Fellow fiction writers! I hope that you are all doing well in the midst of your adventures and whatnot. Perhaps you are taking a break, or have plunged into the black hole of social media whilst procrastinating as your deadline approaches. Whatever led you here, thank you for reading. Writing fiction isn't the easiest of tasks, so here's some advice and a little pick-me-up for those who need it.
"Writing a novel is a terrible experience, during which the hair often falls out and the teeth decay. I'm always irritated by people who imply that writing fiction is an escape from reality. It is a plunge into reality and it's very shocking to the system." - Flannery O'Connor
1. Inspiration can come from anywhere.
Literally anywhere.
2. Unfortunately, so can distraction.
That'd be great, Timon, thanks.
3. Like every other skill, it will take practice, and practice, and even more practice.
Sometimes your writing will be horrific. Other times, it will feel like the universe is lingering on your fingertips. The more you write, the more it will linger.
4. Show the readers what's happening, don't tell them.
Anton Chekhov once said, "Don't tell me the moon is shining. Show me the glint of light on broken glass."
5. Avoid clichés at all costs.
If it feels like you've heard it hundreds of times, it's probably because you have.
6. Speaking of clichés, you are your own worst enemy.
Being able to see the flaws in your writing is a good thing, but don't be so hard on yourself!
7. Write something every, single day.
It doesn't matter if you write about how you have to write, but don't want to write and don't even know what to write. Get something down and stretch your imagination!
8. Use real people as characters.
Famous literary, and now movie and television, character Sherlock Holmes was based off one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's professors in medical school, Joseph Bell.
9. If you're bored, the readers are bored.
Keep the plot moving, people.
10. Writer's block is extremely conquerable.
Check out this article (and this one) that offer creative ways to vanquish the beast.
11. Don't forget to eat right and exercise.
When your body is out of whack, your mind has to work harder for the same results.
12. Collaborate with other writers.
Brainstorm and bounce ideas off each other. It's seriously fun and can help prevent that pesky writer's block down the road.
13. Limit your "target audience" to one or two people.
"Young Adult" is much too broad of an audience. Target one or two specific people who you want to read your work.
14. Carry something with you to write down your ideas.
Because telling yourself that you'll remember that great line or phrase later is one of the biggest lies you keep repeating.
15. Read everything you can get your hands on.
"Read a thousand books and your words will flow like a river." - Virginia Woolf
16. Write something you would like to read.
See #9.
17. Let other, non-writers read your work.
They'll give you some of the best, most blunt pieces of advice.
18. Be self-disciplined and self-motivated.
Find a routine that enables you to produce your best work. Then stick with it.
19. Take a break.
The goal is to write to the best of your ability. So (despite #18) whether that means going for a run to wake yourself up, or taking a nap, do what you need to do.
20. Keep it fun.
Don't take yourself too seriously. You are, after all, only human.
