It’s a favourite quote of mine from the movie Throw Mama off the Train starring Billy Crystal and Danny DeVito. Its become my motto as a writer.
A few months ago when I was first embarking on my novel writing journey, I suddenly realised this isn’t just another fanciful short story its going to be something big.
To describe the secret of novel writing basics is too complicated to tell for some reason. Perhaps it’s because I believe every writer is different and has their own way of writing their masterpieces.
Writing sadly can be an egotistical thing. I think it’s the one craft or art form that doesn’t quite mix with criticism. Perhaps it’s because it’s something that comes from inside oneself, from their heart. It’s a part of the writer. No one likes to be told they can’t write.
Criticism is different than a critique. A critique if properly told or written can be a good thing. It lets the writer know what they are doing well and what can be improved upon. Writing is the one thing that can always be improved. It is constantly a learning process. Its good to listen to what others have to say.
So instead of telling you how to write, I’ll share with you some tips I have learnt through my writerly experiences.
When going to college back in Canada my journalism instructor told the class that as a writer you should write for the ears and not the eyes. He didn’t mean how it sounds when being broadcast on TV or radio, but it’s how it sounds when you read it silently to yourself. Does it flow fluently? Can you read it easily and enjoyably?
Another tip I learnt when writing is to show not tell. When possible that is. It’s far more effective to be shown a character acting eccentric or evil than being told they are eccentric or evil. It’s also a clever to write in scenes because it shows what the characters and his/her environment is like and sets the mood for the story.
Cliques = death. Avoid them. Here is a list of cliques to give you an idea of what I mean. Originality and cleverness are key ingredients. No one wants to read recycled garble.
These sites had some good advice as well.
Advice on Novel Writing: http://www.steampunk.com/sfch/writing/ckilian/
How to Write a Novel: http://www.spacejock.com.au/WriteANovel.html
What not to do: http://secretgeek.net/nonwriter.asp
How to write a novel in 100 days or less: http://peacecorpswriters.org/pages/depts/resources/resour_writers/100daysbook/bk100da.html
A few months ago when I was first embarking on my novel writing journey, I suddenly realised this isn’t just another fanciful short story its going to be something big.
To describe the secret of novel writing basics is too complicated to tell for some reason. Perhaps it’s because I believe every writer is different and has their own way of writing their masterpieces.
Writing sadly can be an egotistical thing. I think it’s the one craft or art form that doesn’t quite mix with criticism. Perhaps it’s because it’s something that comes from inside oneself, from their heart. It’s a part of the writer. No one likes to be told they can’t write.
Criticism is different than a critique. A critique if properly told or written can be a good thing. It lets the writer know what they are doing well and what can be improved upon. Writing is the one thing that can always be improved. It is constantly a learning process. Its good to listen to what others have to say.
So instead of telling you how to write, I’ll share with you some tips I have learnt through my writerly experiences.
When going to college back in Canada my journalism instructor told the class that as a writer you should write for the ears and not the eyes. He didn’t mean how it sounds when being broadcast on TV or radio, but it’s how it sounds when you read it silently to yourself. Does it flow fluently? Can you read it easily and enjoyably?
Another tip I learnt when writing is to show not tell. When possible that is. It’s far more effective to be shown a character acting eccentric or evil than being told they are eccentric or evil. It’s also a clever to write in scenes because it shows what the characters and his/her environment is like and sets the mood for the story.
Cliques = death. Avoid them. Here is a list of cliques to give you an idea of what I mean. Originality and cleverness are key ingredients. No one wants to read recycled garble.
These sites had some good advice as well.
Advice on Novel Writing: http://www.steampunk.com/sfch/writing/ckilian/
How to Write a Novel: http://www.spacejock.com.au/WriteANovel.html
What not to do: http://secretgeek.net/nonwriter.asp
How to write a novel in 100 days or less: http://peacecorpswriters.org/pages/depts/resources/resour_writers/100daysbook/bk100da.html
Oh yes Chapter 44 is ready for your reading pleasure. Stay tuned for Chapter 45.
P.S. Princess Jo is a dinner party expert.
P.S. Princess Jo is a dinner party expert.
2 comments:
Hi!!
very interesting: if i ever should get the notion in my head to write a book, I very may well use your advise!!
PRINCESS JO LIKES DINNER PARTIES!!
Jo
I love that quote :) You know what? I think everyone has the ability to write but the real difference between a writer and someone who just writes occasionally is the imagination taken to construct a sentence. Any old person can recycle the same kind of sentences over and over but few can come up with new things :) Thanks for the tips!
YAY! CHAPTER 44!
Luv Amy
Post a Comment