These seven successful authors each offer a piece of advice on how to write. Together these quotes may be all you need to know about writing fiction.
So what do you think? Is this complete? Would you add anything?
Thank you for taking time to read and comment especially when there are so many concerns that occupy so many of us.
My heartfelt prayers for safety and strength go to all those affected by the hurricanes, the fires, the earthquake, or the floods ravaging so many.
Today I’m starting a new series that I hope will be entertaining and informative. I’ve created a questionnaire for readers to complete and will post the results here. Which readers? Anyone who enjoys reading. Doesn’t matter whether you read, fiction, nonfiction, comics, or graphic novels–it all qualifies. If you read, I’d love for you to participate. See the downloadable form and instructions below.
So on with the Interview.
I’m pleased to introduce . . . Myself. You’ll find my bio here and my debut novel blurb here. Welcome to my website, my blog, and my first reader interview.
I hope you enjoyed the interview.
What other questions would you like to ask readers?
Would you like to answer the questions and be featured in an upcoming blog post? You can download the questionnaire and fill it out.
Click here to download the Reader Interview
Email me your answers and I’ll let you know when your answers will be featured on this website.
Thank you so much for spending time with me! If you’ve taken the time to download the questionnaire, or to comment below, I am delighted and honored.
August wasn’t like any other August I’ve experienced. We’ve had mild and wet weather in Kansas. There was the spectacular solar eclipse, a visiting writer, a wet basement—twice, and a family crisis. Goals were met and goals were . . . not met.
Writing Goals
House Goals
Day Job
Other Goals
Unexpected Events
Basement flooded—Twice! Once at the beginning of the month and once near the end of the month. No serious damage but it required an unplanned expenditure of time to clean up. My wet basement was nothing compared those who will be cleaning and rebuilding after Harvey. My heart goes out to them!
A seriously illness (family member), who was hospitalized for a week. I had very little sleep during that week which meant those were completely unproductive days.
Things I Learned
A line or two expressing what your character expects for his/her future can be all the ‘before’ you need in your story beginning.
Study folklore — it’s how we express our fears.
For an emotionally powerful scene, include one small contrasting detail.
Watching an eclipse is AWESOME!
From Tex Thompson: “Find the easiest, laziest, most obvious choice you could make – and then do something else.”
From Dean Wesley Smith: “The only Failure in writing is not writing.” And “All Writing is practice.”
From Science Friday: Tatoos can damage sweat glands. People with full body tatoos can have difficulty dealing with heat.
Where you were born dictates how many sweat glands you have though living in AC can subvert this.
From Writing Excuses Podcast: A short story should focus on one idea. Strip all but dialog then add only what is necessary. Be as specific as possible. To make it work you must have targeted stakes for the character. Consider, what are the consequences of failure?
From Writing Excuses Podcast: For inspiration in creating titles look through the online Shakespeare database. And “Monsters are best when they subvert the status quo and remind us we’re not at the top of the food chain.”
From Writers Helping Writers Podcast: Mentor characters are a touchstone for the thematic truth. The interaction between the mentor and protagonist shouldn’t be easy. Mentor characters should be flawed, unique. The mentor shouldn’t ‘save’ the character except with severe consequences.
“Failure isn’t Forever!” Angela Lee Duckworth Thank you, Angela!
Final thoughts for August
August was a challenging month in all the areas that interrupt or stop my writing. I have also changed where I sit to write. This change has affected my ability to focus and get things done. It is not something I can change back anytime soon, so I will continue to work on finding ways to focus.
I don’t remember which blogger said that she tracks the things she learns each week. I thought I’d try it for a month. I love it! Reviewing all of the tidbits of new information at the end of the month is invigorating and reinforces the learning.
I didn’t accomplish what I wanted to in August, but September is a new month and a new slate.
September Goals
Writing
Write 4 Chapters minimum.
Write 4 new blog posts, post reader questionnaire results on Fridays.
House
Finish bathroom project.
Get gutters replaced. (The source of my wet basement problem.)
Day Job
I will have to be flexible this month.
Other Goals
Continue to listen and learn via podcasts.
Dedicate at least 2 hours per week for reading.
Finish revising website.
Going Forward
I hope the month of September will have fewer challenges for us all!
Thanks for reading!
I am ever so grateful you’ve taken the time to read my scribbles. If you’ve taken the time to comment, I’m delighted and honored.