Tag: Writer
Words to Write By
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.
The Time Piece by L. M. Montes
You placed me in my room
through a wall when punched with doom,
and on the floor I lie
with pain and marks of gloom.
I woke to tick tock tick
on a ground of cold dank brick,
A clock it caught my eye
with a face of blood and grit.
In the heat my heart it froze
when horror it did grow,
the gush and ooze of red
from the time piece it did flow.
By L. M. Montes
Humility
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.
Journaling
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?
- How do you spend your Sundays?
The Casket Tree by L. M. Montes
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.
By L. M. Montes
Writing a Novel/Books: Must Do’s
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.
The Circle of a Writer’s Life
When you’re a writer, a full-time writer, going to work isn’t like having a regular job where you go to work and do the same thing every day. At least it isn’t like that for me anyway. My day is a hodge podge of different experiences, events, conversations, activities, etc… Why is it like this? Because I’m constantly creating. Yes, even when I’m not writing, I’m writing. I seek fiction in the nonfiction world of reality.
When I hit a brick wall in my story, I go for a walk to relax my mind and think of possible solutions. Talking to people is a great way to find great dialogue for any story. Although, most of the time you might end up changing parts of it to suit your story. A boat ride or a day at the beach is fun and. Write your experience down in your writing journal.
So, in a nutshell, the circle of a writer’s life is different each day.
Write the Good Write
The Kiss of Death
The kiss of death,
It says goodbye,
Without a reason or a why,
Then comes back and says to me,
Oh my dear,
How I love thee.
by L. M. Montes
WRITE TIME AND AGAIN 