Ethan Nahté
Write every day, even if it's a journal or a letter to yourself you set on fire afterwards.
Pay attention to writers you enjoy. Re-read a book you love. Pay attention to plot, structure, pacing, character development, etc.
I hear aspiring writers say they want to write but can't figure out where to start. First of all, don't be so OCD that you have to write linear, beginning with a title. The title can come later. You may have a great idea that actually fits better at the middle or end. Write it then work your way backwards to the beginning, asking who, what, where, when, why. Try not to edit as you write.
Read your work aloud to yourself after the first spellcheck. Something that sounded great in your head may give you reason to pause when you read aloud. Plus, spellcheck will not catch issues with homophones and homonyms.
Find honest beta readers. There is nothing wrong with letting a parent, spouse or friend read your work, but find someone who will be honest and give constructive criticism. Tough skin is needed to work in the entertainment business. If you can't handle constructive criticism then you are in the wrong business. That being said, not everything your critics comment on means you need to change it. If four out of five people make the same complaint, you might want to consider changes.
Pay attention to writers you enjoy. Re-read a book you love. Pay attention to plot, structure, pacing, character development, etc.
I hear aspiring writers say they want to write but can't figure out where to start. First of all, don't be so OCD that you have to write linear, beginning with a title. The title can come later. You may have a great idea that actually fits better at the middle or end. Write it then work your way backwards to the beginning, asking who, what, where, when, why. Try not to edit as you write.
Read your work aloud to yourself after the first spellcheck. Something that sounded great in your head may give you reason to pause when you read aloud. Plus, spellcheck will not catch issues with homophones and homonyms.
Find honest beta readers. There is nothing wrong with letting a parent, spouse or friend read your work, but find someone who will be honest and give constructive criticism. Tough skin is needed to work in the entertainment business. If you can't handle constructive criticism then you are in the wrong business. That being said, not everything your critics comment on means you need to change it. If four out of five people make the same complaint, you might want to consider changes.
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