Beth Greenslade's Blog, page 77

How To Write A Novella

A novella can be a great stepping stone in a writer’s journey towards completing a novel, or it can be a standalone project. Whatever the reason or motivation for writing a novella that a writer may have, what it can do is teach them about how to build characters, introduce themes, and convey a story in more depth than short stories do.

Writing a novella might give you an idea for a novel, or might end up turning into one itself.

Like much in writing, the word count for novella’s is not set in stone, though 30-60 thousand words is about right. This gives you enough leeway to expand your story if you see fit, or keep it quite concise.

Either way, even at the lower end of the word count, writing a novella is no small undertaking. It’s long enough that the reader should become immersed in the world created but short enough that a person might be able to devour the whole story in one sitting.

While there are lots of elements of a novella that are also important in a full-length novel, there are also some crucial differences, and it is essential to understand what these are and pay attention to them as you write your story.

So if you are hoping to write a novella, remember these valuable tips:

Pay attention to structure

The beauty of a novella is that you need to pack so much into a limited number of words that there is no room for an excess of anything. The plot needs to be watertight; the story must unfold without deviation. A good structure will provide the base from which to tell the story and needs to be smart and simple. There're likely to be fewer characters, fewer scene changes, and a clear unifying idea that pulls the story together.

Use characters wisely

There should be fewer characters in a novella, and those that do appear should be used economically. Characters need to be impactful, and their presence must be felt right away. All characters should play an essential role in the story, should drive the action and plot forwards and be cleverly executed, so your readers feel as though they know them without having to know everything about them. You don’t have the luxury of pages of backstory, or of letting your readers get to know your characters gradually - they must feel a  connection with them almost immediately.

Have just a single theme and conflict

While in a full-length novel there are opportunities to bring in several conflicts, dilemmas, themes and subplots, because of the limited word count of a novella, there should only be one. Single time frame, single place, single idea - this way you can fully execute your story with as much power, and attention to detail as if writing a full novel rather than giving a watered down version where the story feels weak as it isn’t fully explained.

Remember simplicity is key

When it comes to writing a novella, it’s important not to over complicate things. Don’t make life difficult for yourself by trying to pack too much in. Instead, keep things simple while still creating a story that is complex enough to come to a satisfying conclusion without any subplots or digressions from the main idea.

By following the above tips you can write a novella that is perfectly paced, keeps the reader hooked, allows them to immerse themselves in your story fully and yet remains simple, sweet and satisfying. So if you are thinking of writing a novella follow the above tips to help get you started.

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

The post How To Write A Novella appeared first on Writer's Life.org.

Tips For Writing A Great Horror Story

Horror continues to be a hugely popular genre, and with an audience always eager for more, writing a horror story can be advantageous if you are trying to get published or thinking of self-publishing your book.

But writing a horror story requires just as much thought and skill as any other genre of book, and needs to be carefully crafted to keep readers on the edge of their seats and desperate yet terrified of what might be revealed with each page they turn.

Writing a horror story allows writers to get in touch with their dark side, to explore what scares them and could end up being a brilliantly cathartic project as they face their fears and demons along the way.

Are you thinking about writing horror? Here are some helpful tips:

What are you afraid of?

Start out by exploring what makes the hairs on the back of your arms stand up and shivers run up and down your spine. Think about the worst things that could happen, the wickedest deeds that someone could do, terrifying situations to be in. Write these down and see if any themes emerge.

Pick your sub-genre

There is a vast variety of different sub-genres within the horror genre. Are you interested in writing a nail-biting thriller, a haunting mystery, a no holds barred gruesome murder story? A horror story can be terrifying, revolting, or creepy or a mixture of all of them. Think about the kind of tale you want to tell and use that as the base to explore your story further.

Read, read, read

The best way to learn about writing a horror story is to read lots of books in that genre. So make sure you do your research and read as much as you possibly can.

