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Various Writing Tips
Posted by: xengab
These are various tips that was either told to me from other writers or something I noticed while writing.
Walking
Going for walks, when stuck or needing to plan for the next chapter I usually go for a walk.
Lunchtimes at work I walk and usually get plenty of ideas for later in the day.
There seems to be something very relaxing about taking a walk, fast or slow doesn't really seem to matter. Plus it gives you a chance to see other people and that can help give plot ideas. The length of the walk will depend on the person, their is no right or wrong way to do this. Exercise is good for the brain so at least do some type of it while writing, healthy body is a healthy mind.
Cleaning, yes I did say cleaning.
I have been known to scrub my kitchen floor by hand with a small scrub sponge. The repetitive action of this helps your mind take a vacation and lets weird, strange and helpful plots take form. Plus it gives exercise to the much potato like state we usually end up in while doing writing challenges.
READING, the number of people that tell me they do not read while writing just dumbfounds me.
I know they worry about stealing someone else's ideas/stories or characters but I don't know any character or idea that someone has written about that if I tried to do (on purpose) would turn out the same way.
Reading is fun, gets you away from your own characters and ideas, plus see how the author put the words together to give description, how do you like or hate that character and why.
Do your characters make you feel that way or could they make others feel that way?
Research, OK I admit, I wish this did not have to happen but it is needed.
If you get stuck and can not for some reason get the words out, then see if the details about your subject are correct.
Is your setting correct, please do not say it snows in Salinas California when it hardly ever does. Plus just reading details can help jog some creative ideas.
Anything can be found on the internet, if you need help then go to your library they can steer you in the right direction.
Write with a friend, be it an online friend or someone you can meet up with in person.
I have done both, the in person part was great to bounce ideas around and share food. Try to meet somewhere that is either very quiet or has a lot of background noise.
Coffee shops are great, and most waitress' will ask what your doing and thus you can infect someone else with the bug to write.
Bribe friends, really I am doing that this time, seems to be working well.
Just find out something the friend either doesn't want everyone to know or something they want to own. Rewards work well to motivate those waddling behind in the word count.
Bribing yourself is also a great way to get things written, mine is a trip to Borders book store when I complete a challenge or scene.
Just think about what you would love to have and wouldn't normally get for yourself.
Weekly bribes for those really suborn selves should be small. Since I am currently on a diet I have been using food treats (wow that makes me sound like a cat or dog or duck).
Encouragement, everyone knows that one person that is forever telling others how good they are at doing what they do.
Tell that person you're doing a challenge or that you are writing, get them to cheer you on. The more people doing this will help you cheer up and get writing.
Be proud to know you're a writer.
Go Team Kiwi!
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15 Jul 2007 19:14:30
Comments
On 22 Jul 2007 17:15:37 Travis said:
Thanks Xengab. I'm finally getting around to reading all the post SoCNoC klogs.
I'm going to try and use this list as a checklist of things to do on my next novel. I think I've used most of them at some time or another, EXCEPT bribe friends, which I haven't done. Must remember that on the next big challenge!