by Ruthanne Reid |
I’ve “won” NaNoWriMo six times (and only published one major work and two novelettes, so this is not a boast). On far too many occasions, I’ve completed my work, gotten my goodies, and then done nothing at all with the novel I wrote. Sometimes, I lost momentum entirely; I’ve even ended up blocked. I don’t want that to be you.
by Ruthanne Reid |
When we read, we change our world, and we write because on some level, we want to do the same for others. Do you want to write something that affects others the way you were affected? Then you have to learn to read like a writer—with your brain turned on.
by Ruthanne Reid |
Here’s the deal: if you don’t like your character, your reader won’t, either. Fortunately, I have three quick tips to help you fix that unlikable character.
If your readers don’t like your character at least a little, then they won’t care what happens to that character in the story. If your readers don’t care about the character, you’ve already lost them.
Fortunately, there’s a way out. Three ways out, in fact.
by Ruthanne Reid |
We have an important topic to discuss today: the dangers of perfectionism in writing.
I know that being a perfectionist has its perks. We apply “perfectionist” to folks who are detail-oriented, reliable, and efficient. Unfortunately, being a perfectionist does precisely the opposite in writing: it obfuscates details, lets your deadlines whoosh by, and creates a deeply inefficient and unsatisfying writing habit.
I struggle with perfectionism in my writing, but I’ve learned to beat it back with a few large sticks—and it’s my pleasure to teach you my tools of the trade.
by Ruthanne Reid |
Young Adult fiction, or YA, is one of the most vibrant, fun, emotionally engaging genres out there.
Young Adult explores topics many genres won’t touch; it joins on the journey of personal growth and Bildungsroman (read: “coming of age”) that we all struggle through. It doesn’t hurt that it also sells like hotcakes, movie deals included.
Do you want to write Young Adult fiction? Well, there is no magic formula, but that’s the bad news. The good news is I’m going to share four effective tips on writing Young Adult fiction to make your story more successful and relatable.