Let’s get to the point: I’m an amateur writer. I am unqualified to give professional advice on the art of storytelling, grammar, or syntax. My only published work is a letter to the editor from the newspaper. Writing advice comes better from proofreaders, editors, published authors, and English majors.
On the other hand, my experience as an amateur is filled with wisdom. I learned to write as I wrote unintended novellas and short stories, watching YouTube videos from other published authors, and editing my manuscripts with the tips I found online. By learning how to write, I learned other writing-related skills to improve my craft.
In this blog post, I have 7 writing tips for amateurs, by an amateur writer. Most of them came from my own experimentation and thought processes, others are adapted from non-writing related ideas on the Internet.
Focus on your own path. This is one of the most important writing tips, because people often get caught up in what others do, to the point where they forget about their own craft. The phenomenon of “comparisonitis” can leave us feeling drained after spending time comparing ourselves to other writers.
When you read a novel, keep in mind it has been edited to be neat and organized. When you see another amateur with a high word count on their NaNoWriMo novel, keep in mind you have different circumstances than them. Create your own goals and stick with them, making sure they are tailored to your own needs!
Write with quality in mind. Before I decided I wanted to write as a hobby, my “chapter books” ranged from 10 to 20 pages. When writing became my biggest passion in life, my first draft of Secrets came out as 60 pages. For reference, a page in Microsoft Word or Google Docs is usually 400 words long with the default font.
These stories helped me form an understanding of outlining, plotting, and character creation. Without these stories, I would not know how to develop my characters throughout the story and move the plot.
This is why I do not recommend for beginners to try NaNoWriMo when they recognize their passion. The focus on the 50,000 word count creates a heightened importance of words while putting plot development, setting, and characters on the back burner. However, that’s a topic for November.
Writing will not always be enjoyable. Writing is one of my favourite hobbies. Writing in my diary helps relax me after a stressful day. I vent my emotions and frustrations through my characters, reflecting my personality onto them. I care about my craft deeply, more so when the words flow smoothly. However, the words will not always be smooth.
Sometimes, it will frustrate you to fill a plot hole. Editing can be mind numbingly boring. Writing can sometimes leave you with anxiety, wondering if it is something you truly want to pursue. Writing will not always come easily. If you love writing, it is worth keeping around when it gets difficult.
Do not edit while writing a chapter. When it comes to writing, it is better to write out everything instead of pressing “backspace” every time you believe something sounds weird. Finish writing the chapter, or any chunk of writing, then go back and review it. As long as you are writing with an erasable object, you can always go back and change what your past self has written.
Back in my elementary school days, I overheard two fellow writers speaking about this issue, discussing how they always went to edit after writing a chapter. Remember: you do not need to edit a chapter after you have written it. Many authors on Authortube will recommend waiting a week to two months, or after the whole draft has been written. Personally, I choose not to edit after the draft is finally finished, and my waiting time depends on the piece of work.
Join a community of writers. This can be done through clubs at schools, social media, or online chat rooms. You can either be interacting often, or lurking. This will keep your brain in the mindset of “writing” and remind you of your craft. It can help you learn more about the craft of writing through simple conversations. This can help you make connections to other authors as well as potential beta readers.
When you are in a community, remember to be civil. Keep an open mind and give constructive criticism when wanted. If you make a mistake, apologize and move on from it.
Balance reading and writing. If you have looked online for writing advice, you know people recommend reading as a way to get better at writing. I agree with this, because it can help a young writer come up with ideas and understand how to write.
Before I started to write, I read voraciously. The reason I know so many dialogue tags is because of the Abby Hayes series by Anne Mazer. When I started writing more often, many of my ideas for Secrets came from the book Masterminds by Gordon Korman. If you read, you may start absorbing ideas from other authors and colliding them together to create your own, unique masterpiece.
And finally, enter a writing contest once you have developed your skills. As of January, I have never entered a writing contest. In fact, I never thought my writing would be worthy of a writing contest. After spending 5 years improving my craft, I am confident in my writing for it to be judged.
Winning isn’t everything in life, but preparing to win is important. If you decide to start publishing your novels, entering a writing contest will encourage you to edit and proofread your submission, making sure it is as perfect as possible.
A quick search for “creative writing contests” can bring quick results. If you are Canadian, CBC is an invaluable resource for writing contests. Wattpad has writing contests as well. These will be linked at the end of the article.
These 7 tips are unrelated to setting, character development, and plotting. Still, they are an important part of the writing journey. They all came from what helped me learn to write, and what I believe will benefit other amateur writers.
Does anyone else have any other advice to share? Let me, and others, know in the comments below. All advice and friendly debate is appreciated!
CBC Literary Prizes
A Guide To Writing Prizes For Young Canadians | CBC Books
Writing Contests On Wattpad
#4 Post of 2021: 7 Tips to Adding Fear Into Fiction
#4 Post of 2021: 7 Tips to Adding Fear Into Fiction
(Post originally published on February 3, 2021.)
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Even if you don’t write horror, you may want to include some fear in your stories. From fear, we can create hope and relief. We can also drive people into despair and sadness. It’s a fascinating jumping point for so many stories. Yet, one does come off a little depraved if they enjoy the manipulation too much. Still, we’ve…
7 tips para estudiar y hacer ejercicio sin morir en el intento.
Hola!
Muchas veces tener buenas notas (especialmente en la universidad) puede ocuparnos el 90% del tiempo, dependiendo de la carrera que estudiemos. ¿Qué significa esto? Basicamente significa que comemos mal, dormimos mal, hacemos poco ejercicio y pasamos todo ese tiempo sentados.
