Receiving feedback on writing is essential but processing it for revisions can be challenging. Key tips include discerning genuine opinions from imposed ideas, recognising valuable notes even if unexpected, handling criticism constructively while remaining confident in your work, and filtering disrespectful comments that undermine your effort. Trust your instincts as a writer.
Category Archives: Writing Tips
How To Analyse Your First Draft
Congratulations! You’ve finished your first draft of your story. Now the daunting prospect of checking what works looms. In this blog, I’m going to break down what to look for to head into your next draft. 1. Consistency When writing your story, whether it’s a novel or script, what can kill it off is consistency.ContinueContinue reading “How To Analyse Your First Draft”
How To Use Prompts For Your Stories
Story prompts are valuable tools that can ignite creativity in writers. They serve as starting points or plot twist ideas. The blog offers three tips: using a pot to store prompts, playing the “what if” game to explore ideas, and asking “why” questions to deepen understanding of characters and plots. Embrace prompts to rejuvenate your writing.
How To Navigate Script Length Problems
This blog discusses optimal script lengths for screenplays and theatre plays, emphasizing that feature films should be around 120 pages and TV episodes between 50-60 pages. It highlights the importance of pacing and structure, advising writers to break up action, avoid excessive length, and strategically plan story hooks for engagement.
How To Navigate Using Theme
Writers often struggle to define “theme” in their stories. Instead of focusing on a message from the start, it’s essential to prioritize the story itself. Themes can emerge organically during the writing process or editing stages. Ultimately, concentrating on storytelling first can enhance the overall experience for readers.
How Special Interests Deepen Your Character Development
Special interests, often misunderstood, can significantly enhance character development in writing. They help create multidimensional personalities, facilitate unique communication methods, and promote learning and bonding among characters. By incorporating various interests, writers can convey deeper narratives and foster connections that enrich storylines, moving beyond superficial portrayals of characters.
3 Tips To Show Not Tell In Your Writing
This blog emphasizes the importance of “show not tell” in writing, urging writers to create vivid images for readers rather than relying on lengthy explanations or dialogue. It offers three tips: avoid excessive dialogue, condense meaningful dialogue, and use descriptive language effectively to evoke visuals, enhancing storytelling impact.
How To Write A Novel In A Month
Looking for tips for writing a novel during Novel November? This blog shares key advice includes having a solid plan, writing by hand to avoid editing, prioritizing self-care, enjoying the process, and allowing space for the first draft. The opinions are from personal experiences and encourages aspiring writers.
How To Use ABC Story Plotting
ABC story plotting divides a narrative into three strands: the A story (main protagonist), the B story (secondary character), and the C story (additional character or subplot). This technique enhances storytelling clarity and pacing, allowing for character exploration and thematic depth. Balance is key, and flexibility in structure is encouraged.
How To Set Up Hooks Like A Boss
The blog discusses two types of hooks for engaging audiences: the commercial hook, which summarizes the essence of a project to attract viewers, and the dramatic hook, which immerses the audience in character-driven tension. Effective use of these hooks enhances storytelling by raising stakes and maintaining interest throughout the narrative.