Writing and Editing Tips
Want to receive writing tips in your inbox every week? Click the button below to sign up!
Writing Tip: Be Specific
If you want your reader to remember your book, you need to be specific.
Sometimes, we think being broad will reach more people because it’s more relatable, but really, when we are general, we speak to no one.
It’s when we are specific that we connect with people.
You are smart enough to write your novel
I hear this from my clients a lot. They think that because they’re overwhelmed or are moving slowly in their novel, it means they’re not smart enough to write their story.
That is a lie from the pit of story hell.
You are smart enough to tell your story.
Do you know this essential thing about your novel?
Your point is the message of your story, the emotional core.
It’s the tree trunk from which all other story elements grow—character, plot, tone, worldbuilding.
If defining your point feels restrictive or like you’re going to beat your reader over the head, you can think of it as your book statement, theme, concept, or story’s heart.
When I Punched a Bestselling Author
A few years ago, I attended a talk by a multi-published, best-selling author. I hadn’t read this woman’s books, but I enjoyed hearing her speak about researching the novels, the growth of her writing journey, and connecting with readers.
All was destroyed, though, when someone asked a simple question, “Do you have any tips for aspiring novelists?” Her response? You need an inborn level of skill to make it as a published author.