Whether you're just starting as a writer or looking for additional tips on the craft, Writing Is Hard serves as a collection of advice and tricks learned while writing here on Wattpad. Everything from reads to general grammar tips, this novel will h...
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READING
Just Do it (Yes, like Nike)
Seriously, you should be reading. If you do not have time to read, then you most likely do not have time to write. Whether it be for ten minutes or an hour, it's important to do some reading whenever you can. Your brain takes the words, processes them, and collects them. Reading not only helps you build your vocabulary, but also opens your mind up to new knowledge and experiences.
It Will Help You Improve
When you're reading (and you should be), take a more analytic eye to it. Ask yourself what you like about the book. What's working? What is not working? What would you have done differently? How does this author's writing style differ from your own?
You'll find you begin to pick up tricks by looking at the work of other published authors. Side note: I am not telling you to go steal ideas and words from other writers. Rather, to take a look at what they've done and start training your brain to recognize what scenes you like as a reader and what character traits really grind your gears. Now, how can you bring that into your own writing?
Reading In Your Genre
It goes without saying that you can't write in a genre you've never read. It will help you quite a bit to take a look at what is popular in the genre you write. See what's trending. Take a look at how other writers are spinning mystery, fantasy, or historical fiction. What's working for them? How are they staying relevant? What are some of the new, fresh ideas to the genre? Especially if you're looking to publish, you want to keep an eye on the books that publishing houses are releasing. It will give you an idea of what they're looking for and what has worked in the past.
Don't You Dare Use Reading As An Excuse Not To Write.
Balance is important. If you finish a book, go over to your desk or bed or bathtub and write. Yes, I said bathtub. Don't question me.
Don't let yourself get so into reading that you forget to write. If you're truly struggling, use reading as a reward after you've written 200 words or a page or so. See? Balance!
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
What's your favorite genre to read in? What genre do you write?
