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READ, READ, READ
“Read everything–trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read!” William Faulkner Great advice. There is something said for the process of osmosis. When I find myself in times of trauma or stress, and the words will not come, no matter how hard I try to make them appear, it is reading that saves me. Last fall, putting the keyboard aside, I decided to immerse myself in literature. I read for pleasure. I read books from my shelf that I had not gotten around to yet. I downloaded new novels on my e-reader and…
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHARACTER
Honour the miraculousness of the ordinary. Andrew Motion Interviewing is a fun way to get to know your main character or yourself, for that matter, if you’re writing a memoir. Don’t forget to record your answers in your writer’s notebook. TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR TEEN CHARACTER What is your biggest fear? What was your most embarrassing moment? Who do you most admire and why? How is your upbringing different from that of your friends? What do you dream about? Who is your best friend and what makes that person special? If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? What do you like most about…
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What About That Other Character?
“THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT: YOU SIT DOWN AT THE KEYBOARD AND YOU PUT ONE WORD AFTER ANOTHER UNTIL IT’S DONE. IT’S THAT EASY, AND THAT HARD.” Neil Gaiman I have to admit I love Neil Gaiman’s writing and what he has to say about writing. My favourite children’s book, written, interestingly enough from the Dad’s point of view, is Fortunately the Milk. If you haven’t read it, you really should. It’s short, and a hilarious story for all age groups. Having said that, yesterday’s post, How To Get Your Character Out of the Room, has some great tips that you might want to check out, if you missed…
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What Good Authors Do
Below are some tips I’ve collected over the years about what good writers do. There is nothing wrong with modelling your practice after the writers who have met with great success. Here are some timeless quotes from a few of the greats. Good writers respect the reader. Lack of courtesy may be the chief fault that distinguishes unsuccessful writing from the most successful…The reader of fiction is primarily seeking an experience different from and greater than his or her daily experiences in life. How to Grow a Novel—Sol Stein Good writers do not simply describe a barn. Good writers describe a barn as seen by someone in a particular mood, because only…
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Starring…YOU!
Don’t just plan to write—write. It is only by writing, not dreaming about it, that we develop our own style. P.D.James Writing Prompt Begin a story with a character based on you. Put the character in a place and/or situation you’ve never been. Write what happens.