Alright, so this is another controversial topic in the writing community. Some are for it while others are not. Some may argue that you can write a story without a single swear word throughout and it would be far better without those questionable words. While others would say it is better with them and that most people swear in real life so why wouldn’t your characters?
Before I give you my answer to which side I’m on, let’s talk about the different levels of swearing in your stories. (In my opinion, of course…there are 3).
Level 1 (Mild)
Obviously this is the milder of the 3 levels.
Here you will use the lower end of the spectrum of swear (or cuss) words.
Like maybe even just a couple throughout your story.
This would definitely appeal to a good amount of people because you could appeal to both the market of readers who are willing to read a novel with swearing and those who aren’t as most are willing to look past a couple of bad words.
Maybe only one character swears a couple times with really light swear words.
Level 2 (Moderate)
This would be the more moderate level.
You are able to be in a comfortable mid-range here.
There is a large number to appeal to here as you can comfortably meet most social standards of swearing.
In the moderate level, you would use the occasional F-word a couple times or so but mostly stick to the medium or average range of swearing.
Maybe a couple characters swear here and there.
Level 3 (Severe)
Alright, so this is pretty self explanatory. We all have read or heard of those books with excessive swearing.
This is where every other sentence has a swear word in it.
Mostly using the heavier end of the spectrum of swearing, the f-word and other impactful swear words.
Some will not take offense to reading a novel like this but there are many who will.
Almost every character swears.
Of course I’m not going to give you examples of swear words in this post, because I try to be considerate of all of my readers preferences. However, I do swear a little in my current work in progress. So I guess I just gave you my answer, I do believe a medium level of swearing is good in a novel. I would say I’m probably in the moderate range for a writer. My swearing in my novel isn’t consistent but it’s used when it’s the appropriate time to swear.
What I mean is when they are going through a moment when it is common to swear in. When they’re scared, frustrated, or angry mostly. I believe in swearing in a story because I try to make it as realistic as possible and let’s face it, most people swear.
Honestly, I’m not one for a ton of swearing in real life or my writing. So I guess you could say I’m level 2 with swearing in everything I do. Because I believe there is a time and a place for it. For example when I write here I don’t swear because I try to be respectful for those who may not enjoy it. That being said I don’t mind reading a novel with any one of the three levels lol. I just love reading so I am open minded.
My advice for you if you are stuck on whether or not to swear in your writing, is to be yourself. But also be mindful of your characters personality (would they swear and how often would they swear?) as well as being respectful to others reading it. If you wish to say the ‘h e double l’ with it…(it doesn’t count as swearing if it’s not all together right? Lol) and you wish to appeal to mostly the heavy swearers in the world then go for it. Just keep it in mind that there are lots of people who swear but also many who don’t enjoy reading it. That’s why I try to stay somewhere on that middle ground, so both adults and older teenagers can read it.
Thank you so much for reading my blog….Until Next Time…JUST KEEP WRITING.
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I know, I know…you might be wondering why a writer would write about such a sore subject. There is always a point (sometimes even before we write the story idea down in a quick summery) that we just know. Honestly, I have so many story ideas but I know a lot of them won’t pan out. Here in my blog I try to talk about all aspects of writing…even the stuff hard to talk about.
Let’s start with where we get story ideas. I’ve talked a little about where I get them before.
For me…
Dreams…. Most come from dreams. I know after some (hopefully most of you) read my book someday in the not too distant future, you will probably wonder what kind of messed up dreams I have lol. But in all honesty I keep a notebook or something on my nightstand for just that reason. It’s not always how you would think though. I don’t have full flashes of the story in a dream. Mostly it’s a moment, a feeling, a scene or a conversation. Like a fly on the wall seeing people going through something that I feel like I have only just fell in on and they don’t know I’m there. Sometimes they are reoccurring dreams, other times it’s the one and done kind, there’s even the dreams inside of dreams where I think I wake up. I am a storyteller by heart that’s why I love to write because I feel like I have so many story’s to share with the world, and that’s also why I believe I have such vivid dreams. My brain writes even when I’m sleeping lol.
An idea… When I get an Epiphany, (Every time I use that word I am reminded of the fact that my name is Tiffany and how many times I’ve heard ‘Tiffany had an epiphany’ in my lifetime. Let’s just say I’d be comfortable financially if I got a dollar for every time lol.) it can happen anytime anywhere. An idea just strikes where I’m like ‘Wow that would make a great story’. Whether it’s a word that was said, a topic I was discussing with someone, a movie I saw that inspired it or etc. Those moments can either be at the perfect writable moment where I can take a few minutes to write it down or at the worst when I have to repeat trigger key words in my head until I get to a point to write it down, there is no in between. Of course I can’t rely on remembering the whole thing. That’s why I hope to be able to write it down because I need to be able to go back to it in a month or even a year or years from now when I am ready to write it and know what the heck I was thinking lol.