Build tension

A horror story is all about building tension. Making your readers feeling unsafe and unsettled even in everyday situations can be a brilliant way of creating a sense of anxiety and apprehension. Taking the everyday and turning it into a horrifying situation can be acutely affecting. So while a dark and stormy night might fit a particular scene, a trip to the park or doing the washing up with the windows open on a sunny summer’s afternoon could be a more effective setting for something gruesome to take place.

Create distinctive characters

In the majority of horror stories, there are the characters who are being terrified and those who are imparting that terror upon them! Make sure that your readers care about your characters and what happens to them. Your readers need to be rooting for your characters to survive - if they don’t care about them it will be harder for them to get involved in the story and to feel the horror, the desperate fear and the tension as they do.

Become an expert at emotion

Shock, dread, anxiety, paranoia - these are all extreme emotions and ones that we should see crop up in a horror story. Evoking these emotions through your writing and the ways your characters speak and behave will make all the difference when it comes to creating a successful horror story.

Start as you mean to go on

Don’t wait to introduce horrifying or unsettling details into your story, get stuck in and use your opening scene to show the reader you mean business. They’ve chosen to read a book in the horror genre because that’s what they like so don’t be afraid to get straight to scaring them at the beginning of your book.

Don’t forget about the plot

It’s all too easy to focus on the gruesome and terrifying elements of a horror story and forget about everything else. However, it is important to remember that horror stories still need well-crafted plots that take the readers on a journey and have a beginning and middle and an end.

There are so many interesting and exciting ways to write a horror story. Use the about tips as a guide to get you started and then let the dark side of your imagination run wild!

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

The post Tips For Writing A Great Horror Story appeared first on Writer's Life.org.

How Useful Is A Creative Writing Degree?

Many writers wonder whether taking a writing course could actually help them not only get better at their craft but also boost their chances of finding a writing-related job. A creative writing degree is the ultimate writing course, a proper qualification in the filed you are so passionate about.

But in reality, is doing a creative writing degree a good idea? As with any degree, it’s a massive undertaking and requires dedication to studying the craft of writing, as well as writing essays and creative work which will be marked in order to pass and obtain the degree.

Not only that but there is also the question of money. Creative writing degrees can set one back thousands, and without a guarantee of a job at the end, writers have to be pretty sure what they get from the course is worth it.

So what can a creative writing degree do for you?

Improve your writing

There is no doubt that taking such a course will improve writers writing. Here is an opportunity to study the craft, to learn the different techniques and to be guided by a teacher who really knows their stuff. Of course, taking a creative writing degree will require you to do lots of writing too so just by practicing alone your writing will no doubt get better.

Boost your creativity

A creative writing degree will push you to be more experimental with your writing, to try new techniques and to think both strategically and creatively about the way that you work. It can be difficult for writers to do this without help and guidance and creative writing course is precisely the right environment to give writers the confidence and assistance to push themselves to the max.

Provides invaluable feedback

A creative writing degree will encourage students to become more critical of their writing and more thoughtful and purposeful in the way that they write. Not only will peer to peer feedback be given but creative writing will be assessed as part of the course. That’s like having an editor give you masses of feedback on what’s working and what isn’t - which is a brilliant advantage if you are trying to get published.

Looks impressive

Of course, there are no guarantees and having a creative writing qualification on your CV doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a job in the industry. However, it does look impressive. A degree in creative writing means that students should gain both critical and rhetorical skills which are valued in many creative industries such as education, copywriting, marketing, editing.

Being a creative writing graduate doesn’t mean you’ll get published or get a job in the industry, but it does give you an advantage, and if a writer can do one and dedicate themselves to it to ensure they make the most of it, it could help to boost their writing career.

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

The post How Useful Is A Creative Writing Degree? appeared first on Writer's Life.org.

How To Stay True To Yourself

The great Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken”. While these words can apply to everyone, to writers, they are even more accurate, and yet being so is not always as easy as it may seem.

Writers, particularly those who are just starting out will often rely heavily on other writers for inspiration. In fact, it may well have been that reading their favourite book by their favourite author is what made them decide to start writing themselves in the first place.

