xbluxmoonx

1. Research. Ok, so you're writing a fantasy story. What kind of research do you need? It's your world, right. Well, yeah, but a little research into the time period you're writing can help. Or, you're writing a vampire story. We all know about vampires, right. Actually, wrong. The Romanians have some very interesting legends on how one becomes a vampire, far outside the normal ways of hollywood. A little research can lend not only a vast wealth of ideas to your story, but also keep your facts straight.

2. Spell Check. The holy grail of your writing. I can't stress this enough. I have dropped professional authors from my reading lists because they don't use spell check (and don't ask me what the editors are doing, cause a book with over 200 spelling mistakes is silly). Bad plot, I can live with, but not bad spelling.

I also suggest any aspiring author read reference materials on how to write. I still read them, and have a large collection. It helps when noticing any mistakes you make. "Character and Viewpoints" by Orson Scott Card is one I suggest a lot.

And, don't reject critisism. Yes, it may sting, but it also helps you become a better writer. I have files on my computer with all my negative reviews. All filled with help on how to improve my work. My work is my baby, and I want it to be the best it can be.

That's my advice to aspiring authors.

"Writing for Dummies." i wonder if there's one for that. heheh

if you found yourself in the middle of writing a story that things suddenly take into a different turn, like it's going into a way you haven't planned, let it be. when this has happened, it only means that the story and characters have truly come to life. don't try to force it inot the directon you'd laid out in the beginning coz you'll only find it more difficult to write.

and before you post, make sure you have reread and edited your work. i was once discouraged to read a story because it was like a one huge block of text.

writing for dummies, eh? hehe. i think i saw one of those in a bookstore. meh, i'd love to have a copy of that though n__~

This has been said by millions of authors everywhere, but when you start writing, write what you know about. It's a good starting point; plus, you're bound to know the most about it if you do. It won't be good, that I'll gurantee, but you're just beginning. Your beginning pieces will never be good, so don't fret about that.

Something else to know is not to worry about if your stuff is good or not. Your talent for writing will eventually develop over time and you'll find your own style with influences from your favorite authors (published or nonpublished, doesn't matter).

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