When I’m waiting… There’s the moments when I don’t have a book, don’t feel like playing on my phone and I just zone out lol. You’ve seen those gifs, where the writer stares into the distance but that’s still a form or writing. It may make us look a little crazy; even though sometimes we get our best ideas from those moments. Sometimes I just feel like I need to write even though I’m not in my writing habitat lol.
Forced writing…
This probably sounds odd to some but do you ever have those moments where you just sit down and tell yourself, ‘OK now is my time to write so let’s get it together brain, and write’? Lol…Yes, there are the times when writers block seems unbreakable but then there are those other wonderfully executed moments. Where you, your brain and time are all in sync and everything just starts to flow. (This is one of those moments for me as I write this blog). The need to write was there both because of a busy weekend I was unable to post on Saturday like I normally do, and also on account of it being difficult for me to go too long without writing something. Although time isn’t really on my side; I should be sleeping but I needed to write more the I needed sleep…I may not feel like that in the morning though…
Now that we know how I get my story ideas (hopefully some of you agree with a couple and I’m not just crazy, lol). Now, is the big reason for writing this post…How to tell when it’s not a worthy story idea, I have several indicators that help me decide.
(Don’t worry I’m not talking about my current novel that my beta reader is reading over…that is one that made the cut and will continue to come to fruition.)
I am talking about the many I’ve had over the years that I either didn’t waste my time writing down or ones I start but I don’t finish.
These are my indicators to stop the story while it’s behind…
When I repeat it in my head
When I say it out loud
When I start to write it
When I come back to it later
Meaning that I think on it.
I’ll repeat it to my husband.
Oh the time I’ve wasted writing down notes for an unwritable story.
Sometimes I write an idea, then read it again when I am looking through my notes.
Try to work out where I could take it.
Or if while I’m saying it, I find it extremely hard to piece together because it stops making sense.
My hand writes vigorously in my notebook or on my tablet, then I realize the plot was over before it started.
This doesn’t always end well because I realize in my unbiased state from being separated from the idea for awhile, that I wasted time writing it.
If it fizzles out quickly then I know that it’s no good.
It unravels and I know that I can’t advance a plot or even come close to a beginning middle and end.
I find an issue with where I am taking it and that it’s ultimately not good or entertaining to even me.
This is the most frustrating because I spent more time on it, but ultimately it’s the right choice.
Alright, so basically I try to break it down. What scene did I dream about or create in my head? How many characters in that scene? What’s the ultimate goal? What’s the conflict? Does it make sense? Can I write it to where others would actually understand where the story is going?
Feel free to leave a comment down below and let me know…have you ever been brave enough to admit when a story won’t work out?
I know It can be difficult but sometimes you have to admit when a story won’t work, so you stop wasting time that you could be spending writing that amazing story that will. Consider that, every time you come up with a new story idea. Can you take it past the first scene you had in your head or is it doomed to fail? Sometimes we have to clear our minds of all the static to get to the clear picture that we are trying to create.
Thank you for reading my blog…Until Next Time…JUST KEEP WRITING.
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Your characters first date. We all know how successful or unsuccessful a first date can be. But do you know how you are going to write about it?
First dates, although they can be difficult to describe, it’s a feeling most of us know. Unless maybe you go on your first date with someone whom you are completely comfortable with already because your friends, then it may be a foreign feeling to you.
However, if you barely know the person beforehand, or sometimes even if you do, you will be nervous. I’m talking stutter your words, say the wrong thing, butterflies in your stomach, trip over your own feet nervous lol. But then again there are you lucky few in the world who are extremely confident and never experience any of those nervous moments. Think of the personalities of your characters though, would they be confident or nervous like most of us?
There is a first date that is described in my novel, however they knew each other a little beforehand. Even so, my main character reacts the way she is supposed to based on her personality.
Many steps take place for a first date to happen (these are just a basic example of them).
The initial first meeting of said characters
Flirting
One asking the other out
Preparing for the date (clothes, makeup, planning, etc.)
The Butterflies in the stomach
Nervous interaction, when picked up or first meeting somewhere
The first date location
Eating in front of each other for the first time (maybe)
Awkward conversation
If they’re lucky, first realization that this date could lead to a second
And finally saying goodbye (awkward hug, kiss, or goodbye)
Then the who calls who first scenario
Ultimately hoping it leads to that second date
~So how do your characters meet? Is it love at first sight or do they annoy each other at first? The first meeting is important in the overall personality of both the characters and the relationship.