While that’s fine, it is essential for writers to try to find their own way. Merely trying to emulate an author, and focusing too much on one author's work will mean that your writing becomes a copy of someone else's - and, let’s face it, it’s unlikely to be a better copy at that.

Writers need to find their own voice, their own unique way of telling their stories and expressing how they feel. But how do they do that?

Look for inspiration far and wide

Writers should look for inspiration everywhere, be that through the books you read or just the things you observe from the world around you. The more one searches for inspiration, the more eclectic and experimental you’ll be, and you’ll find it so much easier to discover your writing voice too.

Discover what motivates you

Staying true to yourself is all about finding your passions and celebrating them. Whatever you love, whatever gets you smiling, animated and full of energy - that’s what you should be pursuing, that’s what you should focus your time on.

Don’t compare yourself to others

Being true to yourself is turning the spotlight inwards. Comparing yourself to others isn’t healthy or helpful. Believe that you are in charge of your destiny and that it’s up to you where you end up.

Tell the truth

Know your values, know your limits, be completely honest with yourself. Only by genuinely laying your cards on the table and searching your soul will be able to understand yourself completely.

Avoid negativity

Being detrimental to yourself or others won’t get you anywhere. You don’t need to put others down to achieve what you need to succeed, and you certainly aren’t helping yourself by being critical and cruel. Some writers are their own worst enemies, but try to have a little faith and believe in yourself and your abilities too.

Take yourself seriously

Having self-respect and integrity as an author is so important. If you don’t believe in yourself and keep dismissing yourself or not putting yourself forward, you aren't being true to yourself. If this is indeed what you want to do, and what you believe in, then you should be proud, work hard and make it happen.

Take control

There is so much you can do to get noticed, to get published, to achieve your writing dream. Exhaust every avenue and grasp every opportunity you can.

By following the above, you can stay true to yourself and continue your work as a writer with self-respect, honesty and integrity.

Staying true to yourself is the only way to work, even if it’s not the most accessible route at times but in doing so, you can always be proud of what you do.

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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Why Writers Need To Read

One of the most accessible and most enjoyable ways for a writer to improve their knowledge and skills of the craft is to read.

Reading is a writer's ultimate research tool, and the great news is that you can read pretty much anything and it will still help you get better at writing.

But just why is it that reading benefits writers so much?

Here are 8 reasons that will make you realize just how essential reading is.

1. Because reading is to writers as to eating is to a chef

If a chef never tasted his food, you’d find it hard to believe he knew what he was doing. The same goes for writing. Writers who never read cannot claim to really understand how to write, the more you read, and the more you expose yourself to different types of writing the more world-wise you will become!

2. For inspiration, and influence

Great writers are influenced by the writers they loved, and you should allow yourself to be affected and inspired by those you do too. The more you read, the more you open yourself up to the chances of finding something that truly motivates you or gives you that brilliant idea you’ve been waiting for.

3. To learn and understand how language works

Words are writers tools; we need to put them to work and find out how to use them, so they are most effective. Reading helps us to see how other writers have put words to excellent use, and we can learn a lot from this.

4. To become more imaginative

Reading lots of different stories takes us on so many amazing adventures into all kinds of incredible worlds. The more you read and allow yourself to become immersed in those worlds the more you are exercising your imagination which will help you no end when you come to write your own stories.

5. To learn how to experiment

Good writing almost always involves a certain amount of risk-taking. By reading widely, you can gain insight into how other writers have pushed boundaries and bent the rules to come up with something truly unique. You can learn from this and figure out how to experiment more with your own work.

6. To learn from others mistakes

You aren’t going to like everything you read, but guess what? Even reading a lousy book can help you learn! Sometimes reading something awful can help us recognise flaws in our writing and will help us to correct them more easily.

7. To help you become more knowledgeable

The more you read the more you learn. Read as many different types of books as you can, and you will be exposed to so many different histories, cultures and exciting pieces of information about the world. Use that knowledge to bring layers and depth to your own stories.

