Writing Tips Archive
Tip for June 2010
Make friends with other writers
Nobody understands the writing business like another writer. Need help with craft, plotting, characterization? Brainstorm with those in the know. Make friends with writers at all levels. You'll be amazed at the benefits. A knowledgeable writer can help translate a rejection letter, explain the business, and help you get ready for interviews, conferences and appointments.
Tip for May 2010
Avoid comparing yourself to others
Your path to writing success is different from mine, which is different from anyone else's. Comparing your journey to another's only leads to envy, jealousy and the feeling that "they're doing better than I am." (Insert any negative mantra here.) Not true; the paths merely differ.
Tip for April 2010
Writing is not for the faint of heart
Writing is a craft that takes years to hone, and challenges the mind and the spirit in ways the non-writer can't even imagine. Along the way, you'll face rejection and more rejection. Don't despair, and don't lose sight of your dream. Work to improve your craft, and in time, you will get there.
Tip for March 2010
Be professional
Back in my banking days, I once took a seminar called, "Etiquette for Business," a class that was about good manners and etiquette in everything from dining to thank you notes to email. Great stuff! One point that particularly sticks with me is that you never know who might be observing you-both in person and online. To name a few, editors, agents, readers and other authors.
Behave as a professional. Never badmouth anyone in public. Save any crying jags, hissy fits or outrage for when you are either alone or in the company of those you trust.
When you submit your writing to agents and/or editors, follow professional standards. Double spaced, a font easy to read (I use Courier 12-point, because this is the font and size most agents and editors prefer). Black ink. One inch margins on each side and the bottom, with slightly bigger margins on the top. Name, title of work and page number at the top of every page. For hard copy, one side of the paper only.
Tip for February 2010
Don't listen to the negative nellies
I'm talking about the naysayers, those who spout off all the negative information they can find. Here are some examples: "The market is tanking or has tanked." Publishing as we know it is doomed." "None of the editors or agents is looking for new writers." "Vanity press is the only way to go." I'm sure you've heard these and plenty of other negative statements ad nauseam. Don't let these downers hurt your efforts to succeed! Make the information work for you. Explore the market. Visit publisher websites. Read editor and agent blogs to assess what they think and want. Arm yourself with knowledge. Most important: don't give up!
Tip for January 2010
Set Daily Goals
The writing arena is filled with "how to" courses, seminars and books, of which I'm a huge proponent. However, the only way to learn the craft of writing is to sit down and write. Every single day, with a few days off here and there. Set daily writing goals for yourself, then stick to them. Make sure you don't set your goals too high, as failure to achieve them will demotivate you. Page goals work well-even if you only have time to write one page per day. The means in 365 days you'll write somewhere around 365 pages, which adds up to a full-length novel!
Tip for December 2009
Hook readers from the start
To paraphrase writing guru Dwight Swain, start your story on the day something is different. In other words, jump into the action! Save the backstory for later, and sprinkle in a little at a time.
Tip for November 2009
Use metaphors to strengthen your work
Metaphors are powerful symbols. Many writers use them naturally, without conscious thought. Be aware of metaphors, and use them intentionally to strengthen your story. For example, a violent storm could symbolize a character's turmoil. A photo ripped in half could represent letting go of the past.
Tip for October 2009
Don't rush to finish
If an editor or agent requests your work, don't rush to send it. Take your time editing and polishing to make your writing the best it can be. (Just don't take too long. A few months at most.) Trust me on this, because I've been there. Tell whoever requested all or part of your story, "I'm polishing the work now and will get it to you in (fill in the blank)." Then follow through.
Tip for September 2009
Trust your characters
You've written a synopsis and you know where your story will go. Now allow your characters show you how to get there. Instead of forcing them to act a particular way or say what you want them to, let them do and say what comes naturally. You'll be surprised at what they reveal.
Tip for August 2009
Start your story on the day something changes
Writing guru Dwight Swain says to start your story on the day that's different. Avoid using too much backstory, which can be cumbersome and dull. Instead, jump right into the action. As your story unfolds, layer in any needed backstory.
Tip for July 2009
Use similes that work with your story
From time to time all writers use similes. Avoid clichés by using similes that apply specifically to the character or story. For example, the hero in my July Harlequin American owns a remodeling business. In one particular scene, the heroine's facial expressions pretty much express what she's thinking. I could've said, "She was as easy to read as an open book," but that's been used umpteen times. So I sifted through my hero's toolbox and used something from it: "Her face was as easy to read as a level."
