A one-stop shop for writing tips, my opinions on the writing do's and don'ts, and maybe even some tea (if the shoe fits, of course).
Over the years I've gotten plenty of how-to questions concerning plot, characters, setting, world building, interac...
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Hello there, beautiful. It's a pleasure to have you.
About two years ago, everyone only knew me as M. But as time passed, I wrote and wrote and wrote and somewhere along the way I decided to sign with my name. With that in mind, my name is Milan. It is lovely to meet you.
There's no better way to start a tip, opinion, and review book without telling you more about who is giving you their unabashed thoughts. I'll keep this brief, because at the end of the day, it's all about us.
ABOUT YOUR DESIGNER
Do I have a book on the shelf? No. (Do I want one there? Of course!)
What I do have are two books that have reached six figure read counts, a writing degree from my college, shortlist recognition in the Fiction Awards, a family of readers and friends, and a dream. More than enough to propel me forward. I am incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. You have no clue how big of a deal it is.
Thank you.
Anyway...
I mention my success because it adds a bit to my credibility, which I also think is super important when offering two cents on anything.
(A tip for the road, observe who you're getting your feedback from--and this goes for any aspect of your life.)
However, I don't consider myself credible from the ever-changing world of votes, reads, comments, or follower counts. Those are results of how the website is set up. We have those features available to us as we explore and read. They fluctuate. They're nice shiny trinkets and, to some, they're bragging rights that'll sink into the back of our minds as we get real jobs and sigh out of our k-pop phases.
Some more tea? They don't always reflect a work's quality.
They also do not have the power to define our work or potential unless we allow them to.
I'll give us some time to unpack that.
No, honey. You are not defined by numbers. Neither is your talent or your worth.
I've read a lot of books, and I mean a lot. That is why I've found the audacity to step from my corner of silence and start being honest with what I've learned from them and from the authors and blogs that cover these topics as a day job. Because those are the people we should be listening to. They are our teachers in the world of writing, lit, and the market.
And surprisingly enough, I simply came to save you from the daunting task of doing an internet search on what advice we're looking for but might not have seen yet. Because in all honesty, the answers are really only a click away. But fear not, they'll be shared here. That's my job as a good hostess. To make you comfortable.
Over my years on the site, I've received questions regarding plot, structure, pacing, characters, planning, world building, and I'd go on but I'm losing my breath.
Let's take a peek in the closet that is writing, hm?
ABOUT Inside the Atelier
I. "𝑺𝒉𝒆'𝒔 𝒔𝒐 𝒂𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒕."
This book is a mixture of advice, (possibly helpful) opinions, the occasional rant, and hella motivation. Consider it a workshop, consider it sparklingjin's magazine, consider it my place to shake you by the shoulders and try to get you to dance with me in the rain.
Okay, less romantic than that. But basically, if you're wondering what's going on, I'll be leading the way.
II. "𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒕-𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆!"
This is not a tea book. It's full of opinions and advice, each of which are marked by tabs. Some opinions might be controversial, and if the shoe fits... it's okay, sis. You either strut in them regardless or consider why you're wearing them. Up to you to evaluate, and I certainly don't love you any less for it.
III. "𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈?"
If you want anything specific covered, you can request by inline commenting a question or your thoughts in the ENQUIRIES page of this book.
I'll get to as many as I can if you have any at all. But let it be known I do reserve the right to take as long as I want in answering or politely declining. In this case, I'll always offer reasoning behind it.
IV. "𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒌?"
At any point I can open a batch for reviews or a pop-up help boutique! A review shop is exactly as it sounds. I'll tell you the rules for that when it occurs.
A pop-up help boutique is a new concept, and it is a chapter in which you can take a slot and fill out a form that details your own current works and where you need help for immediate assistance. Having trouble with the next chapter? Not sure how something sounds? I'll open my sewing kit and come take a look!
V. "𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒎."
Every step of this comes in love. It is a safe space for us to come together and improve! We are on an even playing field, and as such, we will treat each other with respect. I've never tried the mute feature before, but it will look pretty delicious if we forget to carry ourselves with manners while we visit.
VI. "𝑯𝒎, 𝒍𝒆𝒕'𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆?"
The point of this whole thing is to be honest. From my own philosophy, sugarcoating or dishonesty never did much for me, and letting you walk away without anything valuable isn't a great time either. Sometimes, my love might feel like tough love. But it's because I'd never want anyone to hold back for me, so I won't for you.
I also know that writing is intimate and a bunch of fun for many of us. Never ever would I want to discourage you. This is on my mind more than you know.
VII. "𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒆! 𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒆! 𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒆!"
I'm here to help and serve you. We are working together here, and rather than holing up in my room hiding all these things, I think it's about time we extend helping hands.
We're going for the Midas' touch effect where everything turns to gold, honey. Whatever you want to write? We're going to get it nice and polished.
VIII. "𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏?"
It goes without saying that writing is self-driven. It takes hard work and dedication. The bright side is that majority are doing it recreationally. As I extend advice, interact with you, and sincerely hope the best for you... please remember that I cannot write for you. This is a journey for both of us, and trust me, you'll likely do it way better than me.
That's it for the run-down!
The images used within this guide book are NOT mine and belong to their rightful owners. And no, this guide book will not help you secure a place in your bias's secret fanfic library. But if he/she did stumble across it... wouldn't you want it to sound right?
I thought so.
(but we want our stories to rock regardless so that's what we're gonna do!)
I hope to be updating this more often soon. First entry comes in a few hours!