Esto se puede traducir en problemas digestivos, aumento de peso, piel fea, cara de final de semestre todo el año jaja ya saben.
Aquí les traigo 7 tips para estudiar y mantenerse activo sin morir en el intento:
1- El estudio es primero.
Sí, sé que suena contradictorio, pero es muy importante tener en cuenta las prioridades. De nada sirve entrenar y entrenar para estar saludables y hermosos si después no queda tiempo para estudiar, y cuando queda, estamos tan cansados que de nada sirve. Por eso debemos conseguir actividades que no exijan demasiado tiempo (nadie quiere ir a hacer una caminata de 6 horas en tiempos de examenes, ¿verdad?). De este uso adecuado del tiempo derivan los otros 6 tips!
2- Alimentación inteligente.
A ver, mucha gente se encuentra en un plan de pérdida de peso o de mantenimiento y tiene un régimen de calorias y todo eso. Muchas veces cuando estamos en una temporada donde lo único que importa es concentrarnos en los estudios, dejamos de lado la alimentación, y aquí entran en juego dos extremos. Primero, no se puede pretender tener un déficit de calorias y tener un buen rendimiento en todo, ¿por qué? Porque el cerebro come. Este déficit puede venir de dietas, o de mala alimentación. Es de suma importancia escuchar al cuerpo y darle de comer. Esa necesidad de estar tomando siestas después de 20 minutos de leer no es normal! Segundo, si pasamos sentados comiendo y comiendo y comiendo comida chatarra nos vamos a hacer perezosos. Algunos subiran de peso, otros no, pero ni uno ni el otro estará saludable para resistir a los finales. En resumen: COMAN, los carbohidratos son el motor del cerebro, muchas frutas, vegetales, caramelos de vez en cuando, chocolate amargo. Las posibilidades de mantenerse satisfecho pero no enfermo son infinitas.
3- Cafeína.
Mi gran amor y mi mayor enemiga! La cafeína acelera el metabolismo y nos mantiene despiertos, ¿qué más se le puede pedir a la vida? Sin embargo hay que tener cuidado. Les voy a contar resumidamente qué le pasa al cuerpo cuando se toman 15 tazas de café al día, para que tengan una idea: Duele la cabeza, los nervios andan de punta, todo da ganas de gritar, de llorar, de matar. Duele el estómago, se va el apetito, vuelve a ratos, la energía viene y va como el calor corporal... en fin. Es una mala idea. PERO, podemos aprovechar los estimulantes de diferentes alimentos (no solo la cafeína) para agilizar nuestras tareas diarias y mantener la concentración y el ánimo. Podemos consumir cocholate, té verde, cafecito, coca cola :’v (no, eso no). Con MODERACIÓN. No queremos perder horas valiosas en el baño ;)
4- Preparar comidas con antelación.
Esto nos ayuda a manejar el tiempo Y lo que nos comemos. Si, por ejemplo, preparamos un montón de vegetales para la semana, vamos a tener la comida lista, y nos va a dar lástima no comerlos y desperdiciarlos. Todo es parte de un balance, podemos comer sano hoy y pizza mañana, lo importante es entender que todo lo que nos echamos al estómago lo estamos echando también a la cabeza.
5- Rutinas de ejercicio de 1 hora o menos.
De esto derivan dos cosas importantes: el tipo de actividad física que queramos realizar y el tiempo de transporte. Por ejemplo, puede que mi deseo sea practicar yoga, pero la academia más cercana está a dos horas. No tiene sentido. Podemos investigar actividades en nuestra área de residencia, gimnasios, o lugares para salir a caminar o correr o nadar. Quizá nunca lo hayan notado, pero por ahí cerca algo encontraran. Si van a un gimansio pueden pedir rutinas cortas, o hacer las suyas en casa!! (Busquen en los fitblr de por acá y veran que es fácil, no sean vagos).
6- Organización.
Vayan a hacer su actividad a la misma hora todos los días, planeen la semana, establezcan horas de estudio con antelación. Hagan su horario y tomen en cuenta sacar un ratito para moverse aunque sea 3-4 veces a la semana y preparar algunas cosas de comer para no morir de hambre (esto además sale más barato que andar comiendo afuera).
7- Motivación!
Ya saben, buena actitud. Si nos levantamos con ganas a hacer todas nuestras cosas el día rinde un montón. Muchas veces necesitamos un empujón de motivación para ir a pasar ese curso con 10, para aprobar alguna materia, para levantarnos temprano a estudiar (o acostarnos muy tarde). Todo está en la mente, si podemos organizarnos y ser disciplinados el cuerpo obedece y agradece. Todo estará bien. Estudien a conciencia y verán que la vida alcanza para todo. Buena música, ropa deportiva bonita, comida rica y a levantarse del escritorio! ♥
Buena suerte a todos en el semestre que se aproxima! ♥
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How to Save Money on Black Friday Deals with These 7 Tips
Unlock the secrets to saving big on Black Friday deals with these 7 expert tips! Discover how to maximize your savings and snag the hottest discounts, ensuring your wallet stays happy this shopping season.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to save money on gifts, electronics and home goods. But if you’re looking for ways to fatten your wallet while also enjoying the holiday season, here are seven money-saving tips that will help you have fun on Black Friday and Cyber Monday without breaking the bank:
Be wary of “doorbuster” items.
Be wary of “doorbuster” items.
Doorbuster…
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Summons can fall into two categories. One is filled with beasts that follow orders and usually appear for a specific, temporary purpose. They are summoned multiple times as they are needed. The other category is where you would find characters who have been called from another location or dimension. They take a role as either as the main hero or support. Both are very…
