I was up (too) early this morning and decided to spend some time on a middle grade novel that has needed to be rewritten. Working on this book got me thinking about an article I wrote. Here are a few writing tips to think about as you work.
Writing Tips:
Learn to write.
People who dash off a story without thought, practice, or effort, clog the marketplace. You might have a fantastic idea but if you don't know how to write, you're not going to get the attention you could. So learn the craft. Today’s suggestions can help you improve as a writer.
Read like crazy.
William Faulkner said to read everything you can get your hands on and I almost agree with him 100%. I think you should read the very best books. Bad or weak writing is easy writing and it’s easy to imitate. Make sure the books you read are well-told and well-written. You can learn the craft of writing by reading excellent writers like MT Anderson, Tim Wynne-Jones, Ann Dee Ellis, Martine Levitt, Holly Black—the list goes on and on.
Show don’t tell.
Let's be honest. You can't show everything that happens in a novel. There isn't time. But it’s important to let your character be a participant in the novel and not a newscaster. Your main character should not tell the reader the story. Your main character should experience the story. Showing important scenes is crucial to the forward movement of your story.
Write what you know.
When I say this, I don't mean you mustn’t write anything you don't know about. Research can make an event live and breathe for you.
When you write what you know (because of experience or research), you put your heart on the page. This connects your character with your reader. They’ll understand what you're saying because you have been there, done that.
Exercise: Take 30 minutes to brainstorm all the things you would love to write. These could be things you want to explore—ideas for books of nonfiction—or things you already know. As you jot down your ideas, write your connection (your heart) and why this idea means something to you.
Come to conferences where professionals speak.
Listen to what they say, use their advice to help you become an expert. 2025 is rounding out with amazing people to help us be the best writers ever. In January, Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann will speak to us at our free online Kick-Off. I love these two. They are smart, funny, and entertaining.
And of course I have to mention our WIFYR teachers for June. Are you kidding? Kaela Rivera, Martine Leavitt, Sharlee Glenn, Jennifer Nielson, and Michael Carr will lead our morning workshops. I am so excited. Registration starts January 1, 2025.
Carol Lynch Williams is the author of more than 30 books for young readers including Waiting, Messenger, and The Chosen One. She's been working with Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers since its inception. She teaches creative writing at a local university and is a mentor. The best part life are her five daughters and her incredible Baby Bubs.
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