8. Because you owe it to other readers.

We all know how difficult it is to become a successful writer, and by reading lots, you are supporting your fellow writers, who might return the favour when you next release a book!

Simply put, good writers read. So next time you are struggling for inspiration, or just want to improve, pick up a book and pay attention. It really is as simple as that.

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

The post Why Writers Need To Read appeared first on Writer's Life.org.

Why Writer’s Need To Read

One of the most accessible and most enjoyable ways for a writer to improve their knowledge and skills of the craft is to read.

Reading is a writer's ultimate research tool, and the great news is that you can read pretty much anything and it will still help you get better at writing.

But just why is it that reading benefits writers so much?

Here are 8 reasons that will make you realize just how essential reading is.

1. Because reading is to writers as to eating is to a chef

If a chef never tasted his food, you’d find it hard to believe he knew what he was doing. The same goes for writing. Writers who never read cannot claim to really understand how to write, the more you read, and the more you expose yourself to different types of writing the more world-wise you will become!

2. For inspiration, and influence

Great writers are influenced by the writers they loved, and you should allow yourself to be affected and inspired by those you do too. The more you read, the more you open yourself up to the chances of finding something that truly motivates you or gives you that brilliant idea you’ve been waiting for.

3. To learn and understand how language works

Words are writers tools; we need to put them to work and find out how to use them, so they are most effective. Reading helps us to see how other writers have put words to excellent use, and we can learn a lot from this.

4. To become more imaginative

Reading lots of different stories takes us on so many amazing adventures into all kinds of incredible worlds. The more you read and allow yourself to become immersed in those worlds the more you are exercising your imagination which will help you no end when you come to write your own stories.

5. To learn how to experiment

Good writing almost always involves a certain amount of risk-taking. By reading widely, you can gain insight into how other writers have pushed boundaries and bent the rules to come up with something truly unique. You can learn from this and figure out how to experiment more with your own work.

6. To learn from others mistakes

You aren’t going to like everything you read, but guess what? Even reading a lousy book can help you learn! Sometimes reading something awful can help us recognise flaws in our writing and will help us to correct them more easily.

7. To help you become more knowledgeable

The more you read the more you learn. Read as many different types of books as you can, and you will be exposed to so many different histories, cultures and exciting pieces of information about the world. Use that knowledge to bring layers and depth to your own stories.

8. Because you owe it to other readers.

We all know how difficult it is to become a successful writer, and by reading lots, you are supporting your fellow writers, who might return the favour when you next release a book!

Simply put, good writers read. So next time you are struggling for inspiration, or just want to improve, pick up a book and pay attention. It really is as simple as that.

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

The post Why Writer’s Need To Read appeared first on Writer's Life.org.

How To Give Your Story Structure

Every good story needs to have a solid structure. Your structure is what helps your plot stay focused and moving along at just the right pace, and ensures that your story is cohesive, understandable and that there aren’t any gaping holes in the plot or inconsistencies that leave your reader confused or irritated.

Learning about how to create a story structure is something that every writer should do before they begin writing their story. Don’t wait until you are halfway through to try to impose a structure or to pull together a fragmented narrative. Get your structure clear at the beginning, and you’ll find it so much easier to stay focused further down the line.

So what can you do to give your story structure? Follow these helpful tips.

Understand the basics

Every story needs a beginning, a middle and an ending. We all know that, and it sounds oh so simple, but actually organizing your story in this way is where structure plays a significant role.

You need to structure your story, so it takes the reader on a journey, it needs to open with impact, then carry them along, creating intrigue and interest at every turn. Through the middle there will be highs and lows, points where the story slows then speeds up again, and then the ending should arrive when it’s time, and leave readers satisfied but also sad that the ride is over.

Structure helps writers to think about what’s needed to make this happen at every stage of the book. The beginning needs to introduce readers to your characters, to your world, and indicate where the story will go next; the middle needs to be full of action, changes and obstacles that your protagonist may overcome. The end ties all loose ends together. All of these aspects must be carefully balanced to help your story unravel just as it should. Without proper structure, your story will feel forced, slow or as though it is just going nowhere.