Tip for June 2009
Use description sparingly to enhance your story
These days no one wants to read paragraph after paragraph of description. Trust the reader to "see" the setting by sprinkling description here and there, and make it part of the story. Here's an example from my July Harlequin American, A Father for Jesse: Once outside he headed for the sea. The sleet had stopped, but the wind had picked up, and there was no one else on the street. Mac tromped down the rest of the block, rounded the corner, and strode down the gently sloping hill that led to the beach.
Tip for May 2009
Use active words
Add oomph to your story by using active words that paint a picture. For example, instead of "the red Honda drove quickly past," try "the red Honda zipped past in a blur." Note how the words zipped an blur paint a picture.
Tip for April 2009
Write the best book you can
Industry experts say it over and over-write the best book you can. Apply every craft skill you know, to the best of your ability. Edit yourself and polish the work until it shines. Then ask a critique partner or reader for feedback and edit and polish again.
Tip for March 2009
Find ways to motivate yourself
Keep yourself motivated with small rewards for progress made. Set a weekly writing goal and make a chart to track the number of pages written per day and per week. If you reach your weekly goal, pay yourself with money or a chocolate treat or a walk through the park-anything that works as a reward for you. When you see those pages starting to add up, that in itself might motivate you.
Tip for February 2009
Trust your gut
When others read and critique your work, remember that they offer only suggestions and opinions, not must-do's. Some of the feedback will be exactly what you need to improve your work. Some simply won't resonate with you. Trust your gut-if a suggestion doesn't feel right, ignore it.
Tip for January 2009
Start today
This is the start of a new year. If you dream of being a writer, why not reach for that dream? Sit down at the computer or whip out that notebook and get started. Stuck? Scared? Join a writers' organization (Romance Writers of America is excellent at sharing information about the craft of writing and the industry and the business of publishing). There you'll find support and help you need. Best of luck!
Tip for December 2008
Seize opportunities
Need help honing your work? Enter drawings or contests where a critique is the prize. A professional writer can offer invaluable advice and input that will help make your story the best it can be.
Tip for November 2008
Volunteer
Get involved with your local writing group by
volunteering. You'll meet lots of fascinating
people, including industry professionals. Who knows, you
might even meet your future editor or agent!
Tip for October 2008
Enter Contests
Contests are a great way to test out the waters for
your work. If you're looking for feedback, enter
contests where you will get that. Often agents and
editors judge the final entries, so contests can be a
great way to get your work in front of that agent or
editor who might not otherwise get the chance to read
it. If you final in or win a contest, add the good
news to your query letters.
Tip for September 2008
Find the right critique group
Finding the right critique group is like finding the
right spouse. There are many possibilities, but
one size does not fit all. If you leave a critique
group session feeling negative and filled with doubt,
the group may not be right for you. Find people
who are supportive, yet offer meaningful and
constructive help without trying to rewrite your work.
How do you find the right group? Trial and error.
Tip for August 2008
And cut!
Keep your story tight and moving forward by cutting
out the extraneous stuff. If it doesn't advance
the story in some way, it must go. If you're like
me, you hate to cut anything. What if you need the
sentence or paragraph later? I create a folder
titled, Extra Stuff. Everything I delete goes
there. That way if I want it later, I have it.
Tip for July 2008
Share Your Characters' Emotions
Plot and story are important, but if your readers
don't care about the characters, your story will fall
flat. Crawl into your characters' skin and share
their thoughts and feelings. How do you crawl into
a character's skin? There are many ways. One
way is to complete a character sketch. For a
template of a character sketch, go to
Articles and click on
Getting to Know You.
Tip for June 2008
Never, never, never give up!
We all face rejection. I know I have.
Don't let those no, thank you's stop you from
working toward your dream. Stay focused and keep
your eye on your goal. The only way to lose is to
give up.
Tip for May 2008
Ideas are Everywhere
Having trouble thinking of a story idea? Never
fear--ideas are everywhere! Eavesdrop on a
conversation. Read magazines and the newspaper for
inspiration Listen to the radio, watch TV and
movies. Ask yourself, what if something
else happened instead? Explore the answers through
a story you create--and let the creative magic unfold.
Tip for April 2008
Be punctual at your desk
Make the best use of your writing time. When
you sit down at the computer to write, don't let email
or the Internet distract you. Save those as
"treats" for after you finish your work.
Tip for March 2008
Build a Brick Wall Around Your Writing Time
Life is full of distractions. Busywork will
fill your day if you let it. Make time to write.
That could mean setting your alarm to go off an hour
early and writing then. Or maybe you prefer
waiting until everyone else is asleep. Some people
write on the weekend. Doesn't matter, as long as
you carve out time to write. Short of death or a
medical emergency, don't let anyone or anything cut into
your writing time. If this time is important to
you, others will (hopefully) respect that.
