Terry Shames's Blog: 7 Criminal Minds, page 8

Learning to self-edit - by Harini Nagendra

Choose a block of your writing—past or present—and walk us through its revision journey. What worked? What didn’t? What did you learn in the process? 

Perhaps the most important thing I've learnt over the 4 books that constitute my fiction-writing journey, is how to self-edit out my tendency to insert large infodumps of history, culture and setting into my books. Instead, I now slice the historical and setting details into chunks, and try to find places where I can insert them into different part...

Before and After—Revising Your Manuscript from James W. Ziskin

Choose a block of your writing—past or present—and walk us through its revision journey. What worked? What didn’t? What did you learn in the process?
I believe that good writing is the result of careful revision. Sure, there may be a couple of writers out there who spit out perfect first drafts, but I’ve yet to meet one. And I’m certainly not that guy. In fact, I probably revise more than most writers. Typically, I go through three drafts of my books before I even let anyone look at them. Then I ...

Taming the Wild Draft

Cue the spaghetti western music: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Choose a block of your writing—past or present—and walk us through its revision journey. What worked? What didn't? What did you learn in the process?

By Dietrich

A lone writer squints into the horizon, ready to duel with his own words. The tumbleweeds of doubt roll by, and so, the revision process begins …

I looked at an early chapter from Nobody from Somewhere and walked myself back through its conception. The story started from a s...

Evolution of an Opening - by Matthew Greene

Choose a block of your writing—past or present—and walk us through its revision journey. What worked? What didn’t? What did you learn in the process?

Well, my worst nightmare has come true—I’m sharing early drafts on the internet. But I think this is a really interesting prompt, so I’ll force myself to be vulnerable and share the goods. (Or…the bads, as it were.)

Not only is this a passage from a first draft, it’s the first draft of my first novel. So, please be kind as I share the evolution of th...

The Lion and the Mouse by Poppy Gee

Who are the authors who have inspired you in howyou conduct yourself as a professional writer? This is not so much thecreative/writerly side of them (but could be) but how they navigate theircareer, and the publishing industry in general. What do they do that you findinspiring or interesting?

Many writers have helped me in different ways, big and small,over the years. 

March 2014: As a newly published debut author, I was havinga rough night at the welcome drinks for the Beaconsfield Fest...

Yes, we know who you are! by Catriona

Who are theauthors who have inspired you in how you conduct yourself as a professionalwriter? This is not so much the creative/writerly side of them (but could be)but how they navigate their career, and the publishing industry in general.What do they do that you find inspiring or interesting?

This is out now in the US - buy links

Right, well I'm going to start by recounting an experience that taught me how *not* to be as a professional writer out in public.

I got introduced to this guy - let's ...

Inspired by Eric Beetner

 Who are the authors who have inspired you in how you conduct yourself as a professional writer? This is not so much the creative/writerly side of them (but could be) but how they navigate their career, and the publishing industry in general. What do they do that you find inspiring or interesting?

I find modeling my career after anyone terribly difficult because so much of being a successful writer happens behind the scenes.

I wish I could follow the path of many writers in finding the perfect age...

Authors Behaving Beautifully

 

Who are theauthors who have inspired you in how you conduct yourself as a professionalwriter? This is not so much the creative/writerly side of them (but could be)but how they navigate their career, and the publishing industry in general.What do they do that you find inspiring or interesting?

 

Maya Angelou said, “Peoplewill forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people willnever forget how you made them feel.”

A lovely sentiment. And one thatpresumes a real intera...

Thank You for Being A Friend

 

 

 

Who are authors whohave inspired you in how you conduct yourself as a professional writer? What dothey do that you find inspiring or interesting?

 

What afantastic question. Or is it my acceptance speech for my first writing award? Untilthen I will take supreme pleasure in answering this question. When you’re a newwriter with no idea how the industry works your head is full of rainbows,sunshine, and a belief that you’re only one story away from becoming a New YorkTimes Bestselli...

Musings on Muses from James W. Ziskin

Do you write from the heart, following your muse, not thinking about the reader at all; or do you write with the market in mind, thinking of the reader and how you can make the novel commercially successful; or somewhere in between? How would you advise an emerging author on this?

When I write, I never think about the market or what might sell. One look at my royalty statements will bear that out. And if I knew the secret to commercial success, I wouldn’t be wasting your time with this blog every...