Writer's Cove

What you read here are my personal views, view that I have learned during my time as a writer. Some may agree, others not, but I have found in general they are true, so feel free to take what you will and disregard that you don't.

Those of us who embark of the road of a writer are a dedicated lot. One needs to be simply to keep up with the strains of creating that publishable novel or other piece of writing be it short stories or other.

Basically the writer's life is a lonely one due to the concentration needed when tapping out those creative words. Some listen to music, others need solitude and peace and quiet while others write on the go. One thing all writers have is that desire to create.

I am basically a novelist, and so most of what I refer to will be within that area, but as a rule of thumb could be placed with any form of writing. One may think that writing a lengthy novel is a daunting task, and for some it is. The first time you look at that blank page and you think to yourself…"Now I have a story to tell, but how do I start?"

The first few words are probably the hardest, the first paragraph the most important. With your opening lines you have to capture the reader and draw them into the story you have to tell. That first page will be the make or break of any story as far as a publisher is concerned. With this in mind the writer must always return to the beginning and make sure it is the best possible.

Once you've sorted your opening piece, you move through your novel keeping the plot moving, and adding back-story throughout the manuscript. Never bog down a reader by giving them page upon page of the history of your characters as they will quickly become bored and put it down. It's far better to meter out back-story at relevant times throughout the progress of the plot.

Description: If I've said this to one person I've said it to hundreds. Description is the backbone of any story, the writing needs to paint a picture with the words to give the reader a basic visual. That doesn't mean noting every pimple on a baby's bum either. What it does mean is make sure you give the reader just enough to let their imagination take control. Again, as with back-story, description needs to be placed at the right places and metered out gradually but concisely.

Plot:  Your story and make sure it flows, you can twist your plot, go off in tangents to add sub-plots, but always remember your main plot and return to it. Never leave the main plot behind and let a sub-plot take control. The reason the reader is reading the manuscript is because of your first plot, don't cheat the reader by turning it into a completely different story halfway through.  Stay faithful to your original plot and don’t lose track along the way.

Titles: The title of your manuscript is its first line selling point. The title along with the cover design will be what first attracts a reader to pick up the book and read its back page splurge. The title must be attractive and lure the potential reader, but at the same time must also be pertinent to the story inside. No point having a title that reads…The Anger of Mrs Pink, and then inside write about the fluffy pleasant life of Mr Brown. The title that you choose would probably be a "working title" as if your manuscript should reach publication, the publisher and editor will think hard on weather your "working title" is sufficiently good enough to sell, so don’t be too miffed if the publisher wants it changed as in the end its all about what well sell.

Editors: The professional editor will go over your manuscript with a microscope and pick out any and every fault, don't take it personal as that is their job. The editor knows what he/she is talking about, and any advice they give is slanted at improving your work. They can rip a manuscript to pieces, but in doing so will offer advice on just what is needed to make it perfect. The only real advice I can give towards bettering the editor is…polish your work before submitting, rework, polish, rewrite, polish, and polish again, and when you think it's ready, do it again. This way you will at least know your manuscript is the best you can make it for submission.

That's it for now, more to follow.

Sci.