Every human being has secrets. Why we hide the truth (or lies) from others and sometimes ourselves is often the most interesting part behind a good secret, but understanding what makes up a secret can help an author write a character in a more genuine way. So what should we know about our characters’ secrets?… Continue reading Discovering My Characters’ Secrets
Tag: writer
Is Romance Necessary in YA?
Romance sells. (Or, as they usually say, sex sells.) And now more than ever, sex is being introduced into young adult literature every day. But that’s another debate for another day. Instead, I wanted to focus on the overall umbrella term of romance in YA. Is romance necessary in every YA book? The short answer… Continue reading Is Romance Necessary in YA?
Should Authors Have More Say in Adaptations?
Should authors have more say when their novels are adapted to TV or film? Short answer: Absolutely. But the long answer is a lot more complicated. For one, authors write novels for a reason. That’s how they like to express themselves. TV and movie writing is a completely different ballgame. When I studied screenwriting in… Continue reading Should Authors Have More Say in Adaptations?
When Writing Makes Reading Hard
When Writing Makes Reading Hard by Susannah Ailene Martin I’ve been writing seriously since I was 15. In other words, I’ve had 5 years of training in the craft of writing. That’s how writing works; the more you do it, the better you get at it. I’ve learned a lot about how story structure works and… Continue reading When Writing Makes Reading Hard
Trying to Write as a Pantser
I’m a pantser for the first time. What’s a pantser? Someone who writes a book with no plan, as opposed to a plotter, who, you know, plots. Normally, I plot like crazy. I have plots for my plots. (Also known as subplots.) And though I almost always deviate from my original plans, I always have… Continue reading Trying to Write as a Pantser
Writers and Vocabulary
“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write.” The famous Stephen King said it, and so many more agree. I vehemently say this to every writer I know. Why? Because it amazes me how many writers don’t read on a regular basis. By reading, you’re expanding… Continue reading Writers and Vocabulary
#MondayBlogs Weaknesses in Writing
Writers always have room for improvement. Even if you’re a New York Times Best Seller, you are growing every single day, and knowing what aspects to work on can definitely help your career. How do you know what to concentrate on? Be honest with yourself. Most writers know what their weaknesses are. Maybe it’s those… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Weaknesses in Writing
#MondayBlogs Making More Time To Write
I wish I had more time to write. Am I right? But seriously, every writer I know wishes they had more time to write, and most writers also know it’s a matter of making more time to write. (You know, unless you managed to get your hands on Hermione Granger's Time-Turner, in which case, lucky… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Making More Time To Write
#MondayBlogs How To Find Beta Readers
Beta reader (n): an avid reader/critique partner/superhero who looks over your novel/baby/everything before anyone else sees it in order to improve language/characters/grammar/basically the whole package. Okay, but really, beta readers are necessary, because they are an extra set of knowledgeable eyes on your work. They’ll see those plot holes you understand (but accidentally forgot to… Continue reading #MondayBlogs How To Find Beta Readers
I Am Back! (With Changes & Celebration!)
I’m back! (As promised.) And below, you can read about new changes coming to http://www.ShannonAThompson.com. I will post articles only on Mondays. These articles will be brand-new writing tips and publishing advice across various spectrums. I am discontinuing my Website Wonders and Ketchup series, and I’m officially stepping away from Coffee & Cats, my YouTube… Continue reading I Am Back! (With Changes & Celebration!)
