So, this is my first time to try and blog with Windows Live on my new laptop. I’ve never used the program before so I’m hoping it works and posts correctly and all that. This is mainly just a test post, but feel free to comment with your feelings about Windows Live if you’ve ever used it!
Showing posts with label question. Show all posts
Showing posts with label question. Show all posts
September 19, 2011
Blogging with Windows Live!
January 22, 2011
How Do I Decide if My Book Should Have a Sequel?
So, I have been struggling with this issue for awhile now. After some feedback from others, I know the answer to my own question. I think other writers deal with this problem, too.
Once my first novel is written and completed, how can I be sure if I want to write a sequel or not?
There are a few different questions you need to ask yourself before you write your sequel. First, is there enough to even have a sequel? Will there be a suitable problem that can still relate back to book one without making the two books too alike? You need to make sure that you don't just write a sequel full of ramblings. That's what blogs are for! xD
If you feel that you can write a second book, you need to think of where to start. If your first book had an epilogue, it may be harder to write the second one, but not entirely impossible. You should usually start the sequel a little after the first book, but not too far. You want the reader to still feel that connection to the characters and storyline.
So, step back and view your first novel. If you were the reader, would you want another book, or would you be ready to move on? Think about that and what was mentioned above before you put your time and effort into a sequel.
Once my first novel is written and completed, how can I be sure if I want to write a sequel or not?
There are a few different questions you need to ask yourself before you write your sequel. First, is there enough to even have a sequel? Will there be a suitable problem that can still relate back to book one without making the two books too alike? You need to make sure that you don't just write a sequel full of ramblings. That's what blogs are for! xD
If you feel that you can write a second book, you need to think of where to start. If your first book had an epilogue, it may be harder to write the second one, but not entirely impossible. You should usually start the sequel a little after the first book, but not too far. You want the reader to still feel that connection to the characters and storyline.
So, step back and view your first novel. If you were the reader, would you want another book, or would you be ready to move on? Think about that and what was mentioned above before you put your time and effort into a sequel.
January 9, 2011
He Likes Me, He Doesn't Like Me. He Likes Me Again . . . what do I do?
A person asked me what she should do in a romantic situation. She liked her guy friend and told him that, but he didn't want to be more than friends at the time. Now he wants to. What does a girl do?
I was in a similar situation where I liked one of my boy friends (take note of the space in between the words!) I told him and he didn't like me like that. Overall, I was pretty crushed. I still like him, seeing as this was only about a month ago.
I'm going to let my own feelings shine through . . . . If the boy I like, let's call him . . . . Ryan. If Ryan told me he actually did like me and wanted to go out with me, I'd say yes in a heartbeat. Like you said before, I still get that butterflies/warm&fuzzy feelings when we talk.
So, if you're sure you still like him and he likes you, I'd say go for it! People and situations change; it really doesn't matter what he said a year ago.You just have to start over and hope that happily ever after is somewhere down the road.
Go after your 'Ryan', but be sure he likes you as much as you like him. From what you've told me, I think the romance between you two is mutal. ;]
I was in a similar situation where I liked one of my boy friends (take note of the space in between the words!) I told him and he didn't like me like that. Overall, I was pretty crushed. I still like him, seeing as this was only about a month ago.
I'm going to let my own feelings shine through . . . . If the boy I like, let's call him . . . . Ryan. If Ryan told me he actually did like me and wanted to go out with me, I'd say yes in a heartbeat. Like you said before, I still get that butterflies/warm&fuzzy feelings when we talk.
So, if you're sure you still like him and he likes you, I'd say go for it! People and situations change; it really doesn't matter what he said a year ago.You just have to start over and hope that happily ever after is somewhere down the road.
Go after your 'Ryan', but be sure he likes you as much as you like him. From what you've told me, I think the romance between you two is mutal. ;]
If you get a comment and its obvious that the person didn't read your book do you still thank them?
So, I have a question from a fellow writer on a writing website I am on. (inkpop.com) This question could help others, though, if you have friends or family reading your book.
If you get a comment and its obvious that the person did not read anything about your book (not even the title) do you still say thank you?
I think people that don't have the time to read anything about your book truly don't deserve a thank-you. If they have a real reason for not being able to read it for you, then thank them for trying to. Basically, if they devote time to your novel, short story or even poem, they deserve a thank-you. If they don't bother to read anything, not even the title and summary, then they really shouldn't be thanked. They didn't do anything for you, did they?
If you were swapping with the person, as in reading something of theirs in return for non-inkies, then you're in a different situation. If you've already read their book, you should request a new critique. Explain why you want a new comment. If you haven't read their story yet, then don't. It's up to you if you'd like to message the person and explain, but you shouldn't do anything for them if they're trying to cheat you.