Tip for February 2008
Read a Craft Book and Apply What You Learn
There are hundreds of books and articles that deal
with the craft of writing. Reading something
new or rereading an old book can be equally valuable.
For me, it's a matter of where I am and what I need at
the moment. Even with craft books I know very
well, I always find some new insight or a new way of
looking at my craft. You will, too. Take
what you learn and add it to your writing tool box by
applying it to your own writing.
Tip for January 2008
It's a New Year! Set the Course for Success
The start of the new year is a
great time to set your writing goals for the year. Write
the goal(s) on a sheet of paper. Then work backward to
figure out how to get there, step by step. For example,
say your goal is to write a full novel by the end of the
year. Write that down: Complete a 400-page novel by
December 31 of this year. Now work backward. How do you
reach your goal? By writing all those pages. That's
33.33 pages per month. Or 7.69 pages per week. Or, if
you write every single day, that's only 1.1 pages per
day. (Remember, 2008 is a leap year.) But you may not
write every day. So factor out days off for holidays,
playtime, etc. By breaking the goal down into small,
measurable steps, you'll map out your plan for success.
Then chart that goal and reward yourself for your
accomplishments.
Tip for December 2007
Your Synopsis is Your Friend--Give Yourself a Road
Map
Synopses are a pain to write, but so important.
A synopsis is nothing more than a road map of where your
story will go. Writers don't always stick to the
synopsis (just as we don't always follow that map when
we're driving), but using it as a guide is a big help.
Tip for November 2007
Give Yourself a Break
Unable to finish writing that novel? Feeling
stuck and uncreative? Refill your creative well by
taking a break from writing. See a movie, go
shopping, take a drive in the country or take a walk
with a friend. Getting away, even for a brief
time, will do wonders for your creativity.
Tip for October 2007
Don't Chase After the Market -- Write About What
Interests and Excites You
Readers' tastes change often, and what's hot in the
market now might soon be tepid or cold. Instead of
chasing popular trends, write the story you want to
write. Your feelings will shine through.
Tip for September 2007
Read Out of Your Own Genre
We all have our favorite genres, the books we love to
read. Read everything you can in the genre you're
targeting. But it's important to read books in
other genres, too. This will broaden your
perspectives on writing, and you might even find a new
interest.
Tip for August 2007
Write What You Love to Read
If you love a certain sub-genre, that's what you
should write. You already have an understanding of
what works in that sub-genre, so you're a step ahead.
Your love for that particular kind of story will shine
through.
Tip for July 2007
Discipline, discipline, discipline
The only way to publish that novel is to keep at it.
Learn the craft, write every day, and don't give up!
This requires discipline and a willingness to learn and
improve. Take workshops and classes, attend
conferences, get together critique partners who can
help. Even if you only find time to write half a
page per day, do it! Preferably at the same time
each day. You are training your mind to write, and
doing it will soon become a habit.
Tip for June 2007
Keep Dialogue Natural and Avoid Too Much Dialect or
Slang
If your character speaks with an accent, such as
Irish brogue, use dialect words sparingly. Too
much is distracting. For example, use 'tis instead
of it is. Other options are to structure the
dialogue to convey the "foreign" way of speaking.
Or tell the reader, "She spoke with a Southern twang."
Tip for May 2007
Motivate Your Characters
Characters can get away with doing and saying just
about anything, as long as they're properly motivated.
Share their motivation with readers so they understand
the reason for a character's behavior and language.
Tip for April 2007
Conduct Your Life as if You're a New York Times
Best-selling Author
If you were an NYT best-selling author, how would you
spend your days? In order to make that list, an
author writes just about every day, constantly improving
her craft. She doesn't let anything get in the
way. Don't let time suckers steal your writing
time. Train your friends and family that for
part of each day you will write with blinders
on--focused on writing and nothing else. You'll be
amazed at what you accomplish.
Tip for March 2007
Avoid Sagging Middles
Don't let your story bog down in the middle.
Keep the tension high by adding twists and turns readers
don't expect. If you can't figure out what to do,
grab a paper and pen and jot down 20 things that could
happen. Don't edit these! Just write
whatever comes into your mind. When you have 20
ideas, look through them and choose the one(s) that will
work best.
Tip for February 2007
Watch Use of Adverbs
Avoid using adverbs whenever possible. Instead,
how the reader how the characters feels and reacts.
Tip for January 2007
Use Setting to Enhance Your Story
Setting is an important part of every memorable
story. Create a setting integral to your story,
but don't let too much description slow the pacing and
bore readers. Instead layer in the details to
enhance the mood of a scene. For example, use an
avalanche or a ferocious storm to highlight an argument
or the unstoppable passion between two people, or to
foreshadow a monumental moment.