Experiment

There are lots of different types of structure one can apply to a story, and writers may need to experiment with them to find the one that best fits the story they are trying to tell. Do your readers see the world through the protagonist's eyes, or are they passive bystanders? Does your story focus on a single characters adventure, growth and personal change, or folllow the paths of many? Is your story an event type story where something has happened in the world and certain things must be done to bring about change? Learning about different structure types and trying to find which one will work best for you is all part of the fun!

Bend and mould classic structure templates to fit your story

There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to story structure. That’s why a good structure will be flexible, and writers will have the ability to mould typical story structures to create their own unique one - that’s what will make your story stand out after all.

Blend your story structure so it can’t be noticed

Having the ability to structure a novel well is all about doing so with lightness and subtlety. A reader shouldn't be able to tell that the structure is there; instead the plot should blend seamlessly, and the story should flow effortlessly, carrying them along with it. The shouldn’t notice a transition from beginning to middle to end; it should just happen without any realization on the reader's part.

Outlining your story before you start to write can be a helpful way to ensure you have a good story structure and that your plot works. There are a considerable number of ways to structure a story and by using the tips above you can make sure you pick the best one for you.

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

The post How To Give Your Story Structure appeared first on Writer's Life.org.

Why You Need To Learn To Write Anywhere

Here are some of the favourite excuses of writers when trying to avoid getting to work:

The house is too messy

I’m too tired

I don’t have enough time

I’m too stressed out

I don’t know where to start

My desk is too cluttered

There is laundry to do

Any of them sound familiar? Thought so.

All writers go through periods of procrastination and will find just about any excuse they can to avoid sitting down and getting on with their work.

The most common excuses find a way to blame not having the perfect writing conditions, for without them, how could one possibly write, right?

At the end of the day, unless you have the luxury of being a full-time writer, it might be that you only get a few minutes here and there. It might be that you’ve got to do it in a bit of a rush, or that you use your commute or that 30 minutes when the kids have gone to bed before you also need to crash out, or early in the morning when no one else has got up yet.

It would be wonderful to sit down in our perfectly set up writing room, where we have surrounded ourselves with objects that inspire us, a freshly made pot of coffee by our side and the knowledge that there will be no interruptions for the rest of the day, but we’ve got to be realistic.

In short, we’ve got to learn to write anywhere.

Training yourself to focus and be productive for short, irregular periods of time can help you make so much more progress with your writing, and the sooner you can adapt to working in less than perfect environments, regardless of whether they are noisy, cluttered or full of interruptions, the better.

As with anything, practice makes perfect, and to learn to write anywhere; you have to be willing to make an effort to consistently write in these inconvenient locations at these inconvenient times and even when you really don’t feel like it.

If you keep waiting to be in the perfect mood, at the ideal time in the ideal place, chances are you won’t get very far with your writing at all.

No one said it was easy - we know it's a challenge trying to concentrate while you’ve got kids screaming in the background or you’re hot and squashed on you commute to work. No one said it wouldn’t be frustrating to be interrupted when you’ve just got into the writing zone. But if you don’t try, you might find that progress is so slow you become even more demotivated.

So next time you are finding excuses not to write, recognize them as just that, excuses. Treat writing like a job, stop waiting for the perfect mood and moment and fit writing into your life, however messy or complicated it may be.

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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Why Structuring Your Day Is So Important

Every writer knows that writing takes discipline. It also takes dedication, creativity, motivation and the willingness to learn and improve each and every day.

But perhaps the most essential thing writers need is structure. They need to set goals, to create a writing routine, and to make writing become a necessary part of their daily lives.

If you want to achieve your writing goals, to eliminate procrastination and ensure that you feel productive and satisfied with your writing progress then structuring your day is essential.

