Don't isolate yourselfIt is very easy as a writer to become isolated. Your work involves you, a laptop or a notebook and pen. Yes, of course, there's the characters in your head - but I'm sorry, they don't count. Make a conscious effort to be around real people, at least now and then. Don't let… Continue reading How to Be a Healthy Writer
Tag: novel advice
How to Be a Better Storyteller
All writers are storytellers. Whether you are writing a novel or a blog post, you are essentially telling a story. But how do you become a better storyteller? How do you ensure that your narrative and characters aren't dry and boring? How do you make it all feel real whether it is a non-fiction or… Continue reading How to Be a Better Storyteller
Knowing What Kind of Writer You Are
I was speaking to my friend (and critique partner) about our books the other day. I'm in the editing process but she's still in the writing the draft process. And we were envious of each other! You see, I think there's different kinds of writers who thrive in different ways. I thrive in the writing… Continue reading Knowing What Kind of Writer You Are
Mind Mapping for Writers
I love mind maps. Countless times have they helped me figure out ideas that I was struggling with. Here are a few ways that you can use mind maps: Details for your story: this is the biggest one. I've used many mind maps to help me to discover detail about my story without feeling like… Continue reading Mind Mapping for Writers
Why Writing is Hard
Writing is hard. It is. Not because writing something is hard, because technically everyone can write something. Not because coming up with good ideas is hard, because all kinds of people (extraordinary and not so extraordinary) can come up with ideas everyday. No, writing is hard because: Discipline - it takes discipline to sit with… Continue reading Why Writing is Hard
What Do Children Want and Need from a Book?
By children, I mean middle grade (8-14) really. I've been thinking about this a lot, as someone who plans to be a middle grade author in the not too distant future. What do children want and need from a book in this day and age? Because, I bet it's not the same as 5 years… Continue reading What Do Children Want and Need from a Book?
Things Writers Are Tired of Hearing
It's not gonna make you any money It's not like a real job I don't really read, sorry. What do you write? Is it like Fifty Shades of Grey? Sorry to disturb you. Not busy, are you? You're always on your phone or laptop or writing something down. How many books have you written? (And… Continue reading Things Writers Are Tired of Hearing
How to Handle Criticism
As a budding writer or author, you will suffer through a great deal of criticism. Everyone's a critic, and everyone criticises art. That means you and your work will be a big target. They'll say your writing is dull. Your writing is too descriptive. Your characters don't work. Your plot doesn't make sense. Your plot… Continue reading How to Handle Criticism
Why “Red Queen” Wasn’t All That
Under-developed characters: I felt that Mare Barrow (the main character) was very meh for me. She seemed bland and just an accessory for the story instead of a strong, developed, real character. I didn't care about her or her story. I didn't like her. And I just couldn't get into her person. In fact, I… Continue reading Why “Red Queen” Wasn’t All That
What Makes a Character Bad
They make decisions that don't really make sense. They're bad to be bad. They have no history. They don't want anything. There's nothing driving them forwards except you, the writer. They're a meh character. Nothing about them is interesting. No one cares about them. They aren't realistic. Maybe they're perfect or never make mistakes or… Continue reading What Makes a Character Bad
