Myths of the Writing Process
Here’s a list of some myths about the writing process I pulled together to help people distinguish fact from fiction:
Myth: My First Draft Will Be My Final Draft
Fact: You will likely end up writing several iterations of one draft and then it will transform into something new along the way. The more you write, the better acquainted you’ll become with your story and characters.
Myth: Editing Won’t Take Long
Fact: In order to edit properly, you need to take your time. If you’re in a rush, you’ll miss words and phrases that need to be altered. Sometimes, like writing the draft, you’ll edit your novel several times over.
Myth: I Must Remain Secluded to Write Well
Fact: If you hole yourself up, you won’t have experiences. Observing people and places is part of life, but for a writer, it’s a built in notepad to draw from later- use it!
Myth: Everyone Will Love My Story
Fact: Hopefully many people will. But no story is loved by everyone. People vary in their tastes and as such, someone will undoubtedly dislike what you’ve written. That’s ok, besides, you wrote it for people who will like it.
Myth: I Don’t Need an Outline
Fact: If you jump into the race without a map, you’ll probably get lost. Outlines allow you to keep consistency and stay on pace with the plot and character development.
Myth: People Love Stock Characters
Fact: People love characters that bend or break the mold they’ve been based off. Cookie cutter characters are unrealistic, but if you tweak them slightly (or majorly), you can create someone unique.
Myth: Too Much Description or Dialogue is Bad
Fact: You want to find a balance, but some scenes require more dialogue and others more description so use them when they’re needed.
Are there things you’ve heard that seem too good to be true? Leave a comment and we’ll discover the facts together!
The Five D’s of Dialogue
Next to imagery, dialogue is paramount to propelling your story. The setting and plot are advanced through your characters’ actions and thoughts, but especially their words. What your characters say establish truths and questions for the reader that keeps them interested in development as well as how the characters navigate the problem at hand. While what your characters say will vary, the use of dialogue breaks down into specific categories:
Deceptive: Words that are meant to confuse your character, or even your reader, by leading them down the wrong path.
Direct: Statements that inform the character and reader of important information related to the setting, plot or other characters.
Descriptive: Explanations of people, places or things that create context for the reader to dive into the story.
Drama: These statements lead into the thick of your content, or create conflict.
Depth: To escalate the conversation, your character must ask the tough questions, or be prompted to think deeper.
Everything a character says will fall into these categories, and by knowing where they stack-up, you can use the five D’s of dialogue to your advantage. Your character’s idle chatter will subtly (or not so subtly) encourage the reader to receive the story’s message as you intended. Of course, just like speaking to a real person, the tone and context of your dialogue may be interpreted in a dozen different ways. That’s fine, and don’t worry about it. What you should focus on is constructing a discussion that helps develop your character and the story. And remember that sometimes, words speak louder than actions.
All Knotted Up Comic – 1
Introducing the boys from my series, MC Jake (the very eager one) and Cade (the grump). They’ve stumbled upon a ramphibian (frog with ram horns), one of the many funky animals I created. Next installment will introduce the girls. Enjoy!
Seven Sentence Teaser
Time for a little bit of fun on the blog. And what better way to start teasing you all with my series than by following the rules in the post I was tagged in here.
Rules are as follows:
- Go to page 7 or 77 in your current manuscript
- Go to line 7
- Copy down the next seven lines/sentences as they are – no cheating
- Tag 7 other authors
“Yes, I do,” Jake replied, digging his hands into his pants pockets. But he knew well enough that he had no money to speak of.
“Tell you what,” the man began, “It’s sat there for months. Go ahead and take it. Your friends paid enough for the wagon as it is.”
Jake was astonished, “That’s very kind of you. Thank you. Put it in the wagon, if you would, please.”
“Right away,” said the plump clerk as he disappeared into the back of the store. Jake had done his best to calm his shaking, but despite acquiring a sketchbook, he was still anxious to leave.
@pfizenidiot @seanpfarley @LukeWortley @JaseR75 @writewilder @regimcclain @MelissaMaygrove Tagged ya! Not actually sure if you all have blogs haha So if not, you can comment on my post with your sentences x)
Now that you’ve been tagged, go ahead and flip through your manuscript to find the matching section. Share please! I’d love to read your wips!
Coming up next on the blog…the ultimate tease. A comic! Actually collaborating with Meg who tagged me in this post. Look for it Wednesday, right here!
Pitch Wars Mentee 2014
Awards
