Monday, July 1, 2019

5 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer by Shami Stovall @GameOverStation #guest

5 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer

By Shami Stovall

One goal every writer should have is to always improve your craft. While this list isn’t the end-all be-all, I do believe each point can help struggling writers hone their skills. I even used these techniques and tricks while I was writing my YA Fantasy novel, Knightmare Arcanist. I hope they can help you, too!

#5 – Read Your Work Aloud

Reading aloud will help you spot the problems in your writing. Repeat words, similar sentence structure, or even awkward phrasing—you will notice all this the instant you start speaking. You don’t need to read it in front of anyone; you just need to read at your own pace in the comfort of your room.

#4—Read Books in Your Genre

Reading other novels in your genre will help you notice trends, tropes, and patterns. You don’t need to copy any of these things, but it highlight what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes it can also give you insight into what publishers and agents are looking for (especially if you read novels repped by those agents or published by that publisher!)

#3—Find an Author Buddy Who is Further Along Than You

Having a mentor can really improve your work and focus. Stumbling through the forest, trying to figure things out by feeling your way through the trees, can be tedious and frustrating. A mentor can help improve your craft, tell you where to look for opportunities, or lead you to specific marketing techniques.

If you’re having problems finding someone, you can go to on-line writer’s forums or seek out local writers by checking meetup.com or similar group-building social sites.

#2—Ignore Specific Writing “Rules”

If you read an article that says, “Never use was” it’s because the author of the article means well, they just don’t have the time and effort to go through your writing specifically. Everyone has different problems they could work on, and while there are common mistakes between newbie writers, they don’t always match up. You should read these articles with a keen eye and think, “Is this right for me?” If you think the article doesn’t apply, ignore it. Don’t dwell or second-guess yourself—that’s the fastest way to doubt, and doubt is the fastest way to giving up.

#1—Write Every Day

My biggest piece of advice! Practice makes perfect, and you won’t get any practice if you avoid writing. Even if you have doubts, or even if you think everything you write is a dumpster fire, you can’t get through that period of your writing without getting words to paper.

Even if it’s just for yourself, write every day!

And that’s it. If you have time, check out my latest novel, Knightmare Arcanist. Like I said, I used all these rules to help that book become the best it could be.

Happy writing!

About the Author

Shami Stovall relies on her BA in History and Juris Doctorate to make her living as an author and history professor in the central valley of California. She writes in a wide range of fiction, from crime thrillers to fantasy to science-fiction. Stovall loves reading, playing video games, entertaining others with stories, and writing about herself in the third person.

Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/

Blog: https://sastovallauthor.com/blog/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@GameOverStation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/

About the Book:

Title: KNIGHTMARE ARCANIST
Author: Shami Stovall
Publisher: Capital Station Books
Pages: 360
Genre: YA Fantasy

BOOK BLURB:

In a world populated by mythical creatures, those who bond with them are known as arcanists—their magic stemming from the connection they forged. Phoenix arcanists gain flames and healing, unicorn arcanists speak with horses and manipulate poison, or even basilisk arcanists who control flesh and stone.

But those wishing to bond must first prove themselves.

Gravedigger Volke Savan, desperate to leave his tiny home island and impress the most beautiful girl he’s ever known, breaks every tradition of the bonding ceremony just to become an arcanist. But when the only creature who will bond with him has a sinister requirement, Volke is put to the ultimate test of worth.

A fast-paced flintlock fantasy for those who enjoy How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell, Unsouled (Cradle Series) by Will Wight, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan.