Cliffordene Norton's Blog, page 3

5 Essential Tips for Crafting Engaging Short Stories

While studying at #MyNWU (Go, Eagles!), I must confess that writing short stories didn’t ignite my passion. However, over time, I have developed a genuine love for this art form. In fact, when I set my goals for this year, penning five short stories was a vital part of my plan.

Writing short stories often comes naturally to me. It usually begins with a single scene that unravels in my mind. But to continually challenge myself and overcome any hurdles I encounter; I rely on five fundamental principles that serve as the bedrock of my storytelling.

Begin with a character at a pivotal moment:

Who is the most captivating individual in your life right now? What event has the potential to dramatically transform their existence? These two questions have become my starting point. By identifying the person who inspires my character and determining the challenges that can reshape their life, I find the ideal turning point to kickstart my story. Remember, I don’t rely solely on their entire life story; they merely serve as the foundation upon which I build.

Experiment with different perspectives:

Improvement doesn’t always come from going bigger. Just as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 4 showcased how monumental battles impact ordinary individuals like Kate Bishop and Monica Rambeau, we can explore new angles within our narratives. Short stories provide an excellent opportunity for experimentation. Instead of narrating from the viewpoint of the superhero or even the villain, delve into the story of a small business owner whose establishment is devastated by an epic clash. Along this uncharted path, you may stumble upon intriguing discoveries.

Seek inspiration from established authors:

Countless writers have walked this path before you. When you find yourself grappling with writer’s block, turn to these literary pioneers for guidance. Read their works with intention, focusing on the art of storytelling. Observe how they intricately weave their tales together, and you may uncover invaluable techniques to enrich your own writing.

Persevere through consistent practice:

I staunchly believe that talent can only carry you so far. Writing is a craft, and like any skill, it demands continuous effort to improve. The year in which I published the most stories also coincided with the year in which I wrote the most. I heeded Ray Bradbury’s advice and committed to writing a short story every week. Embrace the mindset that it’s impossible to write 52 terrible stories in a row. For every rough draft, there lies a gem waiting to be polished into a submission-worthy piece.

Document your observations and emotions:

Don’t rely on your memory to capture fleeting moments of inspiration. Following the wisdom of my writing professor, Prof. Franci Greyling, I keep a writing journal. Within its pages, I preserve highlights from my daily experiences and jot down captivating observations. Furthermore, my Tuesday check-ins with a dear friend have taught me to acknowledge the emotions evoked by these encounters. These emotional cues become valuable tools in my storytelling arsenal.

Every author crafts their unique routine, and while mine continues to evolve, these five tips form the sturdy foundation upon which I construct my short stories. I sincerely hope they prove invaluable in your own creative endeavours.

Read few of my short stories here:https://linktr.ee/cliffordene

Happy writing!

My writing tribe: the benefits of finding support

Writing is often seen as a solitary profession, where authors spend hours crafting their stories in solitude. However, I consider myself fortunate to have a unique support group that understands the effort I put into my writing.

In this blog post, I want to share the benefits of having a writing tribe and introduce you to my own amazing support system, which includes my sister, cousin, and even my fur babies.

Support throughout the writing process:

Within my writing tribe, my sister plays a crucial role as the ultimate tea maker. With her delicious tea creations, she fuels my creativity and provides the comfort I need to dive into my writing. Additionally, she acts as a beta-reader and editor, offering valuable insights and suggestions to enhance my work.

Perspective and feedback:

One of the greatest advantages of having a writing tribe that includes non-writers is their fresh perspective. My cousin, who isn’t involved in the publishing world, provides a unique outlook on the feedback I receive. This helps me step back, see the bigger picture, and truly absorb the value of the feedback, allowing me to grow as a writer.

Expanding horizons:

While being immersed in the writing world is essential, my writing tribe ensures that my world doesn’t become too insular. As they are not as introverted as I am, they introduce me to different influences and interests, which ultimately enriches my writing. Exploring other passions and having diverse experiences can spark new ideas and breathe life into my storytelling.

Meet my writing tribe:

I am incredibly grateful for the beings that make up my writing tribe. Let me introduce them to you:

My sister: She is not only a tea connoisseur but also a beta-reader and editor extraordinaire. Her support and delicious brews keep me going, especially during long writing sessions.

My cousin: Acting as my cheerleader, my cousin stays up late with me, providing moral support and keeping me company during those late-night writing marathons. Moreover, she is a constant source of TikTok ideas and help me create captivating content.

