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?
Tag: novel advice
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
How to Create a Character Profile
Anyone who is serious about writing a story, especially one with a lot of characters, should know what a character profile is - and use them. Take my fantasy series, for example, there are over 160 main-ish characters throughout the 4 books. Yes, that many! In order to keep up, and know each of them… Continue reading How to Create a Character Profile
Tools to Help you Focus When Writing
Instrumental music (without words/lyrics) Inspirational music A comfy but not too comfy environment No noise or other people or distractions Turn off your phone Turn off your WiFi Set a time slot for working Take breaks Have notes to refer back to in order to get started and stay on track Tell people you're about… Continue reading Tools to Help you Focus When Writing
How to Write Every Day
Have a set writing routine "I will write at such-and-such time every day." Have a set writing environment. Have inspiration tools readily available, e.g. Read a chapter before writing or music or a Pinterest board! Force yourself even when you don't feel up to it. (You can always edit later.) Even writing one paragraph is… Continue reading How to Write Every Day
How to Be a Better Writer
Read - read a lot and often. The best writers will find time to read every day. This is because it helps you spot bad writing and good writing and learn new things for your own work. Live - I believe that good writers have lived good lives. By good I don't mean perfect, I… Continue reading How to Be a Better Writer
Know the Whys of your Story
You have a great story. It's full of action and drama and brilliant characters, right? Well, if you don't know the whys behind all of that, then I'm sorry but your story isn't really that good. But don't fear! Here's some why questions to ask yourself in order to get started! Why does your character… Continue reading Know the Whys of your Story
S. R. Crawford 