Tag Archives: indie writing tips

Today’s Writing Tip

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Make it a habit to spellcheck your work every day when you shut down for the night. This should be part of your routine as a writer. Believe it or not, you might actually forget if you wait until you finish your current story or book. Somehow the final editing and formatting process can eclipse this very essential step.

This is obvious to me based on the many books I’ve read the past few years that are riddled with typos. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve been guilty as well, requiring a lot of time after a book was published to upload a corrected version of something that should have been correct in the first place.

By making it part of your routine, it becomes a task you don’t even have to think about, but do automatically. Done daily, it takes less time and you can be sure the final product won’t be riddled with typos, which drive readers crazy and label your work that of an amateur.

Today’s Writing Tip

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If your characters have a specific ethnicity, be sure to name them accordingly. For example, if your heroine is from Sweden, naming her Inge contributes more to her persona than naming her Yolanda. This reinforces the reader’s image of the character as well, providing a subtle, subconscious contribution to imagery.

Along similar lines, if your character is unique, an unusual name can likewise reinforce that; conversely, naming a character you want to be seen as “normal” and one your reader can relate to calls for a more common name.

All that “What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” business doesn’t necessarily apply to fiction writing.

 

Today’s Writing Tip

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Know the difference between a serial and a series. If your story line & plot continue book to book and culminate in the last one, it’s a serial. This applies even if the stories can stand alone. A series comprises entirely independent stories but with the same characters. Examples include the Nancy Drew series (which were written by multiple authors under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene); Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan series, or Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne series.

It’s too bad that these two terms are so similar, which makes them easier to confuse. Readers are often less than pleased to find out the book they’re reading doesn’t quite end, but carries on in another one, especially if it ends with a cliffhanger.

Today’s Writing Tip

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Your writing will reflect what you read. If you read well-written books, it will register in your subconscious and raise your skill level. Conversely, reading mediocre work may help your confidence and not hurt your writing, but it won’t help it, either.

If you want to write a best-seller, then it makes sense to read best-sellers to see what they’re all about. The next time you sit down to write something, think about what you’re reading at the time and see if you’re assimilating its style without even being aware that you’re doing so. Reading quality material can be a very painless, yet effective, way to improve your writing.

 

Today’s Writing Tip

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Bear in mind that reviews from people you know are likely to be slightly inflated. Those  posted by people you don’t know from Adam will give you a better idea of how your story is received. To improve your writing, always try to identify what they liked or didn’t like. Sometimes a bad review teaches you far more than a glowing one!

Today’s Writing Tip

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Comparing your story to an established one can help attract readers who will resonate with it. This can be another book or series, a popular movie, or TV show. This is shorter and more direct than describing your story and expecting potential readers to make the connection.

For example, if your book is about vampires, it could still span a huge variety of styles. Does it compare to “Twilight”, the original “Dracula”, or “The Adams Family”? See the difference?

Today’s Writing Tip

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It’s hard not to respond when you get a bad review, especially when the person is either a troll or obviously didn’t “get” what you were trying to convey. Console yourself with this satisfying thought: A writer can kill you off with a few keystrokes. Don’t make us mad…

However, if the review is bad due to something such as typos, editing, grammar, or formatting, pay attention. Not liking the story is totally subjective, which most people recognize, but reviews that address sloppy writing can turn off potential readers faster than the speed of thought. It’s time to go back to the drawing board or hire an editor.

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There are numerous awards you can apply for, which help give your book credibility. However, don’t waste your money if your book is riddled with typos or other problems. Judges are looking for clean copy as well as a good story. On the other hand, remember that everything is subjective and the person who looks at your submission may not be enchanted by it. This is frustrating, but the luck of the draw. If you really believe your story is a worthy one, try another venue.

Today’s Writing Tip

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Many authors are introverts who find it difficult to interact with fans face to face, yet this is usually the most effective connection. One way to help you overcome this is to join your local Toastmasters International club.

Being succinct when talking about your book is not always easy for authors who are used to using thousands of words to tell their story. Toastmasters will teach you to make your point directly and quickly as well as how to initiate conversations and sustain them. Check their website for the club nearest where you live.

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If your story has several unfamiliar terms, such as off-world science fiction or a medical thriller, consider including footnotes or a glossary. Always define such words at first use, a standard procedure in technical writing. This can be done drily, i.e., in parenthesis, or through a combination of dialog and narrative. For example, a character could mention the unfamiliar term, which is described in the following paragraph through the viewpoint of the protagonist. The same advice stands for acronyms.