My fur babies: Lola and Ramsey, my furry companions, are my steadfast writing companions. They snuggle up beside me, providing comfort and companionship as I weave my stories. They’ve witnessed countless all-nighters and are always there when inspiration strikes, even in the darkest hours.

Having a writing tribe brings countless benefits to the writing journey. The support, motivation, and constructive feedback from fellow writers can be invaluable.

However, it’s important to remember that a writing tribe can extend beyond the writing community itself. In my case, my sister, cousin, and fur babies have made my writing journey enjoyable and easier, contributing in their unique ways. So, whether you find support within the writing community or among your loved ones, having a writing tribe can make all the difference in your writing adventure.

Finding your narrative voice

Have you ever struggled with finding the right voice for your story’s narrator? You’re not alone. As writers, we often encounter moments where we need to capture the essence of our characters’ perspectives and breathe life into their voices. Last night, I found myself grappling with this very challenge, and I stumbled upon a method that helped me overcome the hurdle.

It all started when I sat down to work on a particular chapter. Feeling disconnected from my protagonist’s voice, I decided to experiment with naming the chapter. This technique is not one I frequently employ, but in moments of narrative struggle, it can prove to be quite effective. I began brainstorming several potential titles until one finally clicked, and it felt like the missing puzzle piece. The perfect chapter title for this particular segment emerged: “Apparently, family is more important than friends. Who knew?”

To my surprise, this simple exercise had a profound impact on my writing process. It instantly transported me back into the mindset of my main character, allowing me to regain their unique perspective and voice. Inspired by this experience, I want to share some advice that might assist you in discovering and embracing your own character’s voice:

Know your point of view character: The key to effective storytelling lies in choosing the right character to tell your tale. Consider who has the strongest relationship with the plot, the one most influenced by the events unfolding, and who, in turn, influences the plot. This character will become your storyteller, so understanding their role is crucial.Familiarize yourself with their voice: A character’s voice shapes the overall tone and atmosphere of your book. Take the time to develop a deep understanding of your protagonist’s voice. Are they witty yet kind, or perhaps cruel but joyful? The nuances of their personality will greatly impact your narrative. As an exercise, try envisioning a scene from your favourite book, but this time, write it from the perspective of a secondary character. Pay attention to how the voice changes, what details they notice, and whether the atmosphere of the book remains intact.

By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to create compelling characters with distinct voices. Don’t be afraid to experiment, explore, and fine-tune your narrator’s perspective until it resonates authentically with your story. Remember, finding the right voice is like unravelling a hidden treasure – it may take some time, but the reward is a captivating and engaging narrative that readers will remember.

So, the next time you find yourself wrestling with narrative struggles, give these techniques a try. You never know what discoveries await you as you delve deeper into the minds of your characters and unlock the true essence of your story.

Happy writing!

@cliffordene

#YAWriter #foryoupage #Authorlife #authorsoftiktok #AuthorTok #fyp #SouthAfricanAuthor #WriterLife #BookTokSA #EditingVlog #Rewrite #writerscorner #AmWriting

♬ Say Yes To Heaven – Sped Up – Lana Del Rey

Business decisions I made this year as a young author

It’s a day late but here is this week’s blog.

Being a young author has its unique challenges and opportunities. This year, I’ve made several business decisions that have shaped my journey as a writer.

I want to share two key decisions I made and the insights I gained from them. From separating my writing income from my savings to delaying the launch of a personal website, each decision has contributed to my growth and development as an author.

Separating writing income from savings:

For years, I’ve accumulated the money I earned from my writing and keep it merged with my savings. While it seemed like a sensible approach at first, I soon realized the downsides. When it came time to invest in writing-related tasks or make purchases to enhance my craft, it felt like I shouldn’t be touching that money. This created a mental barrier and made it difficult to allocate funds towards my writing goals.

To overcome this hurdle, I decided to open a separate bank account exclusively for my writing income. This small but significant step allowed me to view my writing earnings as a dedicated resource for my writing pursuits.

It also helped me set clear goals for what I wanted to accomplish with that money, such as attending writing workshops, investing in professional editing services, or marketing efforts. Now, I feel more confident and focused when making financial decisions related to my writing career.

Delaying the launch of a personal website:

In today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial for authors. However, I made a conscious decision not to rush into creating a personal website just yet. Instead, I opted for a free blog on WordPress as a starting point. This decision was motivated by two factors: prioritizing my resources and waiting until I had built a stronger author platform.

By using a free blog, I was able to allocate my resources more efficiently. I could invest in other essential aspects of my writing journey. This allowed me to enhance the quality of my work and establish connections within the writing community.

