Shannen
asked
Jennifer A. Nielsen:
Hello! I am such a big fan of all of your works and I’m so thankful for your novels. I was wondering if you had any advice for aspiring writers? I really enjoy writing and would love to have any advice you are willing to give
Jennifer A. Nielsen
Thanks very much Shannen. My advice is this: Get a copy of your favorite book – the one that makes you want to write. Now get a highlighter and pen. This time I want you to read the book the way a writer reads it. So highlight everything you love: a bit of description, a line of dialogue, a chapter ending you loved, or whatever. Then use the pen and write in the column why you loved it. What made it work? As soon as you can figure out how your favorite author did something well, then you will know how to bring it in to your own writing. If you do this, it will be as helpful to you as a dozen books on how to write. Good luck!
More Answered Questions
Sunny the Sassy
asked
Jennifer A. Nielsen:
Hello! Thanks for your great advice. I have another question. In my current story 1 of my 2 antagonists does some pretty bad stuff to my main character but later on he has a change of heart. At first it's just because he's fallen in love with her but he does realize his mistakes later. I do want him to end up with my main character but I don't know how she can forgive him and how their relationship would work? Thanks!
starlight (seeing txt!! ♡)
asked
Jennifer A. Nielsen:
This question contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)[
Did Lump ever change his name?
(hide spoiler)]
Anna
asked
Jennifer A. Nielsen:
Lately I haven't really been writing stories lately. When I try, the only thing I can do is find all the mistakes with it instead of just trying to enjoy myself. It's been like this for months. I don't want to give up writing at all, but I feel kinda lost about it. Does this ever happen to you, and what would you do about it? Any suggestions?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more