NESCBWI Top 5

Every writing conference I attend teaches me some nugget of knowledge I hadn’t realized or put into words before. Often there is more than one light-bulb moment. The latest writer-palooza was no different and I hope some of the findings I learned will prove helpful to you all as well!

1- Openings need to change the status quo. This seems pretty straight forward when you think about, but I guess I never really thought about it! By starting your novel with the status quo, you set up the world the reader will see and by the end of the first chapter, that should be turned on its head.

2- We all know people aren’t perfect and that our world isn’t either, but for some reason we try to build perfect characters and perfect places. That needs to stop. I’m a big supporter of this one because it’s so true to life. Write people and places that reflect the individuals we know from the world we live in, flaws and all.

3- The right ending. One of the most important tidbits from the conference was realizing that sometimes the ending you write for the story doesn’t fit with what you’re actually trying to tell. What’s your message? How do you want the reader to feel at the end? Does your character’s journey reflect these things? If not, time to change the ending.

4- Every villain has their own hero’s journey. This has definitely been a weak point for me and taking this to heart started to clarify motives and desires of my earlier antagonists. They believe what they’re doing is right, and in their own terms, they are the hero – give them that journey.

5- As an author, you are also an entrepreneur. You are your own best advocate. Yes, every writer’s path is different, but on whatever road you travel you are the first and best person to champion your story. This isn’t to say tweet a billion times a day begging people to buy your book, but it means you need to put in the work (whatever that may mean at your step in the process) to help yourself achieve your goals.

If you attended this conference and want to add any other gems you heard, please feel free to comment! For everyone who didn’t attend, I hope these were helpful and I hope you keep them in mind as you continue to kick ass and take names as the badass writer you are.