Light and Dark Chronicles

So you want a few tips on writing eh? Well you’ve come to the right place! Here you will find writing tips straight from me, Abby Ryan. Please note that these tips all work for me, and it would do you well to pick and choose what works for you! Everyone writes differently, but every writer can learn from other writers.

Tip # 1. Read. You will probably hear that from everyone who is a published author. Read books in your genera. Read books in other generals. Read. Read. Read. You may wonder why this is so important, so, my dear apprentice, let me explain. By reading, we writers gain inspiration. We learn how other authors make their characters interact. We learn how a story progresses. We learn new words. We learn cool new phrases. We LEARN! You cannot write a decent story without reading. Sometimes you can read one AMAZING book, and it will inspire and fuel the next story you write. Sometimes you have to read 3-5 books before you finish writing a book. It all depends.

Tip # 2.1 Pay attention while you read. Watch how an author puts their words together. (Example, I might say “His heart broke like glass”). Look for those great little descriptions to help make your writing more colorful.

Tip #2.2 Notice when you read how an author uses foreshadowing. Good authors are able to sprinkle this wonderful tool throughout the beginning of their story, which will hint the reader to the events in the end. Great authors can use foreshadowing as a tool to trick readers and keep them on their toes. I find it so much fun to make a reader think they know what is going to happen, and then pull the rug out under them. However, that is a delicate game to play. So keep in mind this advice I was once given “Give your readers what they want, but in a way they don’t expect.”

Tip # 2.3 Make everything have a purpose. Again, this is something both good and great authors do. As they write, there is little to no fluff in their story. Fluff bores readers, but if there is a seemingly unimportant necklace in the book and it turns out to actually have importance to your story, your readers will be enthralled.

Note: When everything in your story has a purpose, your story also gains a wonderful mixture of complexity that keeps things interesting.

Tip # 2.4 Read the books you loved again. Why? Well because often times we find ourselves reading a book we like quickly the first time. There’s nothing wrong with that. But it is definitely beneficial to read the book a second time. It is then you can pick their writing apart, notice all the little strategies they use, and start applying them to your own writing.

Tip # 3. Notice your characters personalities. Good writers know how to make all their characters have a personality. Try and keep your characters diverse. Perhaps have one that is very talkative and one that is very moody… There are so many options! Just think of all the people you know. Each person is different. So should your characters be.

Tip # 4. Watch for inspiration. It is literally everywhere. I found it in high school when someone fell asleep in class. I found it in the way my best friend giggles or in the way she hates birds. I found it in the weather, in movies, at work. If you keep your eyes open, you will never lose your edge. Instead you will constantly be thinking “how can I put that into my book” and you will be writing nonstop!

Tip # 5.1 Don’t over think your story! This can sometimes lead to writers block. It can also make a book that would have taken 3 months to write 2 years or more. How do you not over think your story? Well, you look at the blank page and tell yourself, “Okay. I’m a good writer. I know what I’m doing. This story is in me, and I know what I need to do to get it out.” It may sound silly, but trust me, believing in yourself is essential to good writing. Even if you don’t think you know what to write. You do! That’s the thing about being a writer, the story is in you. You just need to relax and let the words come out on their own.

Tip # 5.2 Go with the first idea you have. When you’re staring at that blank screen or starting a new chapter and you have no idea how to begin, use the first words that pop into your mind. Just go with them! It could be “the pickle jar was empty…” or “Kerry ran around the corner, her breath gasping from her mouth in puffs of white, but she dared not stop….” If you decide you don’t like the line, change it later. Just go on and write that chapter. You can come back once your done. Just remember don’t over think your story because that can lead to writers block!

Tip # 6. Write what you love!

There you have it, my first 6 Author tips. If you have any questions or want to ask my help or advice on your own writing, be sure to leave a comment. I am more than happy to help you, my fellow writer, along.

And don’t forget to subscribe through the box in the upper right of your screen so that we can stay connected!

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Abby Ryan is the author of the fantasy book series titled Light and Dark Chronicles. She’s been writing since she was eight-years-old and finally wrote Orphan of the Shadows, the first installment of the chronicles, as a sophomore in high school. Other than writing, she enjoys helping other authors, drawing pictures of her characters, and spending her free time lost in the world of her books. Orphan of the Shadows is available through all book stores and its sequel, The Black Trinity, will be out later this year (2012).