Very strange that now—at a time when I am working on a full length novel and currently struggling to continue—Substack blows up one of your posts and leads me to here! Great advice, definitely needed this. About to hop on for my usual hour+ of writing.
Writers who create compelling characters have usually written multiple books—it doesn’t happen overnight. The more you write, the better you become at crafting well-rounded characters with rich backstories, distinct arcs, and unique dialogue. In many ways, authors are voyeurs, keen observers of human nature who capture intriguing details about people and weave them into their characters. Listening to conversations at bars. diners and in dressing rooms is never a waste of time.
Yes, it can take years to develop the skill. My mentor said when a writer hits 700,000 words or more, they have usually improved.
She also said she would enter a grocery store and see someone who resembled her character walk by, which I thought was hilarious. She was a keen observer.
Most writers will write several practice novels or short stories before publishing a manuscript. I’d like for new writers to know these stories aren’t a waste of time. Learning how to write takes practice.
You’ve written and published several books. You’ve attended countless conferences, and writing courses to hone your skills.
No matter how rough your writing was when you started, it could have been worse—and the more you write, the better you become. It’s equally important to make time for reading and other activities that inspire you. You have to refill your creative cup!
Very strange that now—at a time when I am working on a full length novel and currently struggling to continue—Substack blows up one of your posts and leads me to here! Great advice, definitely needed this. About to hop on for my usual hour+ of writing.
Thank you. I’m glad the post helped and that you and I connected. Happy writing and thanks for reading my post.
Writers who create compelling characters have usually written multiple books—it doesn’t happen overnight. The more you write, the better you become at crafting well-rounded characters with rich backstories, distinct arcs, and unique dialogue. In many ways, authors are voyeurs, keen observers of human nature who capture intriguing details about people and weave them into their characters. Listening to conversations at bars. diners and in dressing rooms is never a waste of time.
Yes, it can take years to develop the skill. My mentor said when a writer hits 700,000 words or more, they have usually improved.
She also said she would enter a grocery store and see someone who resembled her character walk by, which I thought was hilarious. She was a keen observer.
Most writers will write several practice novels or short stories before publishing a manuscript. I’d like for new writers to know these stories aren’t a waste of time. Learning how to write takes practice.
You’ve written and published several books. You’ve attended countless conferences, and writing courses to hone your skills.
Thank you for reading and your input.
No matter how rough your writing was when you started, it could have been worse—and the more you write, the better you become. It’s equally important to make time for reading and other activities that inspire you. You have to refill your creative cup!