Writing Wisdom: Temporary Tips for a Timeless Craft
Creating fiction requires dedication and discipline, that much is clear. What's less obvious is the paradox that the key to success in writing cannot be put into words.
However, through my experience writing novels, editing others' work, teaching students at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and debating literature in lively bars with passionate friends and strangers alike, I see the value of discussing writing.
The catch? Acknowledge that it is all fleeting and temporary. Solid tips for good writing are like a gallon of gasoline; they may help you get started, but they won't take you too far. And that's okay.
Even short-term solutions can be beneficial, as writers will cling to anything that eases the constant stresses of their profession.
What works for me may not work for you, and what worked for you yesterday may fail tomorrow. But even if something doesn't work for anyone else, it still holds some sort of value.
These fifteen tips have been very helpful. (So Far)
1.??? Your writing should bring up some feelings of embarrassment within you. If it doesn't, then it probably isn't substantial enough. If you feel apprehensive about sharing your writing because of its quality, then it's important to rewrite and improve it. But if you're anxious because of the content itself... well, then you're headed in the right direction.
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2.??? Avoid writing about love until you have experienced true heartbreak. Don't confuse sadness with heartbreak; it's an entirely different level of pain. Tell the story that is uniquely yours. If love has brought you only crushes and disappointments, then share that story.
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3.??? While politeness and civility are expected at a dinner party, they have no place in literature. Writing that is inherently polite goes stale quickly.
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4.??? Take a break from your electronic devices and screens. Consider canceling some streaming subscriptions. Step outside and reconnect with nature. Observe life whenever you can. As a writer, I often find myself caught up in my own thoughts, which can be exhausting. Recognize when your brain needs a rest and listen to it accordingly.
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5.??? It is impossible to write without a writing routine. Regularity and dedication are crucial. Establishing rituals can be helpful, such as lighting a candle or a nice cup of tea.
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6.??? Many writers claim that background music enhances their creative process, even though many research studies have proven otherwise. Having music playing while working on a project only serves as a distraction and impedes the ability to reach a state of "flow." If you are not familiar with the concept of "flow,” then try no background music altogether for a few days.? Instead, try creating in silence or with the natural sounds of your surroundings. While there may be a rare exception to this rule, it is likely that you are not one of them.
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7.??? If it were simple, everyone would do it. However, that is not the case. Many people are struggling to make their work marketable and are not making enough profit to cover their expenses. This work is tough, as it should be. It's not a casual hobby or leisure activity; it is an art form that requires immense intellectual capacity. The most difficult aspect is accepting that most days will be filled with challenges and obstacles to overcome.
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8.??? Expand your reading horizons. Read at least two books in a genre that you normally wouldn't choose. Settle for no ordinary book. There are quality books in all genres.? And don't limit yourself to only English literature; aim to include at least one translated book out of every four you read. Just as you wouldn't only eat food from one country, why limit yourself to only reading books from one place? Include at least one book that was published before you were born out of every three books you read. This will allow you to explore different time periods and writing styles.? Trust the process. Love the process, honor the process, obey the process.
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9.??? A writer may use ten exclamation points in their entire professional career.? That is all.? Ever.
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10.? Curiosity about the world drives writers. If you come across someone who appears dull, try asking them more questions. You'd be surprised how most people have something interesting or crazy to share if you just dig a little deeper.
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11.? Don't just rely on visual descriptions. Unlike other forms of media, literature can immerse the reader in the sense of taste, smell, sound, and touch. Dive into the character's thoughts and emotions too.
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12.? Don't stress about making your characters likable. It's more important for them to be captivating, genuine, and relatable.
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13.? For dialogue tags, stick with the classics like "she said," "he asked," and "they replied." Using overly ornate tags may make it seem like you relied too heavily on a thesaurus (such as using "she queried"). Be mindful of using adverbs with dialogue tags. Unless you're writing in a specific genre that calls for them, phrases like "she replied suspiciously" or "he said joyfully" can distract readers.
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14.? Backup your files. ?On an external hard-drive or the cloud.? It doesn’t matter.? Just trust me on this.
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15.? Avoid relying on physical descriptions of characters' eyes. Push yourself to convey a person's appearance through any other part of their body.
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The act of writing is a journey full of twists and turns. It's important to trust this process, embrace it, and give it the respect it deserves. Follow the process with devotion and obedience.
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