Rae's Writing Rambles

Alright, I guess I'll just jump right in.  Hi, I'm Rachel.  I'm a friend of Luke's.  I've know him for probably about four years, maybe only three, but it seems like longer.  We met through our home-school group.  So yes, I was also home-schooled.  I say was, because I just graduated high-school this past May/June.  I have been traveling for the last month.  And in case, you're wondering, no I'm not going to college right away, but that's a topic for another time.

Anyway, I love reading.  Reading has always been a huge part of my life.  Writing?  Not until middle school.  That's when I started writing poetry.  I started story writing some time around that time, I don't remember, but I wasn't quite as interested or concerned about how well I wrote until a couple years ago.  So I thought I would share some things that I have learned with y'all.

Here are some tips for you.

1. Write when you're inspired or have an idea.  Find something, anything, and write that awesome thought down.  As a amateur poet, I can tell you, it never sounds as good later if you don't write it down right away.  I find that sometimes, I can keep writing past what I had already planned because those creative juices got work as I was writing, helping me keep on writing.  Inspiration is awesome, take advantage.

2.  Daydream.  When you're doing something mundane, like mowing the grass or driving (but do pay attention to the road!!), plan out scenes, have conversations in you head, since you're not writing you can make up whatever you want, it doesn't even have to fit into the story.  Work out the logistics of the scenes, figure out details.  You won't always remember them later, but that's okay, it's good to get creative and think about it, even when you're not writing.

3.  Know you're ending!  This may seem kind of weird, but it's important.  You need to know how you are going to resolve the conflict before you write the middle.  The middle will work it's self out, but if you don't know how the conflict will be resolved, you're going to get lost and feel frustrated.  Know the ending, when you start writing the beginning.

4.  Use good grammar!!  I have read stories online that I come away thinking that it's just a mess.  I have had to reread things numerous times because I had no idea what the author was trying to communicate.  It is so frustrating reading something that isn't written well, I come away feeling like that person isn't well educated or just lazy.  Neither are good things.  Put thought into the way you shape your sentences.

5.  Use trusted editors.  This isn't actually something I have a lot of experience with, with my story writing but have definitely learned to appreciate, thanks to Luke.  Luke actually asked to edit, well maybe that's not the right word, maybe more like read and share my opinion,  on something he's been working on and I was really pleased to be asked for that kind of task.  I answered some questions we had and we a good conversation about what he was writing and what I thought and what he direction he was taking the story in.  It's always good to get a fresh pair of eyes to read something you yourself have read and edited many times.  They catch things you don't, have different opinions and a different way a seeing things.

6.  Write when you're not inspired.  I know, you're all like, you just told us to write when we're inspired.  Let me explain.  Like all people I find it easier to write when I have a brand new thought or idea to share, but then when it's gone I don't feel like writing anymore.  It's important to write even when you don't have ideas.  Whether it's fanfiction or an original story, start writing.  Know your characters and let them talk.  Sometimes, I'll sit down to write, even when I don't feel like it, the characters come alive again and I get inspired and I get into it again.  Of course, this isn't a fast hard rule, everyone is different.  But sometimes you do have to make yourself work to get anything done.  If it helps, try setting a deadline for yourself.  Don't give up because you're out of ideas, go back to tip 2 and start daydreaming!

Well, that's all I got for you.  I hope it was hopeful in someway.  Now go write!

Blessings,
Rachel