~Do they flirt? If so how well do they flirt? Or is it so awkward that it becomes more amusing than anything? Quite possibly, they could feel a little sorry for the other person for stumbling so bad over what they meant to say that they agree to the date anyways. Then it may even turn out to be one of the best decisions they ever made.
~Who asks who out? That’s a big one because generally it’s the most confident of the two. But on rare occasions the one who is least confident takes a chance and goes for the initial proposed date idea.
~Details, the date preparations…If you character is attracted to the other in any way. Then, what they wear, what they say and where they go will be extremely important. Usually it goes without saying that the one who did the asking out is the one who plans for the date. Where the date is and how they dress says a lot about them. It’s almost like dressing for a job interview, not to downplay the emotions and magic of a first date but that’s the truth. They want to become the other piece to the pair. So they will pay attention to details such as these (if they are truly interested, that is). In doing so it will tell the reader a lot about their personality as well.
~Oh, the nervous butterflies. I remember those quite well and still get those at times with my husband. They happen because of the unknown events ahead. Not knowing what the other one is thinking but feeling quite exhilarated to find out.
~Seeing each other the first time since they planned the date. The awkward/nervous, “Hi”. Either from one picking up the other at their home or meeting somewhere, it happens. They almost forget how to talk to someone lol.
~The first date location, can either be an amazing place or turn out to be horrible but it will still be a fond memory, that they hopefully share for a long time. This is another great opportunity for the readers to learn more about the location your characters live in as well as personality.
~Another opportunity for some light hearted humor in your novel. Is them eating in front of each other for the first time. Yes, you can choose to go the route where everything goes as planned and they already know what they will order without any issues. Or you can do the opposite and give an insight to that characters mind. Are they the type of person to order quickly or take forever looking at the menu because they are starving after a long day of work but because it’s a first date they are having trouble deciding? Not because they are difficult but they don’t want to look that hungry. Personally, I wasn’t worried about that with mine and my husbands first date, I was worried about how messy it would be to eat lol. Then when they finally start eating, are they avid napkin people? Just during this date or always? Are they a little OCD and adjust the silverware on the table so their straight because they’re nervous? Does one eat without a care in the world and the other is slightly turned off by it? There are many choices to go with here.
~Finally, time for the awkward starts to conversations. Obviously this will more than likely start to take place before the initial start of the meal but it would hopefully continue, if all goes well that is. Both starting at the same time, unknowing that the other was going to start talking, one offering the other to speak first. The weird conversation about the weather or something basic like that. The one chance to really get to know a little about the other person. Do they say the wrong thing? Or rather think they do and mentally scold themselves for it? Having a awkward first conversation with anyone can be difficult but when it’s a potential boyfriend or girlfriend the difficulty increases. If they are a shy person, it may feel like their tongue swells up and talking is out of the question lol. Sometimes a shy person and a confident person do great together because the confident one helps the shy one really be themselves…they bring out confidence the other didn’t know they had.
~If all goes well then at some point during hopefully the less awkward conversation part of the date, they start to think of a potential for a second date. Of course, it could also be the opposite and dread the idea of it. But hopefully it’s the first one. Something about the other person just makes them more optimistic then before. They become both physically and emotionally more attracted to the other. It gives you the chance to give that detail to your readers on what makes them more optimistic about the other person.
~Alas, the end of the date. When they have to leave that connection that they just felt, until the next time that is. For some it may feel like a relief, but for others it can feel like they could spend days talking to this person and it still not be enough (my husband and I felt that way and many others do as well). So in comes the awkward hug or kiss, the not really knowing if the other person feels the same way or not. Does your character go in for the kiss or just a hug? Maybe even just a wave goodbye?
~Waiting to see who calls who first? What a stressful time lol. Depending on the situation, this can be a pretty light humored situation to add as well. They could be incredibly impatient and not wait at all. Depending on each others personality that could be sweet or disturbing. So you want to try to make sure you emphasize which way it should be construed as. But it can be a very cute moment in their relationship.
~Last but not the least bit less stressful is if there is no call, will there even be a second date? Oh the pain of waiting lol. But readers don’t worry, writers always have a direction to take the story in a more interesting way. At least that’s what we try to do. What happens to stop the call? If they do call, where do you go on a second date?
Writing a story with a first date in it can be as fun or stressful as you want it to be. The amazing part of the matter is that everyone is different. Because we are all unique in our own ways, so would be a first date. They don’t all have to be the exact same. People meet under all kinds of different circumstances. Each couple is unique in their own way.
