I’d say learn to do the heart-rending thing of turning a critical eye upon your developing work. When you have managed to get a chunk of words on paper, those are clay, not art. You then have to sculpt them into a final draft. Be prepared to alter, delete and rewrite until it’s as good as you can make it at that point in your artistic development. Then do the scary thing of showing your work to the world; workshop your writing, submit your stories to editors.” -Nalo Hopkinson
It’s a new week and we’re deep into the holiday season. For me that means I’m swamped at my retail day job with crazy sales and even crazier customers. Its been hard to find time to write and even harder to keep up with blogging. Writing while life is happening is a never-ending struggle. Let’s get into some tips and tricks that helped me with the struggle.
1. I’m still partaking in NaNoWriMo, and it’s hard. I’m all about honestly here ya’ll and while I set out with good intentions, the results of my nanowrimo journey have been unsatisfactory. I’m about a fifth of the way there with a little less than half the month left. I wanted to connect with people more this time around but I still feel awkward in the online writing community. I want to be braver, but the thought of making a fool of myself in any kind of way with my fellow writers and potential readers is paralyzing. I know this is something I must get over and I’m working on it. I get a little more bold with every small interaction. So that happy Kim Chance, uploaded a nanowrimo pep talk, check it out here. I think will I participate again next year and I’ll also prep during October.
2. Speaking of struggling with social media I discovered a post that I really resonated with. I’m don’t always enjoy using social sites, I went a very long time with no Facebook. Though I have one now it was force upon me by work. I’ve had twitter and insta for years this year I got serious. I’m using it to connect with other aspiring and grow a following. While I enjoy looking at pretty feeds and getting inspired by them, actually interacting is a little harder for me. The post, found here, broke it down in steps for me. It’s not a one stop read and suddenly you get thousands of new followers but a few small tips that helped reshape how I think about and approach social media.
3. I couldn’t mention scrolling through pretty Instagram feds without shouting out an amazing Instagram. Check her out here. Her feed is beautiful and goals. Nadine’s website also has some great resources, like a downloadable mini novel planner, link in her bio.
4. I’m in that stage where I have to read my chapters over and over again to make sure they’re complete. That all the scenes progress the plot, that the dialogue is fresh, and the subplots are meaningful. Writers helping writers, a website for writers, has a great article about making sure your subplots are working for your story. The article delves into how subplots can be used to inject some real life into our stories and touches on using subplots to complicate your protagonist life and further plot. Check it out here.
5. On that plot note, a good one will have conflict. I came across this post about conflict, seven different types, including brief descriptions with book examples. I think my novel on a surface level is person vs nature, but definitely has more than just that type of conflict. Read through the post and let me know what kind of conflict your book is, and tell me in the comments. She also has a writing conflict exercise, and generally helpful advice on the site.
6. I’m always seeking helpful writing advice. I love this older article from bustle. It’s a collection of tips from different sci-fi and fantasy writers. Octavia Butler’s quote really hit home for me. “First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not habit will help you finish and polish your stories. Inspiration won’t. Habit is persistence in practice”. So good right? See the rest here. I’m a really big believer in making writing a ritual habit.
7. I’ve read through this blog post here several times. Its all about creating a long lasting writing ritual. One that will “trigger your mind to go into ‘writing mode'”. I write best when I’m in a writing mood, but let’s be honest I don’t have time to wait around till the writing mood strikes me. I have to learn how to create it. My current mindset says I can always write tomorrow, I have to teach the voice in my head to tell me to write today.
8. My mind is crowded with all the other things in my life, husband, job, friends, etc. its hard to get in a writing mindset much less then mindset of a teenage boy. My novel features dual protagonists, both teenagers, one male one female. Slipping into the mind of a semi-bratty teenage girl is easier that I should be comfortable with. Not so much with my male main character. I keep telling myself that the differences between man and woman are inconsequential, but still feel awkward writing in his voice, like its just not authentic . I stumbled upon an interview on pinterest, its features tips for writing from the male POV check it out here. Anything that can help me strengthen the voice of my characters I’m game for. Unrealistic characters is a weakness my manuscript can not afford.
9. Eliminating weaknesses from my manuscript is kinda what editing is all about for me. I’ve been using this blog post here as a checklist of sorts.
10. The last thing in writing, that I wanted to talk actually happened last week. A week ago we lost the great Stan Lee. I’m an avid comic book fan girl and collector. The news hit me hard and I truly believe the world is a little less sunny with the lost. So to Stan Lee I just want to thank you, for your kindness and creativity. I am who I am because of your work and creations, Excelsior.
That’s it form me today, but I’ve got more coming soon. It’s been a long time coming but I’m going to share a bit about my work in progress. Till next time create, hustle, and love yourself.
