Writing Lessons – 10 Wisdoms


wisdom2014 is racing along like a ferret on steroids, but as I struggle to keep up — and to catch up with my writing schedule — I’m learning a few things. This is not a comprehensive list, but they are lessons from the last few months. Bear in mind that I write romance, and these lessons are from that perspective.

  1. Don’t be afraid of emotion. Add it in spades, make yourself miserable then ecstatic. Wish the same for your readers.
  2. Write when you need to write — Twitter, I’m looking at you. There are so many time thieves out there. Even if the best discussions are happening online, save your creative energy for your current MS. Hopefully it will be what pays your bills.
  3. Listen to advice. No, not mine. That of people who know what they’re talking about!
  4. Do not waste time searching out advice. What you need to know will appear. Your subconscious will be on the alert and will know it when it sees it. (See, there is a pay-off for all that time spent on social media!)
  5. Writing is not your life. It’s an important part of it, but it’s not the only thing that defines you. If you have to de-prioritise your writing time, do so. But be sure you don’t simply drift.
  6. Procrastination is a tired brain/spirit/body looking to renew itself. Find what works for you. Swap tasks or take a nap. Take a holiday! *stares at calendar, hyperventilates, scrubs that last suggestion*
  7. Work out how many words you can comfortably write in an hour, or whatever block of time works for you. Set aside that block of time and don’t leave your chair till that word count is achieved. For me, that’s 1,000 words in an hour.
  8. Use all the senses when you write. My characters “look” a lot. Since they’re not werewolves, I can’t have them “scent” too often. Ew. But what they hear, the sensations on their skin, etc ought to get a look (!) in.
  9. Treasure your support network.

    For you! Coffee perking
    For you! Coffee perking
  10. Tell a story with a plot so strong it drags you into an alternate universe. Understand the theme you’re writing to; make your characters live it. A great story is relentless in its pursuit of something. Find the something that will resonate with your readers — and it better be something you believe in passionately. That passion brings your book alive.

4 responses to “Writing Lessons – 10 Wisdoms”

  1. That’s a list worth following. I especially like #4. I like how my subconscious has twigged the more I write and the instinct has strengthened. 🙂

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