Tip for December 2006
Avoid Information Dumping
Dumping pages of information into your story bores
readers and slows the pacing. If you want to share
backstory, do it in dribs and drabbles. A little
here, a little there will help keep the pacing tight and
your readers turning the pages.
Tip for November 2006
Develop Well-Rounded Characters
No one likes a character who is all good or all bad.
Readers love three-dimensional characters they can
identify with, hurt for, or curse at. Villains
have their good points, and heroes have their bad sides.
Show the reader all sides of the character.
Tip for October 2006
Read, read, read
Experts say that those who read are better writers
than those who don't. Read everything you can,
both fiction and non-fiction, within the area you are
targeting with your own writing and also outside it.
The more you read, the more you learn. Plus you'll
end up with a more well-rounded perspective.
Tip for September 2006
Staying Motivated
Writing isn't easy, and if you aren't motivated to
write, you won't do it. Set clear, specific,
concrete goals with end dates. Then keep your eye
on the prize--finishing that manuscript or entering a
contest--whatever your goal is. Don't let
naysayers stop you (believe me, they'll try!) Be
sure to reward yourself as you go. A fun thing I
do is pay myself $.10 for each page written each day.
I put the money into a box and watch it grow. By
the time I finish writing a novel, I have a nice wad of
cash to spend however I want--so long as it's for
something fun, just for me.
Tip for August 2006
Attend Conferences
I just got back from the RWA National Conference in
Atlanta, and boy, did I learn a ton! Conferences
are a wonderful way to immerse yourself in both the
craft and business sides of writing. Plus you'll
make new friends and renew friendships. At
conferences you learn things you won't at any other
place. Even better, maybe the person standing in
line with you, waiting for coffee, is an editor or agent
you're interested in meeting.
Tip for July 2006
Join Writing Organizations
Writing organizations can help you learn the craft of
writing and boost your industry knowledge. Find an
organization that represents what you write (Romance
Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America are
examples). Get to know like-minded writers in the
organization and form a critique group.
Tip for June 2006
Attend Workshops
Workshops are a great way to learn new skills or
brush up on skills you already have. You'll meet
other writers here, too. To get the most out of
the workshops, listen and participate fully. Ask
questions if you are confused.
Tip for May 2006
Judge Contests
Judging contests is a wonderful way to hone your
writing skills. Through reading the work of others
and picking out what is good and what needs work, you
will learn valuable things about the craft of writing.
Tip for April 2006
Read and use craft books to hone your craft
There are hundreds of how-to books out there.
Choose one, read it and apply what you learn. This
is a great way to hone your craft and punch up your
writing.
Tip for February 2006
Be willing to learn new skills
Writing is a craft. As with every craft, you
learn by practicing, and by expanding your knowledge and
skills. Don't be afraid to attempt new skills.
For example, you may decide to work on your dialogue
skills. Listen to the way people (yourself
included!) speak. Study the way other writers use
dialogue. Then try what you learned in your own
work.
Tip for January 2006
Write every day
If you write it, you will learn. Make time to
write every day. Even if you only find time to
write one page, if you do this daily, you'll write 365
pages in a year.
Tip for December 2005
Celebrate successes and failures
Successful is a wonderful thing.
So is failure. If you get a rejection, pat
yourself on the back. You had the courage to try.
Eat chocolate, drink champagne. Then sit right
back down, make changes if you need to, and try again.
Tip for November 2005
Know the Market
Target your story for the right reading audience.
There are distinct differences between long and short
contemporary, single title, paranormal, short historical
and long historical categories, and other fiction
genres. Be sure your submission goes to the right
editor at the right publishing house.
Tip for October 2005
Show, Don't Tell
Are you using narrative to explain a situation rather
than showing through a character's thoughts, feelings,
and actions? Remember, the reader can't read your
mind. Bring her into the story by showing.
Convey that vivid picture in your imagination onto the
page. Make sure there is a clear and understood
reason for whatever your characters do.
Tip for September 2005
Pacing
Good pacing is key in a good story.
-
Is there a balance between description,
narrative and dialogue? Too much or too little
make for uneven pacing.
-
Don't overload your writing with backstory.
Layer this in a little at a time, only as needed, to
clarify why a character thinks, acts, or feels a
certain way.
Tip for August 2005
Goal, Motivation and Conflict
Each character must have a goal(s), motivation(s),
and conflict(s).
Tip for July 2005
Follow Your Heart
If you write what you think will sell, but you don't
have much interest in or like your own story, it will
show.