Play around with the story, have fun with this playful part of a relationship because they are getting to know each other. Think of your first date, be it with your significant other, or if it’s a relationship that didn’t work out but the first date was great. Incorporate those playful elements into it. Whether you are writing a Romance, a Thriller or in another genre, the first date is important. In my case for my current work in progress, for my characters, it is the light amongst the dark.
Thank you for reading my blog…Until next time…JUST KEEP WRITING.
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A writer’s habitat is where we do most of our writing. Where do you feel most comfortable to let your inspiration flow? It’s not often that we writers talk about one of our favorite places.
Where your favorite writing supplies are set out. The ideal temperature, the ideal level of comfort. The laptop or notebook you hold most dear to rely on to complete the process of retrieving a world of people, places and events out of your head.
For me, I have two ideal locations in our home.
My most comfortable is the couch in my reclined seat with my feet up, laptop stand on my lap, notes at an arms reach, husband sitting next to me, a dog on either side (lol), my favorite headphones, some metal step music playing (Needs to be music without words or quiet), a glass of water, a blanket, my glasses and I’m set for hours of writing.
Or my secondary location is my desk (which technically can be where I’m also the most productive), everything is the same minus the need for a laptop stand, the ability to have my husband or the dogs next to me but they are usually in the same room still, and I have a foot rest under my desk.
I’ve just adapted to that set up to help me be the most productive. Not all writers use the same supplies or materials. There are those who use strictly paper and pen (or pencil). Some who use typewriters providing almost a nostalgic feel. Most of us use a laptop.
Habitat or not, I tend to still write in my head, I’m just most productive in the right setting. As I’ve said many times before I’ve written on my cell phone, in notebooks or even on napkins just to remember an important detail or idea. You don’t have to have a special place where you write but you do have a place or many where you know you can be productive.
The world may see writers in a certain way but we are all unique in how we write. We all have our own style. Don’t be afraid to be you. You don’t have to have a certain set up in your home, that’s similar to other writers. Just be you, you will write the best when you are the most comfortable.
Where do you write? What is your writing habitat like? Feel free to leave a comment below, if you feel like sharing.
Thank you for reading my blog….Until Next Time…Just Keep Writing.
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What vehicles are the stars of your story? Every character needs a means of transport. Whether it’s a vehicle they own or public transportation etc. How do they get from point A to point B?
I know it’s probably tempting to put your dream car in your story I know that I was tempted to put my dream car a ‘69 Mach 1 Mustang in there but I had to refrain. Because you are telling your characters story, not yours…well in most fictional cases anyways. So what would they drive? Or would they even drive or do they prefer the bus, or a taxi, or car pool, etc?
Now, I’m not saying you can’t put your dream vehicle in there…if your character would drive it. But budget plays a part too. In real life we can’t always drive the vehicles we necessarily wish we could. I love my car but if I had a different budget it would be a different vehicle. Whether higher or lower then what I have. When I first started driving, my car cost about $600, which was bought for me. Then when I finally paid cash for my own car it was around $1000 and it was nice for a car from the mid 90’s. Budgets have changed since I was a kid though. Teenagers looking now a days (wow…saying that makes me feel a little old lol) are looking at an increased budget. So that’s important as well. Stick to a realistic budget for your characters resources.
~ Once you figure out a realistic price range for said means of transportation…
~ Then think of your characters personality (what would they drive?)
~ Finally, what vehicle may drive the story forward? (See what I did there? Drive the story…lol you get it)
If it helps, think of how you would describe your vehicle when you sit in it? If you are more of a visual person then go sit in your car for a bit and describe it to yourself. What does it look like? Sometimes it’s need to know information for the car in a story, other times it’s irrelevant to know more than just the color and make.
For the vehicles in my story if it’s more of a detailed description and it’s a vehicle I’ve never driven then I do the research I need online. Luckily car dealerships will give you the specs online. So you know if the car for example has gps capabilities or something that would be pertinent information.
Obviously there are many types to choose from as we all know…
Car, truck, van, bus, plane, train, SUV etc.
And many colors.
But the details are what tell a story in itself for your characters personality as well as where the story may lead. Those moments where a reader can say ‘Wow that’s what that detail meant’. Or that’s why they got an SUV because they drive to the mountains every weekend to walk the trails. Or they got a sports car because they enjoy speed but it ultimately determines their story in the future.
There are so many ways to describe vehicles in a story. So if you haven’t put much detail about what your character drives consider it and what your vehicle means to you. How reliant are you on it? How much time do you spend commuting to work?