Furthermore, I realized that launching a personal website would be more impactful once I had more published works to showcase and a larger readership base.

It made sense to hold off on creating a website until I had reached certain milestones in my writing career. This decision doesn’t mean I’m neglecting marketing; I actively engage with readers and fellow writers through social media platforms and online writing communities.

As a young author, making smart business decisions is crucial for long-term success. Each decision has taught me valuable lessons and shaped my path as a writer.

Moving forward, I’ll continue to evaluate my choices, adapt to new opportunities, and grow both as an author and as a business-minded creative.

Get to know me better:

@cliffordene

Looks like my life consists of food, coffee ad mydogs #MeetTheAuthor #writerscorner #AuthorAesthetic #BookTokSA #WriterLife #SouthAfricanAuthor #fyp #authorsoftiktok #AuthorTok #Authorlife #foryoupage #YAWriter

♬ Pretty (Sped Up) – MEYY

Mastering book events: 3 essential tips for authors

Attending book events can be an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience for authors. Whether it’s a book signing, literary festival, or author panel, these events offer valuable opportunities to connect with readers, promote your work, and showcase your writing process.

To make the most of these occasions, here are three essential tips to keep in mind:

Have concise answers ready about your writing process:

During book events, you’ll encounter curious readers who are genuinely interested in your craft. Be prepared to engage with them by having concise and thoughtful answers about your writing process. Share insights into your inspiration, creative routines, or any unique techniques you employ. By offering these glimpses into your writing journey, you’ll provide your audience with a deeper understanding of your work and create a meaningful connection.

Remember, brevity is key. Craft your responses to be succinct and engaging, allowing for smooth conversations that leave a lasting impression. This way, you’ll be able to navigate the event confidently and share your passion for writing with genuine enthusiasm.

Create a catchphrase for book signings:

This one, I learned from Joha van Dyk!

Signing books is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your readers. To make the experience more memorable, consider creating a catchphrase or personal message that you can include when signing each book. This catchphrase could encapsulate the essence of your work, reflect your writing style, or convey a heartfelt sentiment.

The catchphrase could be a witty one-liner, a profound quote, or even a reference to a recurring theme in your book. Whatever you choose, make it unique to your brand and writing voice. This personal touch will make your autographed copies stand out, and readers will appreciate the extra effort you’ve put into making their copy special.

Prepare a captivating scene to read:

During book events, you may be asked to read a passage from your book. To captivate your audience and leave them wanting more, it’s crucial to select a scene that showcases your writing prowess and entices listeners to dive deeper into your story.

Choose a scene that is self-contained, doesn’t require too much prior knowledge of the plot, and highlights your characters’ dynamics, narrative style, or an intense moment of conflict. Practice reading the scene aloud to ensure a smooth delivery, emphasizing the nuances of your writing, and bringing the words to life. By delivering a compelling reading, you’ll leave the audience eager to explore your book further.

Remember, preparation is key. By having a scene ready to read, you’ll feel more confident and prepared for any unexpected requests, allowing you to make the most of every book event you attend.

Attending book events can be a rewarding experience for authors. By implementing these three tips – having concise answers about your writing process, creating a catchy signing catchphrase, and preparing a captivating scene to read – you’ll not only engage with readers effectively but also leave a lasting impression that sets the stage for future connections and opportunities.

So, the next time you find yourself at a book event, embrace these tips and make the most of the invaluable chance to share your passion for writing, connect with readers, and leave a lasting impression in the literary world.

May your coffee taste like magic!

Embracing the discovery: the advantages of being a pantser author

As a young author, I have discovered that there are multiple approaches to writing a story. While some prefer meticulous planning and outlining, others, like myself, thrive in the realm of discovery. Being a discovery author, also known as a pantser, offers unique advantages that allow our creativity to flow freely and take our stories to unexpected heights. In this blog post, I want to shed light on the four pros of being a discovery author and how it enhances the storytelling experience.