While every writer will have their own preferred writing times and ways to fit writing into their lives, as well as different sets of personal circumstances, there are certain things you can do to ensure that you establish a writing routine that works for you.

Here are some tips to help you set up a great structure, enabling you to dedicate yourself to your writing, become more productive and make sure you have time for the essential things in your life too.

Set clear goals and deadlines, then work out a routine around them

Once you know what you want to achieve you will have some idea of what you need to do to get there. You can set up a writing routine which will fit around your goals and the amount of time you have to write.

Make more time for writing

Before you set up your daily structure, try to make more time for writing. If you sit down and work out where you might be able to free up some time you may be surprised with how much more time you can dedicate to your writing.

Make writing a daily habit

Writing every day will help keep you in the writing zone and continue to progress. Even if you can’t dedicate hours each day to your writing, find some time to make sure you do it daily, and you’ll feel great.

Write at the same time every day

Having structure is all about trying to make writing a habit and having set times each day where you write will help train your brain to know that when that time comes, it’s time to focus and get ready to let the creative inspiration flow.

Have a dedicated writing space

If you can, having a calm, organized space where you can write each day will help you immediately get in the zone and feel in the right frame of mind to be at your most creative self.

Monitor your productivity and aim to do the same each day

Once you know how much you can realistically achieve each day try to stick to the same level of productivity. Only you know what’s right. Don’t overstretch yourself though; otherwise you’ll continually be trying to catch up and feel disheartened you aren’t achieving what you’d like to.

If something isn’t working, tweak it

Structure can be fluid and flexible. If something about your writing routine isn’t working any more, experiment with what might work, move things around until you find the right way and your writing time will be all the better for it.

These simple tips will help you structure your day so that writing becomes part of your routine. Doing this will help you become so much more productive and feel as though you are always moving closer towards your goals.

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

The post Why Structuring Your Day Is So Important appeared first on Writer's Life.org.

Why Is Writing So Difficult?

Writing is hard - really hard, and it’s no wonder writers can end up feeling infuriated demotivated and generally fed up with the whole process.

We’ve all been there - when we can’t find the inspiration, the right words, or where our once great idea suddenly dries up and trails off, where we get rejections, bad reviews or just radio silence, and it all just seems too difficult.

It’s no wonder that so many people who start out trying to write a book never get to the end. It's even less surprising that writers who do manage to finish their manuscript end up never doing anything with it because they’ve been told time and time again just how tough it is to get anywhere in the writing business.

But just what is it about writing that makes it so difficult? Why do writers all suffer from times where, no matter how hard they try, no matter how much they will it, their stories, their words, just won’t come out they way they want them to, if at all?

Writing is hard because:

It asks for total focus

Writing isn’t something that just happens; it takes real focus. Writers need to be able to create whole new worlds, new people and stories that grip the hearts and imaginations of their readers. This is no easy task, and without being able to entirely focus, to truly immerse ourselves in our writing, it is impossible to realize our vision fully.

It demands discipline

You can’t just sit down one day and write out a bestselling novel the first time. Writing is an art, it’s a skill, and you need to practice if you want to get any good at it. Having the time, the motivation and the dedication to keep writing even when you don’t feel like it is not something that everyone has the discipline to do.

It requires huge courage

Writers write regardless of the terrible odds of actually getting published; they write stories that are personal to them and share them with the world, the pour their heart and soul into their work only to be told time and time again that it’s not good enough. To be a writer you have to be brave, to be persistent, to be able to take knocks and get back up and keep going regardless. That kind of bravery isn’t going to come easy.

It takes sacrifice

There may be exceptions, but most writers find that they have to sacrifice something if they want to keep writing. It might be time spent with family and friends; it might be not earning much money - whatever the sacrifice, being truly committed to writing means making choices that are not always easy to make.

Writing takes a lot from a person, and even if you are willing to do all the above, let’s face it, you also need to have some talent too.

However, the writer that can commit to writing in such a way, to make those sacrifices and to keep pushing forward is the one who will get better and better, and the one who is so much more likely to achieve their writing goals.

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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