If you get a comment and its obvious that the person did not read anything about your book (not even the title) do you still say thank you?
I think people that don't have the time to read anything about your book truly don't deserve a thank-you. If they have a real reason for not being able to read it for you, then thank them for trying to. Basically, if they devote time to your novel, short story or even poem, they deserve a thank-you. If they don't bother to read anything, not even the title and summary, then they really shouldn't be thanked. They didn't do anything for you, did they?
If you were swapping with the person, as in reading something of theirs in return for non-inkies, then you're in a different situation. If you've already read their book, you should request a new critique. Explain why you want a new comment. If you haven't read their story yet, then don't. It's up to you if you'd like to message the person and explain, but you shouldn't do anything for them if they're trying to cheat you.
December 26, 2010
What Can I Do to Keep my Story Interesting?
Today, we have a question from a fellow writer, as always.
What can you do to move your story along when it gets to a slow point?
We all face the problem where your story or book starts to feel like it's dragging on, even when we're nowhere near the end. Some writers ignore it, and their books suffer. Whenever I feel that the story is getting boring, or the characters seem bland, I throw in a twist. Think of your book as if you're the reader. What would be a shock that spiced things up, but kept it realistic for your storyline?
Things like adding a new character into the mix or even killing one add a punch to your book. I know most books can't just have people dying left and right though. So, maybe a dramatic accident where someone is injured. Maybe your main character flips in science class? It's up to the writer how to add the punch in. Whichever way you choose, it should be a wake-up call to readers that your book does have twists and turns. Don't let things get too out of hand though. If you want to see an example of plot twists, take a look at my book, Flashbacks of Juliet. There are a lot in there.
I hope that helped with your dilemma. Just remember, think of yourself as the reader. What would make you go, "Oh my God, I can not put this book down!"?
What can you do to move your story along when it gets to a slow point?
We all face the problem where your story or book starts to feel like it's dragging on, even when we're nowhere near the end. Some writers ignore it, and their books suffer. Whenever I feel that the story is getting boring, or the characters seem bland, I throw in a twist. Think of your book as if you're the reader. What would be a shock that spiced things up, but kept it realistic for your storyline?
Things like adding a new character into the mix or even killing one add a punch to your book. I know most books can't just have people dying left and right though. So, maybe a dramatic accident where someone is injured. Maybe your main character flips in science class? It's up to the writer how to add the punch in. Whichever way you choose, it should be a wake-up call to readers that your book does have twists and turns. Don't let things get too out of hand though. If you want to see an example of plot twists, take a look at my book, Flashbacks of Juliet. There are a lot in there.
I hope that helped with your dilemma. Just remember, think of yourself as the reader. What would make you go, "Oh my God, I can not put this book down!"?
December 23, 2010
How Do I End My Novel?
Have you ever had trouble ending your novel, or even a short story? You're not the only one.
I don't know why, but I just cant seem to write an ending I am happy with. Every time I try to write the last chapters, it comes out stiff and I end up deleting it.
I've only written one full novel, but I do have the ending for another one planned. If it's a stand-alone book, my advice is to tie up all loose ends. Make sure all the questions (or most of them) have been answered. You don't want the ending to just be random fluff. Make it meaningful. If you feel that you can't get to the actual end without doing some explaining of other things first, then make two-three chapters, ending all of that. Don't spend too much time on one topic unless it was a big part in the novel. If you think that most of your topics could be explained and ended within a paragraph, it may be a good idea to have an epilogue. That's what I did for my one novel, Behind These Amber Eyes. (It's fully posted on inkpop if you want to take a look at the last chapter) Remember to add emotion. Like, if you're explaining how the main character was no longer close with an old friend, put something like, "Even though I knew we had our differences and just couldn't pretend anymore, I still missed all the parties and times we had. It was like a pinch in my heart when I saw how far apart we had drifted."
If you have a series going on, then you could always end it with a cliffhanger. It doesn't even have to be something like, "I screamed as a hand pulled me down. Then it went black." Just something like, "The past was for certain, but the future was unsure. So much could happen in the blink of an eye. Closing my eyes and feeling the warm air around me, I reminded myself to live in the present because you never know what tomorrow may bring." That gives a sense of suspense and mystery, but still ends things.
In closing, you want to make things short, but make sure to explain them. Leave a tiny bit of mystery if you can, just to let the reader imagine things on their own. If it's a series, then it's all right to let some questions unanswered. It'll bring the readers back for sure.
I don't know why, but I just cant seem to write an ending I am happy with. Every time I try to write the last chapters, it comes out stiff and I end up deleting it.
