Ellechor Media’s Twitter Party
Don’t forget to attend Ellechor Media’s Twitter Party starting at 11:00 today, with live online action starting at 8:00 p.m. Follow it at #EllechorPresents.
There will be authors to talk to, contests, and giveaways. Also, as a special promotion, Ellechor is offering all their e-books for only $2.99 all day!
If you are an aspiring author, don’t miss this chance to hob nob with your future colleagues and make connections!
New Release Celebration
HEY EVERYONE,
If you’re looking for some good deals for Christmas, head on over to https://www.facebook.com/events/473940216057845/ on Saturday from 11:00-2:00 CST.
All-day deals, giveaways, author trivia and more.
Hosted by Ellechor Publishing on Twitter.
Watch for news and updates on Facebook and Twitter.
The Poor Man’s Guide to Learning How to Write
You’ve got the most awesome idea for a novel, and you’re pounding away on your outline. The plot is so exciting that even you can’t wait to find out what happens next. No doubt it’ll blow everyone away, and the money’s going to be pouring in so fast old J.K. Rowling will be knocking on your door for a loan.
Pretty soon, all you’ll have to do is write the actual book and then get it published.
Wah. Wah.
Turning from the planning phase to the actual writing can be a downer, especially if it’s a first attempt at a novel. And, if you’re like most authors I know, you don’t have the time or money (or desire) to get an MFA in Creative Writing. Luckily, there are several very cost effective and efficient ways to begin learning how to craft your story.
Books
There are loads of books written on the art of writing, but here are the ones I’ve found the most helpful.
The Curious Case of the Misplaced Modifier: How to Solve the 10 Mysteries of Weak Writing by Bonnie Trenga is an easy to understand, humorous, and (happily) short book that will help you make sense of all those grammar rules you forgot you ever learned.
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Browne and King wittily explains how you can self-edit your manuscript and includes exercises on how to strengthen your writing.
Writing Great Books for Young Adults by Regina Brooks will tell you everything you need to know about writing styles, plots, points of view, writing dialogue, and character development if you are targeting a young adult audience.
Critique Groups
If you really really really want to get published, find a creative writing group in your area that focuses on critiquing its members’ work. Nothing will improve your writing better than some constructive criticism.
If you aren’t fortunate enough to live in a city with a group, there are critiquing groups online. My favorite is authonomy.com. It’s free, easy to use, and has thousands of members desperate to trade critiques so they can improve their own standing on the site. What’s more, the five top-rated authors are reviewed for publication by Harper Collins each month. That’s a deal you can’t beat.
Just Get Inspired Already
I’ve often heard authors (and annoying English professors) say the First Rule of Writing is to sit down and write. Easy, huh? That’s right. Plop down at your computer, and….Quick! Get inspired and churn out a story!
Every time I tried to do that I ended up staring at a blank screen. Maybe it works for some people, but not me. I mean, come on. It’s hard to get inspired unless there’s something that’s inspiring. So what’s my First Rule of Writing? Listen to God and outline. Some clarification is in order.
Listening to God
For me, writing is really fun. And because it’s fun, I think about stories (or possible stories) all the time, including during times of prayer and devotion. God has made each of us to have distinct passions, interests, and experiences. If we are sensitive to his Spirit, this uniqueness will cause each Christian to reflect God and His story in a vibrant, exciting way. It’s kind of a given: creativity stems from The Creator. Do you want to write? Then ask your Creator to inspire and impassion you about a concept, theme, or issue. But don’t be surprised when he draws your attention and thoughts to topics that already tug at your heart.
Outlining
Yes, I know. It’s like a cuss word to creative, artsy-fartsy types. I apologize for the offensive suggestion, but there it is. This is only my opinion of course, but it’s based on experience. The first novel I tried to write I began solely on “inspiration.” Which is to say, I had a vague idea about a high fantasy story set in a magical and mystical world whose noble inhabitants were beset by an ancient evil. Tolkien, anyone? The only problem was I’m not Tolkien (last time I checked anyway), and the story was about as inspiring as Gollum’s loincloth.
I began my second book as a series of short stories set in the deep South, but then decided to turn it into a novel. There was no outline, so I wasn’t sure where it was going. The result? It “was going” into the reject pile of every literary agent in the universe.
For new authors, there are so many things to take into consideration when learning to write (dialogue, narrative, pacing, word choice, appropriate length, grammar and syntax, etc.), you’re making it harder on yourself if you don’t outline the plot….the entire plot.
Writing Prompt
So, interested in starting a story of your own? 1) Pray for God to clarify your interests and passions, and begin making a list of ideas for a story. 2) Then, sit down and begin an outline. Don’t worry about grammar, details, or word choice; just get the ideas out. And there you have it. You’ll have taken your first step toward getting that story on paper. And just in case you’re thinking that I don’t REALLY practice what I preach…
Booyah.
Nathan Lumbatis 
I Want to Shoot My Computer In the Face…and Following Comments
Hey Everyone:
After hours of wading through annoying web tutorials and techno-babble just to torture myself….
I’ve have finally discovered how you can receive replies to the comments you make on my website.
Apparently, when you leave a comment on a post, you will see an option to “Follow Comments.” Make sure you check this box. If you don’t you won’t know when I reply to your question.
-Nathan
November 8, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Comments, following comments, following posts, replies | Leave a comment