Writing Fiction
Writers know (and mostly follow) basic rules of the craft, but much of how we create grows from personal preference and practice. When it comes to fiction, here are some things that work for me:
- Between writing sessions, I let the story play out in my head—and capture any dialogue or other snippets in rough notes on scrap paper. Imposing structure by typing directly into my file stops them unfolding.
- Give myself permission to write a messy first draft. There’ll be plenty of rounds of revisions to fine-tune it. Yet without a sense of the story structure, I’ll waste time and lose focus.
- Write down that great idea that hits when I’m falling asleep. Otherwise, I’ll lie awake trying to memorize it. And seeing it in the morning will either enrich the story or reveal it as a dud. How many “brilliant” ideas do I lament losing because I didn’t record them?
- Keep what I cut. Learned this one the hard way. As above, if I’d kept it, I might realize why it got cut.
- Consider questions about backgrounds, motivations, reactions, etc., for key and minor scene players. What do they each want? How will this shape their internal reactions? How will it present to others?
- Find something to relate to or have compassion for about each key character, including the villains.
- Set—and keep—writing times when possible, allowing for true life interruptions.
- Don’t take myself or my work too seriously.
- As a writer of faith, I centre myself with prayer and breathing.
- As an indie author, I’m my own boss. I need to treat myself as kindly as I’d treat any other employee.
- Trust my editor! I may not fix it her way, but if she says something needs fixing she’s usually right.
- Appreciate the process. Don’t dawdle or procrastinate, but don’t try to cram next week into today.
What are some tidbits of writing advice you tell yourself? Why not share them with Carolyn? Maybe we’ll read them in a future newsletter.
Whatever—and however—you write, enjoy the journey!
Janet Sketchley is an Atlantic Canadian writer who likes her fiction with a splash of mystery or adventure and a dash of Christianity. Why leave faith out of our stories if it’s part of our lives? You can find Janet and her books online at her website.