Kelsi
asked
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez:
Hi, I have a few questions about writing: 1. How do you deal with Writers' Block, 2. How do you weed out all the junk in your story to make it as great as it can be, and 3. How do you stay motivated? I'm currently writing a book right now, and since you're one of my most favorite authors I was hoping I could get some advice from you. :)
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
Dear Kelsi,
Hi there! I've been so busy writing and editing that I missed seeing this. I'm sorry. Well, you ask great questions! I'll attempt to answer them.
1. Writers block? I refuse to succumb to it! I think most writer's block stems from fear and/or indecision. So when I begin to feel stuck or judgemental, I remind myself that I'm writing a first draft. Everything can change in the re-write, but I can't re-write something I haven't finished. So I push on and keep writing until things begin to flow again. I never let writer's block win. Once you stop to contemplate it--it has already won!
2. How do I weed out all the junk? Another great question. Well, I'm lucky to have an editor help me with that. It often takes another pair of eyes to help you discern what is working and what is not. It's like having a friend go through your closet with you and he or she holds up an old ratty purse and says, "Do you really need this? Does it serve a purpose?" Because writers can get attached to all their words, and they can all seem important. The other trick is to let your manuscript breathe after you finish the first draft. Give it two weeks or so and then read it again. Some of the loose plot lines and lazy sentences will become more obvious after a break.
3. I have deadlines, which helps me stay motivated. They can help you too. Set your own deadlines. For instance, set a goal to be finished by the end of the school year, or the end of summer. Or set mini-goals like finishing a chapter a week or every two weeks. Writing is work, not every day or every word will be exciting. The key is to persevere through it all and don't judge your first draft. Making progress is very motivating! So I suggest that you don't spend time perfecting what you've already written--keep going forward so that you see results!!
I'm thrilled to hear you're writing a book! Good luck! Best, Jennifer
Hi there! I've been so busy writing and editing that I missed seeing this. I'm sorry. Well, you ask great questions! I'll attempt to answer them.
1. Writers block? I refuse to succumb to it! I think most writer's block stems from fear and/or indecision. So when I begin to feel stuck or judgemental, I remind myself that I'm writing a first draft. Everything can change in the re-write, but I can't re-write something I haven't finished. So I push on and keep writing until things begin to flow again. I never let writer's block win. Once you stop to contemplate it--it has already won!
2. How do I weed out all the junk? Another great question. Well, I'm lucky to have an editor help me with that. It often takes another pair of eyes to help you discern what is working and what is not. It's like having a friend go through your closet with you and he or she holds up an old ratty purse and says, "Do you really need this? Does it serve a purpose?" Because writers can get attached to all their words, and they can all seem important. The other trick is to let your manuscript breathe after you finish the first draft. Give it two weeks or so and then read it again. Some of the loose plot lines and lazy sentences will become more obvious after a break.
3. I have deadlines, which helps me stay motivated. They can help you too. Set your own deadlines. For instance, set a goal to be finished by the end of the school year, or the end of summer. Or set mini-goals like finishing a chapter a week or every two weeks. Writing is work, not every day or every word will be exciting. The key is to persevere through it all and don't judge your first draft. Making progress is very motivating! So I suggest that you don't spend time perfecting what you've already written--keep going forward so that you see results!!
I'm thrilled to hear you're writing a book! Good luck! Best, Jennifer
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