-
Write what you're interested in, but if you want
to sell, write with an eye to the market.
(Helpful tip: be savvy about what sells and
what doesn't, and write the book of your heart in a
saleable form.)
Tip for June 2005
Keep the story focused
Keep the story focused on the romance and the
unfolding relationship between the hero and heroine.
Everything else is secondary!
-
Is your plot contrived and set up so that you
"make" things work? This is a red flag.
Sure, you need an external plot as a framework for
your story, but allow the characters to pull the
plot forward in their own, unique way. This is
what is meant by a "character driven" story and is
important in romance novels.
-
Don't make the plot too big or too complex,
which will shift the focus away from the love story.
Focus on the developing relationship between hero
and heroine and use the external plot as a means of
keeping/pushing them together.
Tip for May 2005
Dialogue is important!
Use it to move the story forward or to convey
information. Do not use it if it doesn't do one of
these two things. Keep accents and dialect to a
minimum.
Tip for April 2005
Use Proper Formatting -- Follow Writing Conventions
Remember, the reader or editor looks at dozens of
submissions/queries every day. Reading all those
submissions is hard on the eyes! Make her/his job
easier.
-
Start page one roughly 1/3 down the page
-
Double-space unless otherwise indicated
(occasionally you might be asked for a single-spaced
synopsis)
-
One-inch margins all the way around, including
top and bottom
-
Use an easy-to-read font, such as Courier
-
Place the page number, your name, and the book
title in the header of each page, including page one
-
Avoid typos, misspellings, poor punctuation, and
grammatical errors (helpful tip: if you're
not certain about punctuation or grammar, consult a
textbook, take a course or ask a friend for help)
Tip for March 2005
Make Every Scene Count
Use only scenes that advance the story in some way.
(helpful tip: If you can't delete an unnecessary
scene, save it to an "extra" file.)
-
Before you write the scene, know the following:
whose point of view (POV) will it be in? What
is the POV character's goal for this scene?
What keeps this character from reaching his/her
goal?
-
Set the scene: how much time has elapsed since
the previous scene? Is the reader immediately
pulled into the scene? (use the five senses:
visual, sounds, smells, tastes, touch)
-
Make sure the character's actions are properly
motivated. Do your characters' actions and
reactions make sense? Many writers understand
the story in their head, but fail to convey their
mental images and feelings to the page.
-
End your scene with a hook, some kind of
"disaster" that will keep the reader turning the
page.
Tip for February 2005
Start in the Right Place--With a Hook
Did you start your story too early? If so, you
risk boring the reader. Keep the reader turning
those pages by starting your story in the right place.
-
Begin your book in the middle of action.
Dwight Swain says, "start on the day that's
different," i.e., when something changes or goes
awry in your character's life. Avoid too much
backstory (the character's history).
-
Start your story with a hook. What is a
hook? It is an event, a question, a character,
a situation, dialogue, etc. that hooks the reader
and makes her want to keep reading.
Tip for January 2005
Location, Location, Location
You've heard realtors say it. How does it apply
to writing? Simple: you must figure out
which "location" (line and/or house) you want to target.
Then read, read, read. Read old stuff and new, by
a variety of authors who write for that line/house.
In doing so you will quickly decide what really appeals
to you. You will also get a "feel" for what works
in that line with that particular publishing house.
A word to the wise: If you don't like the stories
or tone of a particular line, you probably shouldn't
write for it.
Tip for December 2004
Attend Conferences
Attend conferences and request an appointment with an
editor at the house you want to write for. Pitch
your book, making sure to emphasize the things that are
important to the line you are targeting.
Tip for November 2004
Get Your Work Before Buying Editors
Is your writing professional and smooth, and your
story polished? Enter contests where editors for
the line you've targeted are judging the final entries.
This is a great way to catch your targeted editor's eye.
Hint: Save this route until your work is at a
level that will earn a finalist rating.
Tip for September 2004
Setting Goals for writing success
If you're
a serious writer, setting daily and yearly writing goals
is essential. Start by setting your goal for the year.
Write it down in first person. Example: I will start and
complete a novel within one year of ___________ (put in
today's date). Now break this big goal into small,
reasonable goals you can accomplish each day. Example: I
will write one page per day. Or two pages, or three--you
choose. One page per day for 365 days equals 365 pages
in one year. That's a whole book (or close to it)!
Writing two pages per day means you'll be able to take
time off for holidays and one or two days off each week,
and still write those 365 pages in one year. Post your
year-long and daily goals in plain view of your writing
space as a reminder.
Happy
writing, and enjoy that wonderful feeling of
accomplishment that comes from meeting your goals. |
