Greetings from my quarantined corner!
I do hope all of you readers are safe and not totally consumed with boredom yet. I know being cooped up in one place for an extremely long time brings you to the brink of insanity. For me, I am trying to take this opportunity of solitude to write.
Unfortunately, I've hit numerous boundaries and obstacles. Which is why I have consoled myself with a second mug of coffee (with cream - mind you. I do not prefer black coffee).
Those who don't drink coffee black are not true coffee drinkers.
Oh yes, I forgot to introduce my visitor and fellow writer: Josephine March. She happened to be passing by and stopped in for a raspberry orange tart and a spot of tea. Once I explained to her how much trouble I was having with my own book, she was willing to give me a few pointers.
Trouble indeed. I have never seen so messy a manuscript. You can barely make sense of it with all the re-writes.
Every writer has his or her mistakes. Mine are just....numerous. To get back to the point, Miss March
, what are you critical thoughts on my troubles, besides my handwriting?
Well, you do seem to have trouble with creating a story line. All writers struggle with when a character comes and how. Personally, I start writing from the beginning and pursue til the end. I've heard of others who write bits and pieces then put them all together -which I think is a good possibility for you.
Yes, I see your point. What do you do when you can't find a good crisis - or where the biggest action takes place?
I do enjoy a good crisis, one that tugs and pulls the reader to and fro. You want to surprise the reader, not let him be bored of your novel from the beginning. When looking for a crisis, it is good to think of the time period and setting of which your story is taking place in. For instance, if your novel is in medieval history, a gruesome duel or heartbreak is appropriate. Or if in, say, the early 1800s, sickness or a tragic accident seems best. Jane Austen's books, which are too full of fluff and love for me, could help you on the right track.
I have examined her writings a bit...perhaps I need to do it more closely next time. Another rut in the road is my characters. I am having a particularly hard time in tying their backgrounds together. (My book is based on the fairy tale
Cinderella, and I have heard numerous readers complain about the unknown prince figure.) However, considering the times era I have picked (Victorian England), there are various things you can have happen.
My advice is don't get too carried away with their backgrounds. Fairy tales, which I have almost NO interest for, are mostly about a rich, handsome man falling in love with a poor girl. Ugh....blasted books.
Jo, please try to keep this conversation void of any slang.
My apologies. Anyway, if you are trying to add more background info into the book, try to make it fit the era and the characters.
My overall advice is this: Keep trying. It is good to take a break from writing once in a while, but not good to get discouraged and give up all together. KEEP WRITING, Cherry, and you'll eventually find it easier and your book will come together.
Thank you so much for your visit and advice. I have gotten discouraged quite a bit the last few weeks, but practice and mistakes are the way to learning and success.
I do hope you will come again, Miss March. Perhaps next time you can share some more of you writing tips.
My pleasure. Cheerio!
Well, I do hope this conversation was helpful to you writers out there. I agree with Jo in that practice makes perfect. If you know her, she never stops writing. I just hope one day I may be able to add my contribution to the world of literature as she has done.
Please feel free to add your own advice in the comment section.
Bonne journée!
