Today I'll be posting tips and tricks (T&T) from Darren Shan, author of the Cirque Du Freak, The Demonata, and Zom-B. I am a huge fan of his work, and have read the majority of his books. I have a collection that's just his stuff, and won an autographed Vampire's Assistant t-shirt from him, which I refuse to wear or wash because the sharpie might come out.
So, anyways, these T&T are from his large T&T database, which I will post a link to later on. All of these are from his site, and belong to him. I didn't write any of these tips or tricks. However, I have shortened them and highlighted the points I feel are most important. No T&T were left out.
Tip #1: Write
There are many people who sit around thinking about what they would write instead of actually writing. Writing is hard work, and it requires a lot of time and effort. The more you write, the better you'll get.
Tip #2: Good Advance Plotting
Before you begin writing, try to write out your whole plot. As you write, it'll help guide you along.
Tip #3: Finish What You Start
Writing is a learning process. In order to be a good author, you need to experience every angle of writing. If you stop after a few pages every time you start something, you'll only learn how to write a good opening.
Tip #4: Have Fun!
It'll probably take you a long time to get to the point where you're good enough to be published, and that climb is lonely and lots of hard work, but you can have fun doing it.
Tip #5: Don't Stop
Many people stop trying to get published when they realize how hard it is. Every writer finds it hard, and it generally takes a lot of work and time to develop a good story.
Tip #6: Be Patient
Most authors aren't going to make a quick breakthrough. It takes time. Some authors DO have a breakthrough at a young age, but most don't see their works published until their 30s, at least.
Tip #7: Listen to the Advice of Others
Believe it or not, most of you teachers do know what they're talking about.Pay attention when your teacher is talking about grammar, structure, etc. No writing exercise is ever futile, even if it seems like it at the time.
Tip #8: Feedback can be helpful, but it isn't essential.
If you want to show your work to family and friends, do so. If you don't want to, then don't. Also don't listen to them if they criticize you for not sharing your work.
Tip #9: When you feel like publishing your work, read a book that explains how to go about it
In the UK and Ireland, I would recommend The Writers And Artists Yearbook. In the USA, I hear that The Writer’s Market offers much the same insightful and helpful information. Follow their advice!
Tip #10: Don't be afraid of rejection
Virtually every writer gets turned down when they’re starting out. Rejection is normal. You don’t have to like it, but you’ll need to deal with it, so develop a thick skin and don’t take it personally when an agent or publisher turns you down or ignores you completely! Listen to their advice if they offer any, then carry on writing and fine-tuning your craft and submitting. If you hang on in there, and keep going, and don’t let rejection dampen your spirits, you WILL succeed!!!!
Link: http://www.darrenshan.com/writing-tips/article/intro-quick-writing-guide/
More T&T From Darren: http://www.darrenshan.com/writing-tips/
So, this is directed more towards people wanting to get published. Personally, I don't want to get published yet. I want to write as I am now and get some readers and feedback before I actually start considering publishing ANYTHING. Heck, I want ti finish a book first. So, soon, I'll try and find/post things that are directed towards helping you FINISH a book and develop your story and actually get good at writing instead of trying to get published. Believe me, you don't have to try and get published to be an author. You can write on WattPad or Blogger or Fanfiction.net. The problem for me has always been getting readers, and I'm sure it is for you too. That's what I'm going to focus on later.
Also, I am going to try and direct this towards amateur authors with no money to pay for ads or their own website or anything. I'm in that spot, and all of my stuff has to be completely free.So, I'll find stuff that may help people like me, and hopefully I can post my own T&T later on.
All my best,
Evangeline
No comments:
Post a Comment