Writing Advice

I don't know why, but I felt like a change of font today.

At any rate, I have some advice for writers everywhere.

Tip 1: Before you even begin writing, know who your characters are. In
and out. Through and through. There is nothing more AGGRAVATING than
trying to figure out what Alan would say to Pete if Pete dropped potato
salad on Alan's new shoes. Know what they like, know how they work, know
what they look like, and know where they live.

Tip 2: If you're writing your story and you've got writer's block, but you want to keep writing, don't force anything and do some editing. If you're editing, don't know what to change, but don't want to stop writing, just do some free writing or advancing your story.

Tip 3: Read and watch stuff in your genre range. Notice I said 'range'
and didn't just say 'genre.' You know, stuff that's close to your subject. For instance, if you write fantasy,
check out sci-fi, mystery, adventure, mythology, and comedy (fantasy and comedy
go great together :) ) If you write horror, look for fantasy, mystery, mythology stuff. Contemporary? Comedy, adoption, drama, special needs, mystery, and romance (I hate this genre, personally, but I figured I'd put it out there, anyway...)

Yeah, 'kay. That's pretty much it. That's what I do, anyway.

Oh, yeah, and if you are doing a
more psychological type of story, I beg of you, PLEASE do extensive
research. There is nothing more devastating and terrible for the
psychologically stressed or challenged community than to further
incorrect, harmful, and insulting stigma about persons with special
needs or in special circumstances. Not only will your info be
more accurate if you do multi-source research, you could easily
introduce a theme and easily set a lifestyle for your character based on whatever thing you choose. But above all, in my opinion, your
characters become more memorable.

Later.