I had started my writing career by writing short stories. Its ages since I have written one now. I hope I have not forgotten how to write short stories.
I have also adopted the index card method. I am finding it a great tool to plot the book. I have just one regret. I wish I had discovered this method much earlier.
I am also adding lots of sensory details in my writing. Its something that my Crit Partner Mark Noce pointed out. Keeping Mark's feedback in mind, I am also writing shorter sentences and adding details which I have a tendency to overlook. Shorter sentences is making a huge difference to my writing.
I have also been reading a lot. I finished book 1 and 2 of the Millenium Trilogy by Steig Larsson. The books are simply awesome.
You all can see that there are several changes in my writing life. I hope they are all for the better. What are the changes in your writing life? Anything new and different you all are doing? We would love to hear all about it.
Thanks for sharing, Rachna ma'am. The changes you are experiencing definitely sounds for the better. Keep writing. :) Happy weekend...
ReplyDeleteA good way I've found to keep the short story muscles working is to write a stroy featuring one of the characters from a longer piece in a side story. Also helps to get to know the character better.
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Moody Writing
Awesome. I wish I could use the index cards and totally plot my story before I start. But it hasn't worked so far. I do plot the major plot points.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to write a little bit at least most days. And it's working.
How did you enjoy the Stieg Larsson books? I too haven’t read the third yet but hope to do so soon.
ReplyDeleteI started plotting a new novel using The Plot Whisperer Workbook. I love it!! Martha Alderson's approach to plot is unique and exactly what I needed.
ReplyDeleteI love short stories. I'm sure you haven't forgotten how to write them! It's kind of like riding a bike or driving a car after not doing so for awhile. You may be cautious at first, but your body/mind still knows what to do!
Looks like you've been making lots of practical changes to be a more efficient writer.
ReplyDeleteI haven't written long hand since I was a teenager! Occasionally I'll hand writer and letter and make notes about background stuff but everything else is on the laptop. It's so much quicker that way.
Jai
I've made so many changes since I first started writing. I don't know where to start. The only thing that has remained is that I do a lot of preplanning first. Okay, maybe not as much as my first book. I spent 10 months planning that one, including the types of flowers I would find in the area. I went waaaaay overboard. :)
ReplyDeleteThe more we write, the more we grow and change.
ReplyDeleteI used to write longhand but after NaNo 2010, it's now easier on the computer.
I've encountered varied opinions, some positive, some negative, on the Stieg Larsson books... I have yet to read one of them and see for myself.
ReplyDeleteHi friends, I have realized that the more I write, the more I am growing in my craft. I am able to see my mistakes (not all of them, but quite a few). The best way to learn is to keep writing and ofcourse reading :)
ReplyDeleteI am sure they are for the better! True writers are always growing and improving, I'm thinking. I used to write things out too; now all I do is type unless I am away from my laptop.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Sounds like you are having fun with all these changes. And I know what you mean about wishing you'd adopted a method earlier. I feel the same way about outlining. hehehe.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Rachna, for continuing to grow in your writing, lots of good points you've made here! I've been trying to add more sensory details, too. But the biggest change for me has been to spend more time getting to know my character better first, before jumping into the story. I think it will pay off :-)
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome! Can't wait to read your newest stuff! Thanks for the kind shout-out:)
ReplyDeleteGood for you. Sounds like you're making great progress.
ReplyDeleteKeep giving these nice tips Rachna:) Missed reading your blog due travel:)
ReplyDeleteMy changes are all due to scheduling and struggling to find time due to my new schedule.
ReplyDeleteI hate writing by hand because I have horrible handwriting. Typing for me for sure! I have a new writing project coming up, but not much has changed other than that.
ReplyDeleteYay! These changes sound great! Good luck with your short stories. I know they'll turn out very well :)
ReplyDeleteI think making changes is always a good idea. I used to write in longhand originally, and I still miss that sometimes, but like you, I find it easier to use the keyboard and go back and make changes, etc. I still write poetry longhand, though. What I've done recently is keeping pages in longhand about problems in my book or ideas for how I can change something around that's not working. Often I find that it's easy to skim over the surface and do a quick fix without really plumbing deeper on the computer. There is something about the hand/heart connection that helps align fiction. It's been very helpful with my rewrite. I really had a breakthrough that I think I could only get by using the pen instead of keyboard. It's such a mystical process sometimes.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Ma'am Rachna, you inspire me as always.
ReplyDeleteI would love to start with basic literature rules of writing a story or if not, I would like to challenge myself in creating a new rules.
Thanks for updating your change in writing. Life is fun when we are crazy and messy. :)
You remind me that I do not read enough non-poetry. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're happy with your writing, which is fabulous. Good for you Rachna.
ReplyDeleteHello Rachna - I am an aspiring novelist and short fiction writer originally from India living in US, and have enjoyed browsing through your blog. I've not written in along hand since college. I do sometimes pull out a worn notebook and write but its more for the pleasure of feeling the pen in my hands I think. I hope to learn more from you about publishing in India, and many other things I have a feeling. Please drop by my blog when you have a chance -
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Hi Brinda (modscheherzade) nice to meet you. Left a comment on your Wordpress blog. As usual it landed in the spam folder. Hopefully you will be able to retrieve it.
ReplyDeleteI think you will like writing on a computer. It's odd at first, but the convenience is priceless.
ReplyDeletei loved the millennium trilogy too..what a fabulous writer, too bad he passed away so soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your journey!
ReplyDeleteI think your writing has really tightened up. You have a nice, easy flow, too! It's fun to hear about your choices.
Great job!!
Change is good.
ReplyDeleteFor about two years now I started using a 24-chapter outlining method I found online, which has been great for my latest drafts. Also, for a little over a year I've been using an AlphaSmart for drafting.