One of the most popular pieces of advice for writers is to read–and do a lot of it.
Yes, read. Simple as that.
Read bestsellers, read everything in your chosen genre, read anything and everything you can get your hands on.
Reading gives you a critical eye into the craft of writing. It’s very important to study how different authors put their stories together.
Pay attention to things like Point of View (POV), the use of show don’t tell, and the settings. All of these things, when you’re looking for them, are fascinating to discover. Often, a practiced writer will weave those things in without the reader being smacked over the head.
I’ve always been an avid reader. Now I’ve added Audio Books to my enjoyment so I can listen while doing mundane tasks like laundry.
So, reading is a given if you want to write well. But…
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was: When you’re in a part of your manuscript or story where things are moving really fast. The action is flying and answers are beginning to come to the surface, or more questions are being raised….
SLOW DOWN.
What?
Yup, it’s in those moments when our brains race so fast as the picture is in our head and we know exactly what’s happening and our muse is having our fingers fly over the key board, but it’s at this exact spot in the story when you want to slow down and sprinkle a few details around to keep it real.
At this time, when the protagonist is at their mot harried… slow your pace and pay attention. Small details about setting or a character could take your story from good to fantastic.
I like to put myself in the situation and then consider the senses. Don’t get bogged down in the details. I just want you to consider these things to add tension/conflict and not miss things.
What am I seeing? What detail can I bring into the prose to make it more interesting.
What am I hearing? Often as writers’ we forget about sound except for speaking or emphasis. In the climax of action though, consider the sounds. Is there a clock ticking off in the background? Perhaps a dog barking in the other room?
What am I smelling? This can be a difficult one to describe. Close your eyes and imagine the scene. Is there a smell of oil, or the beach? What is it? Does it add to the scene.
What am I tasting? While this may not be one you add in often, it can be effective at times.
What am I feeling? Get into the physical being of the protagonist. Do they have a dry mouth? maybe their hands are shaking?
By slowing yourself down at those pivotal moments in your story telling you can take your writing to the next level.
Go For It.
Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you enjoyed it. Please like, share, comment, and follow. It’s always greatly appreciated.
Reading a sure fire way to become a better writer. But the best advice I ever got and that I tell people is, write. Just let your fingers go and write. Exercise the little gray cells and they’ll help you tell your story.
OMG! Great advice. If those fingers ain’t moving nothing much is happening. I often write IN my head too but there comes a time when you gotta sit that butt down and get to it. It’s funny because it seems so obvious but it probably the hardest to do. I will be honest…I do it every single day. There may be a day or two when I only write a couple of sentences but they’re done. Thanks so much for stopping by. You need to give me your first name please….xoxoxo
My main editor, the one who guided me through three books, taught me to look carefully at a scene. She told me that the great actors will inspect a script and see where they can a touch, even a glance, to make it their scene. I try to do that all the time now.
Cheers
Philip Mann
Hi Philip. Yes! Scene is so important. That’s what I meant about slowing down and paying attention to those small little details. We need to recognize that the scene needs to breathe and feel real…This also become easier when you actually grasp the show don’t tell. Do be aware that too much of a good thing can end up weighty in prose. I think you’ve got a pretty good handle on it though. Thanks for commenting. It is really appreciated. xo
The best advice I’ve received that I actually think has helped my craft is ‘just write’. As hackneyed as that phrase is, it’s been the sole reason why I’ve ever written my novel at all. Anyway, thanks for this post, Faye!
Hey Stuart! Yes, you gotta get that butt in the chair before much else can happen. Keep writing my friend. Thanks for stopping by! xo
When I started blogging at first I was told by many that write from your heart in order to connect with the reader. Now exactly 1 year later I have people who tell me that I write my heart out. It gives me so much pleasure when someone says that.♥️🤍✨
that’s so awesome. What you’re doing is a gift to the readers. To know that other people feel or think the same way is huge. Keep creating! xoxo
Thank you so much this made my day.🥺😭❤️🔥
xoxo
Excellent advice!
Nancy
Thanks Nancy! 🥰 xoxo
I was always told I need to read to be a good writer so I absolutely agree with what you said about that. Reading is so vital if you want to enhance your writing. Great post!
Thanks Pooja. Reading really is the #1 isn’t it?! Thanks for stopping by. Much appreciated. xoxo
My pleasure and yes absolutely!
Thanks again Faye! You willingness to share great writing tips is greatly appreciated. Hope you and yours are safe out there . . . your Province is on fire!
Oh Laurel. You are so very welcome. OMG I could talk writing forever. Yes. BC is having a rough summer. In fact I’ve been inside for most of it. The smoke is not fun. Thanks for stopping by. xoxo