Do your characters have a jalopy that they drive? Or a well oiled machine? Before you say, well of course they will have a car that runs well, think about the possibilities if it didn’t. I don’t have much in the way of car troubles in my novel because I’m already putting my characters through enough lol. However, I think if they had a car break down on the side of the road it would make for an interesting chance meeting to introduce a new character. Or something along those lines. I’ve read similar ideas in the past that turned out very well.
There’s inspiration all around us, in our everyday lives, ways to enhance our writing, you just have to know where to look. Once you do you will discover so much more. Everyday as writers we will continue to learn. Every story is a new learning curve because it’s a different storyline. But if we just remember that there is so much inspiration around us, it will make it easier to see the possibilities of what our words can become.
Thank you for reading my blog…Until Next Time…JUST KEEP WRITING.
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Food…It’s something every living being needs to survive. So of course your characters have to eat. It should come into play at some point in your story. Whether it is something they have an abundance of or a story of survival and they think about it.
How often your character eats can be determined by the flow of the story. When they have time to eat. What kinds of food they eat. Is all determined by what your characters story is like.
Are they vegetarian or vegan? Allergic to any foods? Have favorites or dislikes? Of course they do lol. They have something unique to them as we all do with their food choices.
Having time to eat is an obstacle my characters in the current novel I am working on encounter at times, on account of interruptions in life. It’s one of those important things through life, is the need to consume food to survive. If you notice, our lives revolve around food. What time we are going to eat each meal, for some it’s the worry of not eating enough, others eating too much. Ever notice that the most profitable time for fitness stuff and new diets is right after the holiday season? That way people can burn off what they ate over the holidays.
My reasoning is that writing about food is something we all should do even if it’s take out, or microwave meals in your novel. Maybe they are addicted to too much of a certain beverage or food. We all have our food vices, unfortunately ice cream is mine lol.
~ Making it real makes it relatable as I say through almost all of my blog posts. However, you don’t have to say that they ate….
A pan roasted Chicken breast with a garlic butter reduction, with a side of creamy mushroom risotto and Polonaise topped French green beans, paired with a lovely Sauvignon Blanc (Wine).
(That’s my years in Culinary school and working in restaurants for awhile, showing, lol. If you’ve never had it before, it’s an amazing meal.)
~ Even though that would be a great description if you are trying to describe a more elaborate and expensive meal, I doubt your characters would be eating that all the time. So maybe try this…
Roasted chicken breast, with a side of creamy rice and green beans.
It’s short and sweet, but gets the point across that they had a tasty, well rounded meal.
~ However, if they aren’t into cooking much and the reality is that they eat…
Frozen pizza and a store bought pre packaged salad, with some boxed wine and ice cream for dessert.
Then make it so lol. Or if all they eat is junk food, or fast food, or take out Then be realistic. It doesn’t have to be the most elaborate thing you can think of. If it helps then think of what you eat in a week. Practice by describing what you eat each meal without over explaining it.
If you are explaining a cooking procedure in your novel. My advice is to look up a recipe unless you’ve done it several times yourself and reduce that recipe down to basics. Detail is great, but too much is boring for those not into cooking/baking. So don’t just copy a recipe word for word for a fictional story. Describing the basics of a recipe can be fun in your story, especially if a character isn’t efficient in the kitchen. Meaning, that you can show how human they are by making some mistakes. Even professional chefs make mistakes in the kitchen at times.
There are stories I’ve read that are more Sci-Fi related, or even Fantasy that I wish they would describe what the characters ate a little more. If it’s an alien race or something I think that would be a very awesome area to explore. That could give insight as to who they are.
My characters In my current work in progress, eat pretty normal, as in regular, not fancy food. They enjoy, some Italian foods but there is a general love for Pizza and Salad lol. However, there are the occasional restaurant moments. Sometimes it will be a fancier meal, other times it could be something more fast food related. That’s really the reality, sometimes we want to cook and other times we need something quick and easy. In my case, out of my two main characters one enjoys cooking and the other doesn’t really do it that often.
A personality can determine so much about a person, including what type of foods they eat, how much they eat, where they prefer to eat (as in what setting) and whether they enjoy to make it or not. What are your characters favorite or most common foods they eat? Please leave it down in the comments, I would love to hear the differences between our characters food preferences.
Thank you for reading my blog…Until Next Time…JUST KEEP WRITING.
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Writer’s block is something we all face at some point. What do you do to help combat this horrible writing problem? To be honest when thinking about what to write in this blog today I’ve had some writers block. In fact, time restrictions to actually finding time to write lately has been difficult. But even when I’m not writing, I’m thinking about how much I want to write and what to write about.