The story flows naturally: One of the greatest joys of being a pantser author is the freedom to explore the story as it unfolds naturally. Without the constraints of a rigid plan, we can follow our instincts and allow the story to take us on a thrilling journey. This organic approach often leads to surprising twists and turns that we may not have anticipated, making the writing process an exciting adventure.More creative freedom: We have the liberty to let our imagination run wild and take the story in any direction that feels right. Without being bound by a preconceived plan, we can tap into our creative depths and explore unconventional paths. This freedom opens up endless possibilities for innovation, allowing us to infuse our stories with unique elements that captivate readers’ imaginations.Captivating plot twists: One of the most exhilarating aspects of being a discovery author is the ability to generate unexpected and captivating plot twists. Since we don’t have a predetermined roadmap, our stories have the potential to surprise not only our readers but also ourselves. The spontaneous nature of our writing process often leads to twists and turns that we couldn’t have foreseen during the planning stage. These surprising plot developments inject excitement and unpredictability into our stories, keeping readers hooked until the very end.Authentic characters: When we approach storytelling as discovery authors, our characters take on a life of their own. Without strict guidelines or predetermined character arcs, our creations become more authentic and relatable. Their reactions, decisions, and growth emerge naturally from the situations we place them in. This spontaneity brings our characters to life, making them feel genuine and multidimensional to readers. The organic development of our characters adds depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing readers to form deeper connections with them.

While being a discovery author certainly comes with its own set of challenges, such as the potential for plot holes or the need for revision, the advantages, for me, far outweigh the drawbacks. The freedom to explore, the boundless creativity, the thrilling plot twists, and the authenticity of our characters make the journey of a pantser author truly remarkable.

So, if you find yourself leaning towards the discovery approach to writing, embrace it wholeheartedly. Let your imagination soar, trust in the process, and allow your stories to unfold naturally. The path of a pantser author may be unconventional, but it is filled with endless possibilities and the potential to create narratives that surprise and captivate readers.

Embrace the discovery and let your storytelling talents shine.

Enhancing characterization through short stories

As a short story writer, I’ve always been fascinated by the power of concise storytelling. Lately, I’ve been exploring how these shorter narratives can help me create better-developed characters for my novels. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experience and the positive impact that writing short stories has had on my characterization process.

Short stories possess a unique quality – they allow you to convey powerful emotions and create compelling characters using economic yet impactful words. I’ve discovered that through dialogue, I can capture the essence of my characters and develop their personalities in a short span. This realization has significantly influenced my writing style.

“I started writing mini short stories focused on each of these characters to capture their essence more vividly.”

Recently, I received feedback on my third book: my characters lacked depth. I thought my initial character sketches were strong, but upon revisiting them, I realized they fell short. While the characters in my short fiction were vibrant and 3D – the characters in my novel were lacking. This realization motivated me to find a solution that would enrich my characters and make them more memorable.

To address this issue, I decided to delve into the lives of my side characters – the ones who add colour and depth to the main plot. I started writing mini short stories focused on each of these characters to capture their essence more vividly. By exploring their pasts, motivations, and desires in these shorter narratives, I could better understand their roles in the main novel.

Character development is crucial for any story, but it can be a daunting task for writers like me who prefer shorter timelines. Unlike some authors who spend years working on a single book, I find myself needing to maintain an emotional investment within a year. Writing these mini short stories has become my shortcut to achieving this emotional connection while ensuring that my larger novel doesn’t suffer.

The results have been remarkable. Through the mini short stories, I have been able to make significant improvements in my characters’ depth and authenticity. Exploring their personal journeys and weaving their experiences into the main plot has added a layer of richness to the overall story, making it more engaging for readers.

Short stories can indeed be powerful tools for enhancing character development. As a short story writer, I have found that these concise narratives allow me to create more memorable and authentic characters. By investing time in writing mini short stories focused on side characters, I can capture their essence and infuse it into my larger novel.

So, if you’re struggling to breathe life into your characters, why not give short stories a try? 

I am back – an update on my journey

Hey there, fellow writers!

It’s been quite a while since I last graced the pages of this blog. Life took me on a whirlwind adventure, but I’m thrilled to be back, ready to dive into the world of writing once again.

I have been writing, experienced some burnout and recovered. For the rest of the year, I am committed to posting. Luckily with the help of ChatGPT, I can create strong blog posts, but this will focus on my writing journey. So, it will journal about my writing journey, processes, and lessons.

Write on!

Photo gallery: 2 days at the Toyota US Woordfees

I recently had the honour to attend the biggest Afrikaans literary festival, the Toyota US Woordfees, in South Africa. I was one of the panel members on the subject: ticking boxes with diversity in youth novels. 

This topic and panel started after a prominent figure in the Afrikaans literary world wrote an article, “‘Gewone mense’ word al hoe meer randfigure” (‘Ordinary people’ are becoming fringe figures). 

Yeah, there were some feelings about this article in the Afrikaans publishing world. 

