Todays tip

Learn to listen. take in how people use words and how they make conversation. You need to be able to make your characters sound real in their conversations.

A good book.

THE BLACKHOUSE by Peter May

A MURDER: A brutal killing has taken place on Scotland's most remote island. Detective Fin MacLeod is sent from Edinburgh to investigate. For Lewis-born MacLeod, the case represents a journey both home and into his past. A SECRET: Something lurks beneath the close-knit, God-fearing facade of the Lewis community. Something primal. As Fin investigates, old secrets are unearthed, and soon he, the hunter, becomes the hunted. The Blackhouse is a crime novel of rare power and vision. Peter May has crafted a page-turning murder mystery that explores the darkness in our soul, and just how difficult it is to escape the past.

Get somebody to read your work.

Get somebody to read your work and get them to tell you what thet really think not what they think you want to hear. If you can get another writer or editor to read your work. There are also several web sites where you can submit your work to be reviewed.

Try new things

Try new things dont just write in the same style all the time. You can develope your style based on one of te great writers but experiment with new styles. Try using different words from what you normally use.

Plan before writing.

Planning can be good as you come across any possible problems that may come up in your story. Sometimes what seems like a good idea, just does not fit into your story, or as you plan you may find somthing better to write

Write anything

Write anything. Writing can be hard. If you find your mind is blank and you just cant get started with the task at hand, write anything. Just start writing, a word, a name, it does't mater what. You will soon get into the flow of writing and this could lead to a very good piece of work. If not, it does not mater, at least you have got started and hopfully, you can now get on with your work.

Write Down Ideas

Write down ideas. Keep a notebook with you and write down ideas for stories, articles, and novels. You will also need to make notes on charactors and location that come into your head. Often a conversation you over hear can spark an idea. Maybe a building, or other location will bring you an idea you can use. Make notes all the time.