It seems as though even today when I’m finding time to write this blog amongst the chaos of my day, that I am having trouble knowing what to write. That just seems to be how it goes in the midst of everyday life though. When we are busy with other things aside from writing, sometimes we just want so bad to find that time to write. But when you finally sit down the words won’t come as easily as when you were doing everything but writing.
What a vicious circle our Author minds are stuck in. Granted, I don’t always get writers block but it being one of those days, I thought ‘hey, what a great day to write about not being able to think of something to write about’ lol. Sounds a little crazy I know but I will share with you some ways I normally get over writers block, in hopes that it will help both you and I.
*****I did talk about writer’s block a bit in my post called inspiration as well if you’re interested in a little more on how to find the inspiration to help you through it.****
Well today I was able to take my problem and turn it into something to write about in my blog. Obviously that will not always work.
Other times I literally just keep writing even if it’s not really that much and I sit staring at a blank screen for awhile, I get something on the page. As I’m sure most of you understand there are times when it’s like partial writers block. Meaning you know what you need to write, but the execution of what you want to write is the issue.
Then there’s, internet distractions, where I spend time looking up other writing articles as far as some informational stuff, or do research on something I plan to add later in the story (if I know what I’m going to add that is), or even look up some agents for the next step of sending out manuscripts when I finally get to that point.
Or I’ll write something else, if I am capable of unblocking enough writers block so I can think of a short story idea or something.
Finally, there is the ultimate cure for writer’s block for me anyways, and that is the complete opposite. If you are pushing your brain that hard to figure out what to write or how to write it then you probably just need a break. Do something else to take your mind off of forcing yourself to write because you should never force it, if you do you’re not enjoying it. That in turn will create a bad product of your writing. Instead, go for a walk, spend some time with family, or do whatever you do to relax and take your mind off of things. Disconnect for a bit and clear your mind of all things writing. You never know, you just might find inspiration in an unexpected way when you take time to have some fun or relax.
Having a conversation with someone about your writing could even jump start that creative spark in your brain. Or even a conversation about nothing in particular, just talking. I can’t even count how many times I’ve had inspiration and knew exactly what to write just talking to my husband about nothing to do with writing but it sparked an idea. In fact he’s the one who inspired me to write this post. I told him that I had writers block today and couldn’t come up with anything, we talked for a bit and he’s like well why don’t you write about that. It’s as simple as that.
Then obviously if you are on a deadline, then what are you doing reading this blog?! You should be writing lol. Just kidding, I mean yes you should be writing but hopefully I’ve inspired you to make that writers block shrink just enough to get what you need done…and if not I have many other blog posts on here, so hopefully one of them will help in some way to meet your writing deadline.
We all get over writers block in one way or another at some point. What helps you get over it? Feel free to leave it in the comments. I think I am free of it after writing about it for a bit here but we will find out soon… Who ever thought writing about writers block may just cure writers block lol.
Just remember when you are struggling to write that page, chapter, novel, story, blog or whatever, that you are not alone. Many writers go through it, even the great ones. It will pass and you will be back to writing in no time. You can write, you just have to believe that you can and trust yourself to know what to write when the time comes.
Thank you for reading my blog….Until Next Time…JUST KEEP WRITING.
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when you are writing a scene in your story, how do you describe the weather? There are many ways to set a scene and weather can be a key element. I spoke about setting a scene before in an earlier blog post I’ve done. But I didn’t go into detail on the importance of the weather.
So there are four seasons of course but depending on the area those seasons could mean different weather. In most places Winter may mean cooler temperatures, maybe even snow. However, in some places the temperature is cooler than summer but they never see snow. Well in others the temperature can drop well below zero.
If you live in places where you’ve seen the temperature dip below 10 degrees and even below zero at times than you know the colder it gets doesn’t always mean snow. In fact there are times in the Winter where we’ve welcomed colder temperatures to get away from the possibility of more snow.
My point is that you need to figure out your location first. Whether it is fictional but based in a certain region, or a current city or state. Once you decide on location. Does it have four traditional seasons? Meaning, Spring that brings rain and slightly warmer temperatures, Summer that can be vary warm, Fall that rains and cools down to prepare for colder weather, and Winter where it Snows and can get really cold. Or is it a different climate altogether?
Once you figure that out then you can decide what seasons will transpire in your story. How many months or seasons will pass. What obstacles may that cause for your characters?
Do they get trapped in their car on the side of the road because of an accident caused by icy roads?
Do they almost hydroplane?
What about a date gone wrong because they got rained out? Or a wedding, party etc.