I've only written one full novel, but I do have the ending for another one planned. If it's a stand-alone book, my advice is to tie up all loose ends. Make sure all the questions (or most of them) have been answered. You don't want the ending to just be random fluff. Make it meaningful. If you feel that you can't get to the actual end without doing some explaining of other things first, then make two-three chapters, ending all of that. Don't spend too much time on one topic unless it was a big part in the novel. If you think that most of your topics could be explained and ended within a paragraph, it may be a good idea to have an epilogue. That's what I did for my one novel, Behind These Amber Eyes. (It's fully posted on inkpop if you want to take a look at the last chapter) Remember to add emotion. Like, if you're explaining how the main character was no longer close with an old friend, put something like, "Even though I knew we had our differences and just couldn't pretend anymore, I still missed all the parties and times we had. It was like a pinch in my heart when I saw how far apart we had drifted."
If you have a series going on, then you could always end it with a cliffhanger. It doesn't even have to be something like, "I screamed as a hand pulled me down. Then it went black." Just something like, "The past was for certain, but the future was unsure. So much could happen in the blink of an eye. Closing my eyes and feeling the warm air around me, I reminded myself to live in the present because you never know what tomorrow may bring." That gives a sense of suspense and mystery, but still ends things.
In closing, you want to make things short, but make sure to explain them. Leave a tiny bit of mystery if you can, just to let the reader imagine things on their own. If it's a series, then it's all right to let some questions unanswered. It'll bring the readers back for sure.
Where Do I Start?
Here's the question this time around:
so I know what my story will be about, who my characters are, what my characters do with their lives, what one of them wears right down to the designer, and what happens to them. I just dont know how to start it all off! any help?
It's always hard to start a novel. I know from experience. Whenever I'm having troubles, I write out an important scene from the story. If you're lucky, you'll realize it's a great place to start. Other times, it's too far in to be the beginning. So, think about what causes that great scene to happen. Can you start the book with one of those?
Here's an example.
Great scene:
I loved how his lips felt on mine, and how we could stay there forever. It didn't matter that the morning would come and tear us apart. He'd return to his family. I'd run off to work, blushing like a schoolgirl. For tonight, we had each other, and that was enough.
Beginning:
It's impossible to love someone when they're not meant to be loved. Romeo and Juliet were cursed from the start. Rose and Jack were on a sinking ship. And Drew Lansen was known for spending his free time with his brothers at their lake house. He was one of those family first guys, the guys who just didn't have time for love.
And yet, I still loved him. I loved the boy who was impossible to love.
It's not my best, but it still shows my point. Try to view your book as a whole, a movie of sorts. Fast-forward to the middle, pause it and think, 'What happened to get me here?' And no, your answer is not, 'I pressed fast forward!' Write the beginning so one day it will lead you to the middle.
so I know what my story will be about, who my characters are, what my characters do with their lives, what one of them wears right down to the designer, and what happens to them. I just dont know how to start it all off! any help?
It's always hard to start a novel. I know from experience. Whenever I'm having troubles, I write out an important scene from the story. If you're lucky, you'll realize it's a great place to start. Other times, it's too far in to be the beginning. So, think about what causes that great scene to happen. Can you start the book with one of those?
Here's an example.
Great scene:
I loved how his lips felt on mine, and how we could stay there forever. It didn't matter that the morning would come and tear us apart. He'd return to his family. I'd run off to work, blushing like a schoolgirl. For tonight, we had each other, and that was enough.
Beginning:
It's impossible to love someone when they're not meant to be loved. Romeo and Juliet were cursed from the start. Rose and Jack were on a sinking ship. And Drew Lansen was known for spending his free time with his brothers at their lake house. He was one of those family first guys, the guys who just didn't have time for love.
And yet, I still loved him. I loved the boy who was impossible to love.
It's not my best, but it still shows my point. Try to view your book as a whole, a movie of sorts. Fast-forward to the middle, pause it and think, 'What happened to get me here?' And no, your answer is not, 'I pressed fast forward!' Write the beginning so one day it will lead you to the middle.
What Inspired You to Start Writing?
This post actually includes three questions, all from the same asker. I won't be saying names or anything, but here is question #1.
What inspired you to start writing?
Well, when I was little - second grade - I moved to a new school. One thing that was different was that they had Writer's Workshop. We got almost an hour daily to write and come up with ideas. I started writing short stories. I even made a series out of them. It was mandatory to write during those daily hours, but I started to love writing because of it.
#2: How do you develop your characters?
When I start thinking of a story, I find myself imagining the characters to go with the storyline. To help my characters grow and become realistic, I find questionnaires online and fill them out. Here's an example of one: http://www.writingclasses.com/InformationPages/index.php/PageID/106 I usually fill out two or three per character, but I make sure the questionnaires are different. It also helps to print them out and save them so if you ever forget the character's parents' names or anything, you can just look it up real quick.
