the person it is happening [...]
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