Does she meet the man of her dreams drenched by the rain and was self conscious because she was so attracted to him and her mascara was running down her face?
Does a tornado effect a neighborhood and it is a story of a valiant effort to save someone who ends up being a significant character in the story?
Is it a story of survival? In rough weather hot or cold?
Does your character suffer through a heat wave, and go to the beach to discover a secret portal to another world?
The possibilities for weather to effect a story are endless. I refuse to believe that a character in a story never experiences any obstacles due to weather. It is a part of our everyday lives. I mean most of us wake up and immediately check the forecast to determine how our day will go.
Then finally you can start describing the weather…
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
The brisk morning sent a chill up my spine.
Muggy and miserable was the only way to describe a day without air conditioning.
I could hear the water splashing on the road as we drove through town.
The birds chirped happily as the sun was melting the snow making way for the brown grass to show.
It rained for days making the grass green, but so muddy that you would sink the second you stepped off of the sidewalk.
Looming black clouds swirled overhead as we heard the siren warning us to take cover.
Freezing rain pelted our coats as we watched the kids run up to get their candy.
It was so cold that I could feel the snow start to freeze on my eyelashes.
The smell of a spring rain filled my nose making me anxious for summer.
Sweat dewed on my brow as the sun refused to have mercy on my burning skin.
The cool morning air, the sun shining and the leaves changing made for a beautiful day.
A heavy snow made it impossible to see anything passed the porch, as the blizzard blanketed the area.
Sunlight shined through the window warming my face in promise that Spring was now in full bloom.
The blacktop always made the sun more intense but we would win this game today.
I could smell the change in the air as fall would soon be leaving us.
The wind caught my breath as the air was so cold it rushed into my nose and mouth causing me to gasp and lift my scarf over my face.
Of course these are just example but it gives you an idea. You can use your senses what do you see, hear, feel, smell? When you go outside in any kind of weather your senses kick in. If you need inspiration go sit outside for a few minutes and look around, close your eyes listen, smell the air, and finally how does the weather make you feel?
An easy thing to write about is how the weather would make your character feel. How might a humans emotions react to warm weather, or cold weather. In certain weather situations many people get a panicked feeling in their gut for self preservation and protecting others. Some people are exhilarated by the fear of a storm. In the spring do you ever get that overwhelming feeling of starting anew? Like starting a new diet, cleaning/reorganizing your home, starting a new career or goal in life? Does rain make you sad?
Incorporating weather into your story makes the readers relate to the scene. As Humans our lives revolve around what the forecast is for the day. It also determines our mood in many cases. So it is only natural that your character would be effected by the weather as well.
When you need some inspiration go outdoors for a bit. It may or may not inspire you to write about the weather but as Humans we are all connected to nature so it will help to clear your mind to make room for those wonderful and fresh ideas.
Thank you for reading my blog…Until Next Time…JUST KEEP WRITING.
The links to both my Facebook page and my YouTube channel that is and extension of what I talk about in my blog are below the following image. If you wish to subscribe to my blog, (which would be amazing 😁) you can do so below the image as well. If my blog posts help with your writing in any way, I would love to hear about it, so feel free to comment. I love hearing how other writers are doing with their work.
How do you tell if you’ve written a Short Story, a Novella, or a Novel? I’ve seen this question asked by other Writers a lot. So I felt like it would be a great next topic to cover.
Normally you will hear me say or rather read, that I am all for creativity and letting your story tell you the length of a paragraph or chapter. In this case however, we do have a spectrum of guidelines to follow.
Short Story
-A short story generally should be 3,000 – 4,000 words.
– There are some that are on the smaller side at even 1,000 words or less (which could also be called Flash or Micro Fiction at 53 – 1,000 Words).
-Basically from what I’ve researched, as long as it’s under about 30,000 words it can be considered a Short Story.
-If you’re looking to publish in this market you are typically looking to publish with Lit Magazines, or publish as a collection.
-In this case you are describing a single event or tale in a characters life.
-Publishers in this market lean more towards the general range for a Short Story word count.
Novella
-A Novella is typically 30,000 – 60,000 words.
-Which has also been considered even if it’s longer or shorter In some cases.
– Being even as short as 17,000 words at times.
-There are also Novelettes out there which in my mind could also be in the range of a short story between 7,500 – 17,000.
-These will generally be considered to be published as a collection with another Authors works, or a few Novellas of your own at a time.
– I have seen many cases though where it is published on its own and although the profit margin can be low, there are many great ones out there.
-Basically in a Novella you will see a little more character and plot development than in a short story but not as complex as a full length novel.
Novel
-A Novel is generally considered to average between 40,000 – 100,000 words.
