Skip to main content

Writer tip: Writers's Guide yes or no?

I saw a post on Twitter and the question was asked, which writer's guide are the most helpful? Then I got to thinking, do writers even need one? Aside from critique partners, editors, and beta readers (another post for another time lol), what else is useful during the writing process? What if you're new and don't know how to structure an outline? What if you have a plot hole, or maybe your descriptions fall short and you need a fuller vocabulary of words to choose from?

For me, I definitely fit into this category. I'll be honest and say my weaknesses include naming emotions, using weak verbs, and... drum roll please... crutch words "just", "admit," and my personally favorite in dialogue, "you've got to be kidding me."

Now, while there are times these things can be used, the key word is sparingly. I've learned that readers want an experience when they read a book. You've got to touch their hearts with a story. As a romance author, like me, that's a must not excluding all other genres. I don't want to tell my readers my hero and heroine fell in love, I have to show them falling in love. That way the readers fall in love too along the way.

How do I do this? Recently, I have invested in some writers guides. The one that has been the most helpful is the Thesaurus series: Emotion, Rural, Urban, and the Emotional Wound. (All separate books by the way😉) There's also the Positive and Negative thesaurus' and the Emotions Amplifiers, just to name a few. Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are the authors. My favorite so far is the Emotion Thesaurus (link below and it'll lead you to the others too.)😃

This has opened a new world for me in emotions for my characters. Instead of saying, "Marsha was angry," I look up anger and see the physical and mental responses for this emotion. "Marsha's nostrils flared. Her chest tightened as she clenched her fists." Do you think she's angry now? I feel some tension here myself lol. So, should writers use guides? Well don't know about you, but I do!✋

I hope this was helpful and stayed tuned for another tip next time!


Emotion Thesaurus
https://www.amazon.com/Emotion-Thesaurus-Writers-Character-Expression-ebook-dp-B00822WM2M/dp/B00822WM2M/ref=mt_kindle?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1548179562

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Arranged by Trisha Grace

  Arranged : A Clean Billionaire Romance by Trisha Grace From the first chapter, this story engrossed me. I love Hayley and her spirit. She realizes her "dream" husband is just a dream, but due to unforeseen circumstances, she must press into her faith to take care of a man that doesn't want her around. Julian doesn't see Hayley as his wife, but her kindness towards him has him questioning her intentions. I love Trisha's depiction of both faith and love in this story. Hayley and Julian are both relatable, but Hayley is definitely my favorite in this story. I love her strength, her faith in God, and how she depends on Him to help with her rocky marriage. I look forward to reading more by Trisha Grace. Beautiful story, with even more twists and turns to keep us readers guessing.

Beta Reading; What's been working for me

If you've been looking for beta readers I do recommend www.critiquematch.com , www.cpmatchmaking.wordpress.com , and the latest www.betareader.io . With Critique Match and Betareader.io, you will have to upload your manuscript, whether its pages or the full document. I do advise reviewing the tutorials, and anything else can be asked in the help desks. I will say what's been working for me, is offering to be a beta reader. Of course, I don't offer in the hopes of "what can you do for me?" If a story sparks my interest and I have the time, I don't mind helping a fellow author in my genre. I know I can't read everyone's work, but I aim to sharpen my skills when it comes to plot development, character arcs, narratives, etc. Doing this, however, I have found authors are more open to reading my work since I took the time to read theirs. Again, I'm happy to help because I love reading and writing, but this has definitely been an asset to my works in pr

Writer Tip: Are you showing or telling?

We've all heard as writers "show and don't tell," while others have heard "show and tell." Which one do you choose? I have found it's best to find a balance. If your details are not moving the story, then of course tell your readers, "Mya went to work." On the other hand, if she gets into an accident on the way or she meets her hero (love interest) because he's her new boss, then show it. Ex: "Mya gripped the steering wheel. Her radio clashed with traffic noises outside, but she sung along to the tunes anyway. She could use another cup of coffee, but stopping on the way--out of the question. Five will be here soon and I can go home. If only she could keep her eyes from drooping, but her boss's thick eyebrows would raise if she trotted inside the office late. Then the purr of her motor came to an end as she cut the engine, finally parking in her spot. Then she saw... Greg? " This is a rough version, but get you the point,