Some find it easy to meld their chapters, one into another. Others find it easy to get just the right ending, with some kind of twist or surprise that gives it a great edge.
There are also other authors who find it easy to jump right into a story, writing a grabbing beginning.
No matter what aspect of the story, there will be some writers who can breeze though it effortlessly while others may struggle. That’s the nature of writing.
I find it relatively easy to start a story. I can create a beginning that jumps into the action, which is what most stories, especially children’s stories need.
But…yep, there’s a BUT… I often found it difficult to end my stories. I have no idea why. I can start it, bring it along toward an ending, but, then I fizzled out. My endings were initially weak and definitely lacking.
I first noticed my weak spot when I submitted a chapter book to 4RV Publishing. I pitched the story to the publisher during an online writers’ conference. The publisher allowed me to submit a synopsis and the first three chapters, which was also a bit lacking, but that’s another story.
The editor who read the chapters and synopsis liked the storyline, but was confused about my ending in the synopsis. As I mentioned above I have trouble with my endings. Aside from that, the editor recommended the publisher request the manuscript so they could look it over. They did advise I edit it first and work on the ending. I created an entirely new ending and sent it to a professional editor to be reviewed . . . and edited.
It’s funny, but I think there are at times some form of inspiration that can take us where we don’t usually tread...that helps us overcome our obstacles or mountains and take us beyond what we think we’re capable of.
In the case of my story, Walking Through Walls, I came up with a pretty good ending that tied everything together and afforded a surprise. I worked on this story for around two years and finally when it counted, I found the right path for the story to take.
We writers must pay attention to our writing weak spots and work on them. I was fortunate that an editor and publisher looked beyond my weak points and gave me the opportunity to improve my story. This is not always the case.
So, what’s a writer to do?
Well, the very basics are simple:
1. Make sure you’re a part of a critique group with new and experienced writers. The critique members may be able to help you over the hurdles. At the very least, they’ll catch a number of mistakes in everything from structure to grammar that you missed.
2. If you have to, write a few different scenarios in the section you’re having trouble with, to help you open up. And, if you’re still having trouble with your story, put it away for at least a week, preferably more, and then go back to it. It’s almost like magic; you’ll see it differently, with a newness and awareness. And, listen when inspiration comes knocking!
3. Read a lot of quality books in the genre you’re writing and even copy sections of them word-by-word. Make sure to include recently published books by top publishers. This is a trick to get your brain to think and write ‘good writing.’ Just be sure to only do this for practice purposes. Never, ever use someone’s work as your own – that’s plagiarism.
4. Practice your writing – hone your craft. I’ve gotten better at my endings through working and practice. This is why there’s a saying, “practice makes perfect.” Well, if not perfect, at least much better!
5. If nothing else works, hire a developmental editor or ghostwriter to help rewrite the sections you’re having difficulty with.
So, the tip of the day: Pay attention to where your writing weak spots are and work on them. You have options to help you get your story right.
And, listen when inspiration comes knocking!
So, back to the title of the post: What are your writing strengths and weaknesses?
Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author and children’s ghostwriter. She is also an online marketing instructor with WOW! Women on Writing.
Visit her at: Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi (Sign up for her mailing list and visit her DIY Page.)
Follow Karen at: http://facebook.com/writingforchildrenwithkarecioffi
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6 comments:
Karen,
It takes an honest look at our writing life to face strengths and weaknesses. Each of us have them--no matter how long we've been in publishing or if we are just starting the journey. It is critical to be proactively looking at these issues for our continued growth as writers.
Thank you for these five excellent steps and ideas.
Terry
Terry, you're so right. Writing is an ongoing process. There's always something to learn or improve on. And, it is essential to pay attention to what aspects of writing you're good at and where you're lacking.
In this business it's so easy to second guess yourself, to question your ability, but if you continually hone your craft, you'll build self-confidence as well as become a better writer.
Yep. You have given us some food for thought, however, I think we should be looking for patterns here. Because we had trouble with one story or one novel, doesn't mean that we will have the same difficulties with the next. Especially if we have been reading or following your advice in other ways as part of our trek toward better writing.
Carolyn, absolutely. Every story is different. I've found myself having the same writing problem over and over - definitely a pattern. When writers begin to take notice of their problem areas they'll be able to work on them. Thanks for clarifying this.
Karen, you've offered very helpful advice. It can be so easy to get discouraged, but when that happens we have to pick up our boot straps and study what went wrong and research how to do it better. It's important to never give up but to keep working. I was told by an editor that the writers who "make it" are the persistent ones. And being persistent includes a tireless look at ways to improve.
Linda, it really is all about persistence. I always remember the quote that goes something like, it's not the best writer who gets published, it's the one who perseveres.
Can't remember who said that or where I first heard it. Ah, age. Lol
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