I 8 Mondays--Best Writing Advice

There was a time when I used to 8 Wednesdays. For the next couple weeks I’m going to 8 Mondays.

Today I’m hitting you with 8 of the best pieces of writing advice I’ve ever received (quick recall so I likely neglect to mention at least a dozen others…always another post for another Monday). I’m taking the advice I learned and serving it to you Wendy-style (which basically just means giving it to you topped off with my own experience).

Give every character a secret

I don’t remember exactly where this one came from, but it sounds like a Donald Maass tip to me. Constructing novels with this in mind has done wonders to ramp up the intrigue factor in my books. It invites twists in my stories in unexpected and plot-developing places. Secrets = gold for whenever you need more tension.

Sleep on it

It’s imperative to give your story time. Think of your ideas like old school Chia pets. They need time to grow (some more than others). I’ve lost track of how many times I thought I had a story wrapped up and one long soak in the tub or one sleepless night later I’m toying with a whole new spin. Not thinking days or weeks even on this one. Try months or years even.

Motivation is king

Always know why your character chooses to make an important decision. Take copious notes. Study your characters the same way you memorized everything about your significant other in the early stages of the relationship when you’d do anything to prove how in love you were.

Don’t be married to being a plotter or pantser

I used to be a pantser. But I’ve come over to the dark side. Or should I say the partially lit side. I’m both now. I plot and I pants. And I can tap my head and rub my belly at the same time. There are valid points about writing a novel using each of these methods. Get to know what they are. Experiment with both. (Plotters, it won’t kill you.)

Make every sentence work to further the plot

Don’t waste words.

Start in the center of it all

Don’t build up to your start. Invite the reader straight into the center of the action. There’s time to explain. And if you’re a seasoned writer, you’ll find a way to incorporate setting and character introductions skillfully as you throw your readers in the ring.

Theme meet Character, Character meet Theme

Know how the theme of your story influences every single character. Work it. Work it.

Create a satisfying ending

while leaving the reader longing for more.

I’ve read dozens of books on the craft. I’ve also written thirteen novels, and I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. I can honestly say the above 8 are the nuggets of advice I keep coming back to. They’re my compass, navigating me through the sometimes rocky terrain of completing a work. Hope they help!

*Another helpful resource. 

12 Questions to Ask Your Main Character When She Is Being Elusive

I recently came through a spell where one of my characters didn’t want to budge. I knew something was up with her and instead of jamming any issue in her backstory, I waited her out. I asked some hard questions, and eventually, in time, I got to the juicy heart of who she is.

Here are twelve questions you can ask of your main character that have the power to open her up again…

What’s your problem?

Why do you look so tired? (Women, outside of fiction-land, I’d advise you never ask this question of another woman. We are tired. That’s why we look it.)

What are you running from?

What’s the worst thing anyone has ever said to you? (Bonus: do you believe it?)

If you could have a do-over for anything you’ve done in your life when would you choose?

If your friend asks your advice on an outfit that is undeniably weird, saying, “I don’t think this looks weird, what do you think?” how would you respond?

What are you most ashamed of?

What are you proudest of?

Who knows you best? Does your answer surprise you?

Who are you most protective of? Are they as protective of you?

What pisses you off?

What would embarrass you if everyone found out about it, though you secretly suspect you’re not the only one with this secret? 

There you have it. Twelve hard questions that are sure to get your main character squirming, stirred up, or spilling the beans. Hoping for the latter.

 

8 Helpful Questions to Ask Before You Begin Writing a Novel

Even if you’re not a plotter, I implore you (implore you, ha, you like that?) to consider the following questions before you pen your first word.

Where should I begin?

Who is this story being told to? (Thanks Susan Meissner for writing an excellent post on this. Wish I could find it.)

How can I use setting to help tell this story?

What will be the main source of tension for my main character?

Why will readers care about my protagonist or care what happens in this book? (Thanks to Rosslyn Elliott for this question.)

What length of time do I want to span in my novel?

Who will have the greatest influence on my protagonist?

Seems like the most obvious one, but it’s worth it to take time brainstorming...What will happen in the novel?

Bonus question: What excites me about this work & does it have staying power?

Any questions you think are imperative to consider before writing the first word?

*photos by stock.XCHNG

Sinking my Teeth into My Job (that rarely feels like a job)

There’s the writing.

Then there’s the business side of things.

And I’ve found lately I’m finding creative ways to enjoy—to sink my teeth into both aspects of my chosen field.

First we’ll talk writing:

Thrilled. Thrilled, I say chap chap cheroo (yes, making things up I am). Not only did I spend focused time editing on Saturday, an entirely new cast of characters showed up and crashed my mental party plans. So what did I do? I partied with them. I took notes. Without challenging their arrival, I sat and wrote the first 3K of their story. Who knows where they’ll end up? Published? Maybe, maybe not, but my blood coursed with that feverish excitement that only flows when I’m writing. And I fell in love with the craft all over again. 

Job? This is too much fun to be called work.

Now the business side:

When viewed as connecting, supporting others, promoting solid writing, and reaching out, I dig it. But there’s one key word in that last sentence: Viewed. How we view our jobs will impact every moment we spend in our line of work.

Of course there are days when it all feels difficult. The writing, editing, and platform building remind me of driving through flooded streets. Or constructing the Great Wall of China. But you know who I blame the wah wah feelings on? Me. Myself. And I. We can be a sorry trio. There will always be things out of our control in life, but we control how or even if we choose to move ahead (READ this fantabulous post by Chuck Sambuchino at Writer Unboxed. Side note: I’m more than a little impressed he can get his dog to listen for as long as 5 minutes).

The real gold nugget here is that I refuse to stay stuck in the wah. I trigger change. I invite it. I dive into it, belly flopping when I so feel led. I’m a mover (URL should be a dead giveaway on that). And after years of going strong, I’ve found new ways to sink my teeth into my calling.

And you, what have you sunk your teeth into lately?

*photo by stockXCHNG