5-Chapter plotting
really helps me keep the story moving. As much as I love the idea of being an organic
writer...I know where my weaknesses are and keeping the middle moving works
best if I have it plotted out.
4-Sometimes voice comes easily and other times it doesn't.
When it comes, be thankful...when it doesn't, I'm learning that I just need to
keep writing. I can always go back and fix voice issues...but if I sit on it
and expect to fix it right then, it just holds me up too much.
3-Talking (and more talking, restating, & repeating)
out loud about the current book I'm writing really helps me work out the kinks.
I'm fortunate to have a husband and mom who both enjoy brainstorming...and they
are both really good at it! This is sometimes the only way I can work out a
plot issue.
2-I need to have realistic expectations. I tend to put way
too much pressure on myself and then feel completely let down when I don't meet
up with them. A goal to challenge me works...but it needs to be realistic.
1-The only way I can finish a book is by writing a
lot...like 80,000 to 90,000 words of writing. This may require a certain amount
of crying, rolling my eyes (at myself), a fair amount of deleting, and a really
sore hind-end. That's actually happening right now...I need to get a new office
chair.
Exciting News:
For those of you who don't know yet...I will be writing a 3 book Amish series
set in World War 2 for Howard Books (imprint of Simon & Schuster). I am
beyond thrilled and so very thankful to my agent Natasha Kern. I feel
especially blessed by God for this opportunity. This is really a dream come
true. I cannot wait to be able to share more details with all of you lovely
readers.
Cheers,
Elizabeth
3 comments:
I learned that I need to sit and write everyday. Easier said than done, so I set an egg timer and do nothing but write until it rings, then I can take a break, read Facebook, etc. I also learned that I do not add "and" when I write in a series of three anything. I think it is because I want to imply that the three are not the end of the series. I also love appositives and am learning to use them in different places in long sentences.
Great post and writing tips!
I wish I could be that DEDICATED!
But, I still write.
Look forward to your next book!
God bless you four,
Wayne
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