Archive for July, 2008 « Jean Oram (.com)

Ally’s 101 Writing Tips

Posted on July 2nd, 2008 jean No comments

Ally Carter over on her blog, wrote out 101 writing tips. Whew! That must have been a lot of work. It was worth it though as the tips are excellent.

My top 5 favourites:

#68. Every chapter should change the story.
#53. All writers have a tendency to overuse certain phrases or words. (Always been a problem. I seem to like the word ‘look’. Go figure.)
#55. “Throw away lines” are lines of the book—especially of dialogue—that don’t really have a purpose except to round out your characters and scenes. (Honestly, I don’t really get this one.)
#44. Type 2 writer’s block is far more problematic. In these instances, you’re working hard, but for some reason the book is…wrong. The scenes feel forced. Just getting 100 words down is a struggle. (An interesting idea. Makes perfect sense.)
#37. Every character should contribute to the plot in some way, large or small, positive or negative.

If you are a writer, be sure to check them out, they are gold! Gold nuggets everywhere!
writing Ally Carter, writing tips
Refilling the Creative Juices

Posted on July 1st, 2008 jean No comments

I think it is time to ease up and take a nice deep breath of summer air. I feel like I have this rigid time-line looming before me. I have to be a published, money earning author by X. It isn’t working very well. I mean, having a goal and a career plan is good. Very good.

But I need to ease up on myself a bit. I have time. I am learning. I haven’t stagnated. It’s just the fact that I have learned that I am, once again, further from my long-term goal than I originally thought I was, is killing me. And that is silly. This is supposed to be fun.

Of course there is a ton to learn. How many people actually sit down, write a first novel and have it published within two years? Not that many. They have piles of ‘learning’ manuscripts tucked in the rafters. They had to work at this and so do I. And I can do it.

But right now, I need a break. So, I’m going to pack up the car and my family and leave the in-laws behind and drive. And then I’m going to drive some more. And then some more. And I will learn. This CAN be part of my growth as a writer. It can. And it will. I will ruthlessly eavesdrop on farmers, miners, gas jockeys, campers from all over, executives, rich, poor, Easterners, Westerners and my family. I will come out a better understanding of characters. And then I will come home and I will write.
life breaks, creativity, holidays, writing
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Welcome to my Website and Blog

I am an aspiring fiction writer (children's, women's and commercial) and a represented nonfiction writer. I am also a member, critiquer and site moderator over on AgentQueryConnect.com. Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to jump in the conversation and leave your thoughts in the comment section.

Enjoy!