#3: What's your advice for me, the girl writing a vampire love story?
Like you, I'm writing a vampire novel. A lot depends on what "type" of vampire you have. You want to make your story original. You don't want to be a Dracula replica or a Twilight minion. Add traits or characteristics to set your vampire apart. Make people go, "I know that vamp!" when they hear about your book in a year or two. :D Here's a wiki page with a good questionnaire for vampire authors: http://new.spork.com/players/index.php/Vampire:Character_Creation Depending on your vampire, you may need to skip questions or even add your own in. Either way, it's a good idea to fill out what you can and help yourself become closer to your vamp.
What inspired you to start writing?
Well, when I was little - second grade - I moved to a new school. One thing that was different was that they had Writer's Workshop. We got almost an hour daily to write and come up with ideas. I started writing short stories. I even made a series out of them. It was mandatory to write during those daily hours, but I started to love writing because of it.
#2: How do you develop your characters?
When I start thinking of a story, I find myself imagining the characters to go with the storyline. To help my characters grow and become realistic, I find questionnaires online and fill them out. Here's an example of one: http://www.writingclasses.com/InformationPages/index.php/PageID/106 I usually fill out two or three per character, but I make sure the questionnaires are different. It also helps to print them out and save them so if you ever forget the character's parents' names or anything, you can just look it up real quick.
#3: What's your advice for me, the girl writing a vampire love story?
Like you, I'm writing a vampire novel. A lot depends on what "type" of vampire you have. You want to make your story original. You don't want to be a Dracula replica or a Twilight minion. Add traits or characteristics to set your vampire apart. Make people go, "I know that vamp!" when they hear about your book in a year or two. :D Here's a wiki page with a good questionnaire for vampire authors: http://new.spork.com/players/index.php/Vampire:Character_Creation Depending on your vampire, you may need to skip questions or even add your own in. Either way, it's a good idea to fill out what you can and help yourself become closer to your vamp.
How Do I Publish a Book?
A lot of young (and old!) writers want to know how to get their novels published. It's not an easy path, but we all like to dream about that day when we walk into Barnes and Noble, and say, "That's my book! Right there!"
Here's the step by step process. It may not work. It may seem like a waste of time, but don't give up!
1. Write your book. Sounds easy, right? Try again. Write out your rough draft. Just write what you feel and what seems good to you. Then step back and admire your work.
2. After you admire your work, you're probably freaking out. How did you switch tenses halfway through? Why did so-and-so's little sister disappear? Calm down. We all slip up. Go through and edit your draft with a big, red pen. A bowl of Hershey kisses might help.
3. Once your draft is all shiny and perfect, let your friends and family overlook it. They'll help you realize it's not all that perfect, and that's okay. Revise and edit until you find satisfaction.
4. The next step is finding an agent. Agents can help you a lot with getting published. You have to query agents, wait for their response and most likely send them another email/letter before the deal is sealed. To see a list of agents, go to: http://agentquery.com/
5. If you find an agent, it will hopefully become easier. They can help you get your manuscript out to publishers and publish your writing. I haven't made it to this step yet. I'm still in the process of querying, but I can tell you one thing. Agents and publishers might turn you down. Your job is to get back up and get your book out there.
So, there you have it. It won't be a skip in the daisy field, but it'll be rewarding. It also won't be free, but costs differ on agents, publishers and more. Just remember that you can't give up.
Here's the step by step process. It may not work. It may seem like a waste of time, but don't give up!
1. Write your book. Sounds easy, right? Try again. Write out your rough draft. Just write what you feel and what seems good to you. Then step back and admire your work.
2. After you admire your work, you're probably freaking out. How did you switch tenses halfway through? Why did so-and-so's little sister disappear? Calm down. We all slip up. Go through and edit your draft with a big, red pen. A bowl of Hershey kisses might help.
3. Once your draft is all shiny and perfect, let your friends and family overlook it. They'll help you realize it's not all that perfect, and that's okay. Revise and edit until you find satisfaction.
4. The next step is finding an agent. Agents can help you a lot with getting published. You have to query agents, wait for their response and most likely send them another email/letter before the deal is sealed. To see a list of agents, go to: http://agentquery.com/
5. If you find an agent, it will hopefully become easier. They can help you get your manuscript out to publishers and publish your writing. I haven't made it to this step yet. I'm still in the process of querying, but I can tell you one thing. Agents and publishers might turn you down. Your job is to get back up and get your book out there.
So, there you have it. It won't be a skip in the daisy field, but it'll be rewarding. It also won't be free, but costs differ on agents, publishers and more. Just remember that you can't give up.
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