It's been a couple of week since my last posting. Taking a reading break, I have spent time learning show versus tell as well as flow in writing -- all suggestions from my chosen seven readers. The reviews have been positive which makes me feel great. I laugh whenever I look back at my earlier editions. The first incarnation was a paragraph long and basic. And now after almost three years... I am ready to complete it and send it out into the world.
On a completely different topic, when I discover a writer, I immediately search for their credentials. Where did they go to school? What was their major? Was it English? Creative writing? How many books have theyr written? Awards? Tell me more! Why do I do this? I want to know that I am not the only writer out there with no background in English or creative writing.
I have discovered others like me. I am inspired by them to keep writing and chugging forward.
One of my readers recommended
Rebecca Stead and her book, When You Reach Me. I checked it out from my local library and love it after only a couple of chapters. However, I am also encouraged from her personal story. She was lawyer turned writer. I love her statement (found on her website under "About"):
"Some people will tell you that real writers don’t use parentheticals (which is nonsense). The most important thing to know about writing is that there are no rules."
Look Rebecca, I used them too...
