Wandering Thoughts of a Writer: #writers

Showing posts with label #writers. Show all posts

I know what it’s like to have writer’s block. I've experienced it many times.

Some people claim that writer’s block is bullshit.

Whatever.

If they've never experienced it, good for them. However, I have and so have all the authors I know, and I’m friends with quite a few.

So how do you overcome it?

I’m going to tell you how.

We’ve all been there—at least us mortals have—where you’re cruising along in your story and BAM! It’s as if your brain suddenly clogged up.

WTH?

You sit there, staring at the computer screen for a while.

Whom am I kidding?

For an hour or HOURS and nothing comes to you.

Now what?

Here are six tips you can try the next time you experience the dreaded *stage whispers* writer’s blog.

1.) Walk away!

That’s right. Save what you've already written and walk away. It does you no good to sit there and stare at the screen. So do something else. Clear your head. Relax. Then go back to it later.

2.) Read.

Read a book in the same genre you’re writing in. You’ll be surprised at how well that works and the inspiration it’ll spark within you.

3.) Watch a movie or TV show.

Watch a movie or TV show similar to the type of story you’re writing. It works the same way as reading a book.

4.) Read what you've already written.

You don’t have to read everything, just the chapter you're working on or the one before it. Sometimes reevaluating scenes will make you realize there are things you need to change to make your tale much better.

5.) Be honest with yourself.

Maybe you hit a brick wall because you’re not into the story. Your passion has fizzled. Maybe you need to strip the whole tale and start over or make some major changes.

6.) Get a good night’s sleep.

Maybe you’re tired and need a break, which is fine. There’s nothing wrong with that. Set your manuscript aside, eat a good meal, have a relaxing evening, and get a good night’s sleep.

How do I combat writer’s block?

I read a book in the same genre as the one I’m writing in.

It works for me.

So try it or any of the other suggestions I've mentioned. You’ll be surprised and pleased with the results. J

#author, #authorlife, #books, #create, #creativity, #writers, #writersblock, #writing, 0 Comments

(I’m reblogging this post from my other blog because I don’t know how many of you have subscribed to my website, and I wanted to share this post with you. J )

Who needs a professional and affordable editor?

Awesome!

I have one to tell you about.

He’s great, and he’s my editor.

Yes, I’m pimping my editor, but it’s because you need to know about him.

Seriously.

He’s been with me since the beginning of my author journey. His name is Chase. He has loads of experience. You can check out his website to read about his background and the testimonies from other authors hereà http://chaseediting.com/

Chase used to be a teacher and it shows when he’s editing my manuscripts because throughout the process when he comes across errors I’ve made, he explains them to me, then shows me how to fix them which I love and appreciate. I’m a better writer because of him. He also proofreads, so if you need one, he can help you out there as well.

Anyway, my next book (Legends of Deceit) is in Chase’s hands right now. It’ll be released sometime this summer. I’ll share more information on LOD in the near future.

I hope you’re having a wonderful Easter weekend.

Cheers!

#affordable, #authors, #editor, #edits, #proofreading, #writers, 0 Comments

Once upon a time ago, I had no clue what a beta reader was. What the hell are they? I never even heard of the term, until I entered the literary world.

According to Wikipedia, a beta reader is a non-professional reader who reads a written work, generally fiction, with the intent of looking over the material to find and improve elements such as grammar and spelling, as well as suggestions to improve the story, its characters, or its setting. Beta reading is typically done before the story is released to the public. Beta readers are not proofreaders or editors, but can serve in that context.

Elements highlighted by beta readers encompass things such as plot holes, problems with characterization or believability.

I personally think the beta reader’s job is to make sure the story flows, check for plot issues, characterization, believability, spelling and grammar errors. However, it’s not their job to edit your manuscript. What I mean by this is a beta reader is not supposed to carefully read line by line to specifically check for goof-ups.

Since last Friday, I’d talked to both a self-published and a traditionally published author regarding what a beta reader’s job is. I had also approached a beta reader/proof reader/editor and asked her what she thought about this issue as well. Basically, in a nutshell, all of them told me beta readers are invaluable writer’s aids, but they aren’t editors. Here’s what a beta reader’s job is:

A beta reader’s job is to:

1.) Make sure your story flows nicely.

2.) If there are plot holes, tell you about them.

3.) Point out spelling and grammar errors when he or she spots them.

4.) The believability of the tale. Is it cheesy? Stupid? Too far-fetched?

5.) Characterization. Are the characters relatable? Are they three dimensional? Are they boring cardboard cutouts with no individuality? Are they clones?

6.) Bring it to your attention if you’ve missed something, like in the same scene your character is wearing shorts, and then all of a sudden he has on a ghillie suit and you didn’t explain why.

Anyway, if you’re an author or plan to be, it’s imperative to have a beta reader or critique partner. You want your story to rock, and the only way to accomplish that goal is to polish your tale as much as you can. With the help of another set of eyes and a mutual understanding of what is expected from both parties, you’ll be well on your way to a kickass novel.

#authors, #betareader, #edits, #story, #writers, 1 Comments

Okay gals and gents, I'm reblogging part of this post from my website because I've been crazy busy. I also just got over a sinus infection. So yeah, here is my simple writing tip:

When you’re writing your story and you have to stop, leave it at a part where you know what’s going to happen next or in a middle of your characters having a conversation. If you do this, you won't be stuck trying to figure out what to write next, and you'll slide back into that creative zone. This tip has worked for me every time. It should work for you too.