Working is a great thing. Yes, I know, many times we end up doing what we don’t want to do. That’s ok, because sometimes it takes doing what we don’t want to do in order to work in a field we love and enjoy.
What does work do? It gives us an intrinsic value. It allows us to feel worthwhile. Have you ever finished a days work and felt good that you did something or finished a goal as a result? Ok, may not always. Everyone’s situation is different. But work was created for us humans as a positive thing. It was never meant to be negative.
I used to work at a home improvement store. Most days I enjoyed my job and other days not so much. Normal, yes. I know. But it wasn’t what I wanted to do in life. My true love was to be a full-time writer/author. NOW…I’m doing that. It took time, but the wait was worth it.
If you’ve chosen to be a writer, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, you will see quite a few books and articles regarding the do’s and don’ts if you want to be successful. I’m here to tell you there is no hard and fast rule you must follow to be a definite success. What I will tell you is to read what others have tried in the past and try it. If it works for you, continue using it. If not, either tweak it to your liking or stop using it. We are all different writers with different writing styles. What works for one writer will not work for another.
Example: Characterization Some writers like to make a detailed personality sketch of their characters. This is a great idea because you can use it to refer back to, while writing your story. Does every author/writer have to do this in order to create great characters that come alive and stand out? Certainly not. You might be the writer/author who would prefer to make a video about your character. How you do this is up to you, of course. Or, you might make it up as you go along. Hey, whatever works for you and creates memorable characters.
Don’t stress yourself out by trying to write how others write and whether or not you’re getting it just right. Use their strategies, but use them in YOUR OWN way.
When it comes to writing tag lines, such as ‘said John,’ sometimes we need other words to say instead of the word ‘said’. Why? Because said gets too monotonous. And in this writer’s opinion, it can ruin the flow. It kind of takes the realism out of the dialogue. So…..what are some alternatives? See the list below.
responded
replied
answered
stated
asked
stormed
ranted
joked
gushed
noted
observed
agreed
cried
added
gasped
explained
grumbled
boasted
There are much more than these, but you get the idea. Notice these words dig deeper into the mood/emotions of the speaker. That’s what you want because, what this does, is touch the readers’ emotions. That’s what you want.
Writing success can come fast and hard. It can also come slow and steady. Regardless of the speed at which it comes, remain thankful, grateful, and most importantly humble. Keep in mind that you aren’t the only one working for that success. There are other people on your team who work to get you that success you are striving for. So, in a nutshell, it is not all about you.
You might be thinking, ‘Wait, I’m the only one working toward my success. I’m the one writing the stories that people like.’ Well, yes and no. Yes, without your stories, articles, or blog posts, etc, there wouldn’t be a career. But, let’s not forget, there are people along the way who help to get you where you are going. There are supportive family members who stay quiet so you can write (if you’re married with kids or just you and the spouse). If you’re single this alone time will be easier to come by. There are others who help you to promote your book/work, social media plays a large role, editors, beta readers, those who hire you to write for them, and the list goes on.
How can you remain humble? Thank people from your heart. Appreciate what they do for you by doing for them. Above all else…..give thanks to God. Without Him we are nothing.
What helps you to keep your writing ideas fresh? Do you have a bulletin board you pin them on? A three ring binder with sections for different types of ideas? Perhaps you have a journal you write in daily. If you do any of these, continue reading. Below are some ideas to chew on for writing ideas.
What is the worst nightmare you’ve ever had?
How would someone else describe you?
Describe your ideal getaway.
If you could have three things, what would they be? Why?
How can some of the trials and tribulations you’ve been through turn into something good/blessings?
What are 3 or 4 things you are grateful for?
Describe your favorite season if you were to combine two of them together.
If you could go anywhere in the past, where/when would you go? Why?
Describe your ideal day.
Write down three of your favorite things, and create a cartoon scenario using them.
What does happiness mean to you?
How have you changed in the last 5 years?
Write about your hobby.
Complete this sentence. I was walking in the forest when…..
What distractions are keeping you from being productive?
In the forest stands a fingered tree, With leaves and prickles that snatches me, I stop and stare, its spell it casts, And a wind doth blow the strongest blast.
Now out I gaze with unmoving eyes, Upon the next victim who saunters by, My leaves they prickle and snatches thee As you pass by the casket tree.
What do you love? What do you think a lot about doing? What is your dream? Many people go through their life dreaming about something they want to do/achieve but never do it. Maybe the opportunity never presented itself. Maybe waiting for that opportunity isn’t the answer. Maybe you have to decide to just go for it and stop making excuses. Ultimately, it is your choice.
My dream was to be an author. I achieved that, and I keep on going with it. Yes, there are obstacles that get in the way. That doesn’t mean I don’t stop. That just means I work around those things. When something comes up and I am not able to work on my manuscript, I am thinking about my story. I am plotting in my head. I am writing in my journal. You might think that just thinking about your manuscript/story doesn’t constitute working on your novel. OH, but I think it does. The way I see it, when I get back to the actual writing, I am ready with the words, and I end up typing like a mad woman, HAHAHA. Being consistent is what it’s all about. Stay on task, whether you are working on it in your head or on paper/computer
Here are some must do’s in the world of book writing (some but certainly not least) :
Write everyday. If something gets in your way and all you can do is jot down ideas and thoughts in a journal, do so.
Come up with a target word count to reach everyday and reach it, whether you are writing in your journal or on your computer.
Read other books of authors who have been at it for a long time. Truth be told, they know more than you do because they’ve been at it for a while. Learn from them.
You get better by editing and rewriting. I like to edit after all is said and done because it frees up my mind for sticking to the story and getting it on paper.
Rejection. That nasty word. Nobody likes it, but that makes you better as well. When someone gives you constructive criticism and tells you they didn’t like something in your story, listen to what they’re saying. Think of what they are saying from their point of view. Then fix it, if you think what they are saying holds merit. Remember, it’s your choice. After all, it’s your work. But don’t get upset over rejection. It’s part of the process of writing.
Have fun with your writing, and think of these must do’s as part of the process of making it fun for yourself. You are at the wheel. Where you steer your story and how you achieve that dream is up to you.
WRITE TIME AND AGAIN 