Anyway, today's topic is Writing Tips from a Pro. Well, I'm not exactly a Pro, but who cares? Not me, anyway!
How do I write? How does anyone, for that matter, write? Well, I use the same method used for thousands of years, popular with now-famous writers such as...well...famous writers! I have named this method, after hours of intense contemplation, the "Hmmmmmm..." method. Because, basically, you find a nice comfy chair, and get your Laptop Which Is Approximately 73 Years Old But Still Works, and you sit down, power up your LWIA73YOBSW, and go "Hmmmmmm..."and stare into space until you have written the Great American Novel! Trust me! It works!
So what you're asking now is, "Why do you need a LWIA73YOBSW?" And the answer is simple. Write this down, folks:
Modern computers have WAY too many interesting functions to be good for writing. You need a computer that has exactly 3 functions: word processing, thesaurus, and (SLOW) internet access so that you can interrupt your writing to write on your blog.
So if you have one of those new-fangled Mac OS 10013782 Panther Cheetah Snow Leopard computers (Yes, I am a Mac person! And don't tell me my computer is "wimpy". It's easily heavy enough to inflict a minor head injury, though it might cause damage to the computer) the truth is, you're never going to get anything done. Trust me! I've tried! My dad has a MacBook Pro and while I've done a lot of good writing on it, it's NOTHING compared to the stuff I get on the LWIA73YOBSW.
Which brings me to WORD PROCESSING. For many (2) years I wrote on Microsoft Word, before my dad said, "Hey Brook! Why don't you try this program? It has (a bunch of cool features)!"
And I said, with great wisdom, "NO!"
Because I liked Microsoft Word. It was a Great Program.
But then I told my dad, "Okay, I'll try it." There is a free trial. And when I tried it, it was The Greatest Program For Writers Ever Invented. You can keep each chapter in a separate document, but all the chapters in one Project. You can easily jump from chapter to chapter. You can give each chapter a Status. You can give each chapter a different icon in the Binder. I love it!
"So," you're asking, "What is this so-called Greatest Program For Writers Ever Invented?"
And I'll tell you. It's called...
—> Scrivener <—
I'd say, if you're serious about writing, especially a novel, you Need This Program. It is AWESOME. And it works on my LWIA73YOBSW!
And yes, it is worth all $45.
Anyways, my next Tip From A Pro is, if you're planning to write a book, make a Info File first (Which, by the way, is very easy on Scrivener). Outline each character, setting, and even the plot. If necessary, use one of the many Random Name Generators: Seventh Sanctum, Serendipity, Random Names, or (if you're writing fantasy, like me, this one generates a TON of "crud", but there are GREAT names in there sometimes) the Fantasy Name Generator.
That way, when you start your book, you are very knowledgeable about the world it is set in. I write fantasy, and I made up the whole entire world, so this is essential. Even if you're not writing fantasy, it's good to know your characters well. Here is a typical page, and this is MY CHARACTER SO DON'T STEAL HER!
Selenia Ashbrook—39—Female
Hair: Long, straight, dark brown, often braided or in small bun at the back of her head
Eyes: Brown
Skin: Tanned white
Height: 5’1”
Other Important Features:
Bio:
Selenia is a short woman in her late thirties who is used to being and working alone. She lost her husband in the Third Dalymnan War. Her son, Kellan is her greatest support in all things. She has many deep sadnesses but she always has hope. Selenia works almost constantly to feed her and Kellan. Her son is her greatest friend and supporter. She loves him like no other and is sometimes overprotective.
Ha ha! Now you're curious! Who's Kellan? What is the Third Dalymnan War? Would it help you if I told you that I deleted a part to keep from giving anything away? Of course not. Mwah ha ha!
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