Writing Tips for
"New" Writers
(In
12 Easy Steps. Ha!)
Whether you've been writing for years or
just getting started, we can all use a little help. Though I have sold several short stories and
finally published a novel, I can't give you the same kind of tips as a
pro. I won't even try! For that, I think one of the best books I've
read is Stephen King's "On Writing".
It’s a weird mash of autobiographical information with a heaping dose of
practical advice toward the end. If you
haven't read it, read it. If you haven't
bought it, buy it. It's worth it.
Ok, now for advice from a newbie
published author.
I tried it all I think. Outlines, freeform writing, story boarding,
classes, articles, books, writing while upside down chanting yoga like prayers…Ok,
maybe not that last part. But I may just
have to try it the next time I'm staring at the screen with a "deer in the
headlight" expression. Everyone
works differently. But I really hate
when an "advice" piece says something like that, or "just try it
until you find something that works for you". You can.
But, sometimes you want to say "Just tell me already!".
So, here goes.
Step 1)
Type up a character sheet on each character. Its ok if they change as
you go. But at least have the basics
such as full name, age, hair and eye color, etc. Do this for every character.
Step 2) Find a wall, a board, it doesn't
matter. Just find a place where you can
put up your character profiles and a bunch of 3 x 5 cards and they can
stay. For months if need be. (I used my dinning room for awhile and then
my bedroom wall). My suggestion is to
use paint safe tape or thumb tacks (because both can be pulled off and reused
numerous times – although the tape leaves no marks). This wall should really be close to where
you write, maybe across the room so you have to get up and stretch your legs
and rest your eyes. But not too far
away.
Step 3)
Write. Write until you finish
your story or novel or opus magnum.
Don't stop, don't rethink.
Write. With ONE exception. When you've finished that paragraph, chapter,
or even just your 7 words for the day, grab a 3 x 5 card, a pen, and
highlighter(s) and write down the relevant pieces of information (by chapter or
scene) that occurred. For me this was
the major points in the each chapter of Phantom Dreams such as who lead what
scene, any deaths that occurred, how, and who died. (You'd be surprised how quickly your dead
bodies get mixed up!). You can use the
highlighter to highlight things like when a major turning point occurred. In my case, I used red to highlight each
killing and Kathy's escalating dreams.
NUMBER the cards sequentially. Either by chapter or scene and try not to put
too much information on these. These
note cards and character profiles are going to do a couple of things for you
later on.
Step 4)
Use the cards as reference points to keep you on track and remembering
things like what your character looks like and how old they are. (Kathy changed age in my first draft 5 times!
Obviously I didn't start out with Step 1. :/ )
Step 5)
You've finished your first draft!
Have a glass of wine, beer, or whatever.
Put your manuscript and your cards up.
Celebrate. And then ignore that
manuscript for at least a month. Two
months is better. And find another
project. Try something new to help
refill your creative well. You're going
to need it…
Because this is a blog and I'm supposed
to keep it short, if you're interested in receiving the entire article and the
next 7 steps, simply contact
me at: https://www.tkharrisonline.com
and go to the contact page OR like my Phantom Dreams
page on Facebook and leave a comment requesting the article.
You can also just stop by to say
"hi"!
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