I joined some exceptional authors, André Trantraal, Zelda Beduizenhout and Joha van Dyk, and it was a great conversation. I think we all agreed, diversity is not a box to be ticked for modern authors. It’s the world we currently live in or the world we aspire to create. 

If diversity is a problem on people’s bookshelves, is it such a stretch to think they won’t tolerate it in their life? 

I was there for two and a half days, here are a few moments from my trip: 

Hello Cape Town, it’s good to see your face. 
Monday evening, I attended the book launch of the Toyota US Woordfees short story anthology – one of my short stories is published in #Wild. Coulnd’t stop laughing with Lynthia Julius and Keith Lewis!I started my day off writing, of course, and with a great cup of coffee. 
Then it was time for our conversation! Joha van Dyk, myself, Zelda Bezuidenhout, our amazing facilitator Maggie Vorster, and André Trantaal. I was embarrassingly fan girling about André – I love his books and recently wrote a report about them for Creative Writing. I don’t even know what I said.I saw a few familiar faces … Hello Mia And finally met my writing partner, Leona, in person!

I joined my friend Marie Dry at a library in Claremont, talking to aspiring writers. “I used to give a lot of advice about ‘attend this course’ or ‘join this group’, but now I tell writers: write 10 short stories or books before you join a writing group,” was her advice. Advice I love!

We went to an early dinner, went home, and spent almost 12 hours talking about all things books and writing. It was amazing. 
The next morning, we went to breakfast, and I flew back home to the fur babies. 

Thank you so much to the Pan Macmillan team and Toyota US Woordfees. 

Uittreksel: Om jou te ken

“Uh … ” Dié is nie ’n goeie idee nie. Hoe verduidelik ek vir hom dat ek vir hom en Georgia wil help? Hoe doen ek dit sonder om iets oor die dagboek te sê?

Sonder om my niggie te verraai?

“Jy hou van my niggie, nè?” vra ek dan maar reguit.

Hy kyk vinnig weg. Bloos hy? Maar hy herstel gou en toe hy weer vir my kyk, is sy oë glad nie meer so vriendelik nie. Al die punte wat ek gescore het, het soos mis voor die son verdwyn.

“Dis nie jou besigheid nie,” sê hy kortaf.

“Georgia is my niggie,” verdedig ek myself, al weet ek goed dat dit my steeds nie die reg gee om in te meng in haar sake nie. Al is ons nie close nie, is ek seker dat dit waarmee ek nou besig is die laaste ding is wat sy sou wou hê.

Sean se lag koggel my.

“Ek dog julle is sworn enemies. Hoekom gee jy nou skielik om?”

Die waarheid maak seer, en ek voel elkeen van daai woorde.

“Moenie ’n asshole wees nie, Sean!”

Ek weet nie wie is meer verbaas nie. Ek glo in juffrou Samuels se motto: Mense wat vloek, kan hulself nie behoorlik uitdruk nie.

Maar ná James praat niemand weer so met my nie.

Nooit weer nie!

Sean haal diep asem en sy stem is sagter toe hy praat.

“Kyk, wat tussen my en Georgia aangaan, is onse besigheid. Ek gaan niks sê nie, en sy sal dit nie waardeer dat jy interfere nie.”

Hy ken Georgia duidelik goed. Ek wil self hê almal moet hulle neuse uit my en Brandon se sake hou.

Ek begin na die bus toe stap, maar draai terug. Well, tough. Die gedeelde bloed in my en my niggie se are moet my darem sekere goed toelaat.

“Sean … Moet nie met haar mors nie, oukei?”

“Of wat?” Sean lag, en dit nooi my uit om saam te lag, maar ek join hom nie.

Ek druk my rugsak teen my vas en voel die harde cover van Georgia se dagboek. Ek wik en weeg ’n oomblik, en besluit om die waarheid te praat.

“Sy is nie so sterk soos sy pretend nie. Moet jy nou nie nog iets slegs wees wat sy moet deurmaak nie.”

Moet nie haar pa wees nie, wil ek sê, maar dis iets wat Georgia nog nie gereed is om met die Here te bespreek nie, so ek sê eerder: “Moet haar nie seermaak nie.”

Koop:

Wordsworth: https://www.wordsworth.co.za/collections/afrikaans-teenage-young-adult-fiction/products/om-jou-te-ken

Graffiti: https://www.graffitibooks.co.za/af/385788/Boeke

Reader’s Warehouse: https://www.readerswarehouse.co.za/products/om-jou-te-ken

Takealot: https://www.takealot.com/om-jou-te-ken/PLID73919389