My fellow writers who ask me questions… it is good to ask for advice from writers that you admire, and to immerse yourself in their style. You’ll naturally pick it up like a language. I have a few suggestions for anyone wanting to improve in some aspect of their writing:
- If you’re stuck, switch the genre.
- You don’t have to write from beginning to end, or plan anything ahead. I don’t. I start with a scene that I like, and let everything just naturally fall.
- Keep a slush pile. Sometimes an awesome bit just doesn’t work in a story, so I move it to the slush pile, where I eventually dip and pull pearls out. It’s easier to make those bonsai cuts when you have a slush pile.
- I keep a lot of lists: words, phrases, scenes, favorites… and add to my lists numerous times throughout every day. I use an instant voice recorder and Siri/Alexa so that I’m not forgetting bits I like. I also have a person in the family who remembers everything, so that’s nice for me.
- I totally do stay up all night starting and finishing a story, sometimes tapping the entire thing out like a text message on my phone. I recommend just getting out of bed, but you know, it happens.
- I know that I’m done when I feel excited. If I don’t get that feeling, then something is wrong. I might have to rewrite from scratch, or get distance, wait for a different mood, or just completely trash it… I’ve trashed far more than I’ve kept.
- Get a nice pen and sticky notes. I have many piles of sticky notes, and sometimes I find them on the bottom of a shoe, but they are all really important. There’s one next to me now that I’ve been floating for years.
- Listen to reasonable reviewers, enjoy the super harsh critics, know that rejection is the norm (hello – 300 in one day!), and stay tough, because everyone is a critic. If you’ve asked for advice from someone who matches you, who appreciates your genre, or is an actual expert, then at least try to follow their suggestions.
- If you’re asked to review another writer’s work, tread so so carefully. Writers can be very tender. Sandwich suggestions between specific and genuine praise. Don’t get upset if they don’t agree. Usually, they just need praise, and will figure out the snags on their own if they keep writing.
- Don’t share your work with family and friends. (Try not to even let them know that you write.) If they insist, hand over some slapped-together junk that you don’t cherish, because nothing will crush your spirit like family, and you’ll also censor your writing in anticipation of their reaction.
Look for Part 2