-I consider a novel to be between 40,000 – and the sky is the limit words lol.
-I have seen Novels anywhere from 200 – 1500 Pages so the amount of words is extremely flexible in this case.
-Most novels are published with a traditional publisher or even self published nowadays.
-In a novel you have a lot more room to develop characters, Develop the plot, and advance the story in several ways. You can tell a characters whole life in one novel (you’d have to be very creative but you could). Numerous moments in a characters life can be told.
-You also have the ability in a Novels case, to tell the story of several characters if you wanted to.
My spectrum of guidelines obviously focus on the three main types of works. I know it can be difficult to figure out what type you are writing because there is so much mixed information out there. Hopefully this post helps you.
When I first started writing short stories I had to do the research to figure out roughly the amount of words I should stick to. The first thing I did was make sure I stayed in that range and then over the years I’ve noticed the number change several times over for the general rule of thumb. So it does vary but if you stick to the range than you should be fine as far as publishing would be concerned.
Originally I based my novel lengths off of page numbers rather than word count lol. I surpassed 400 pages in my current novel and I decided it had to be two parts because it was going to take probably close to 400 more to tell the rest. Based off of reading numerous books over that amount of pages, I realized that 800 pages for my first published novel may be a little daunting for a reader to pick up for a new Author. My very first novel that I wrote, that is sitting and waiting to be published in the future, is over 300 but I knew that was going to be a three part series when I started.
Considering the information that I’ve provided in this article, what type of literary work is yours considered? Does it stand in the category or Short Story, Novella or are you going straight for the full length novel? Whatever the case may be, follow the guidelines but remember all stories come in different lengths, shapes and sizes. No two are alike and that’s wonderful. Avoid restricting yourself to the point where it damages the story you are trying to tell. Above all have fun with it, you have one chance to publish the story you want to tell but only one life to live so enjoy the little things.
The links to my YouTube channel where I will be expanding on some of my blog post topics (I am trying to post a new video every Thursday) and Facebook pages are below the following image. So is the place to type your email in, so you can follow my blog and get an update every time I post something which I try to to every Wednesday and Friday.
Thank you for reading my blog. Until Next Time…JUST KEEP WRITING.
Choosing a job or career for your characters can be an experience to say the least. There are several ways to do so. But as writers we feel pressured to pick the right one the first time. So it may feel like it has to be the perfect one.
I am here to tell you however that it doesn’t need to be perfect. In reality are any of our jobs really that perfect? They all have their issues. Those of you lucky enough to write for a living (even though for some of us it’s a dream career), you may still encounter issues along the way. If you are trying to make your characters realistic than make their jobs realistic too.
There are four different ways to decide on a career…
Based of off the storyline : Most stories have a reason for a career path. Or it’s incorporated within the storyline and the job is determined by the flow that you create.
Based off of the personality of your character: In some cases Authors will create the character for the story to revolve around. Meaning first the character is figured out and their job as well before the main storyline is.
Based off of itself: As in the career that is chosen determines the character’s personality and the overall path that you set for your character. So job then the rest follows behind that choice.
Finally Based off of the Author: Some writers want to write a story based on what they know for a career. The storyline and characters may be different then their life but the overall job is the same.
There are common jobs that many write about being…
Doctor
Lawyer
Teacher
Police Officer
Chef
Then not so common….
Scientist (Rocket, Geologist, Zoologist etc.)
Store Manager
Banker
Construction worker (road crew etc.)
Truck Driver
I always find it interesting when I read a story with a job in it that isn’t commonly written about. However, the best thing you can do with any career you write about is research. Do you know someone in that job? Or have you done that kind of work before? If it’s a no to both questions then the internet will be your best friend moving forward with the storyline.
A small insight into the storyline in the current novel I am working on…one of the careers of a main character is a Police Officer. Yes it’s a career that has been written about many times over but there was a lot of research involved. I’ve never learned so much about police scanner codes and other details about being a cop in my life lol.
Because as much as you want to be creative, you also want to be authentic to the details of that particular job. Even though each position out there has its own trials and errors you want to include those specific details to give it that authentic feel.
So when you’re stressing over what career to give your characters just remember, no career is perfect, to make the choice based off of what direction you plan to take your story, and ultimately to just do your research. I’ll also leave you with one final thought, who says that the career your character starts with in the story has to be the one they keep throughout? People change careers all the time.
Thank you for reading my blog, I hope you found the information useful. If you did, feel free to comment and tell me how it helped. I love to hear how other writers are doing with their work.
Until Next Time….Just Keep Writing
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Tiffany’s Writing Journey 