Writing a Novel Summary

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Last week, I wrote about drafting a novel synopsis as a means of working out plot issues. A synopsis is a detailed account of your novel complete with inciting incident, plot development, climax, resolution. Yes, it also includes all the spoilers. Most agents and editors require a synopsis when you pitch your manuscript. You can check out that post here.

A lot of folks confuse the synopsis with the plot summary, which is a shorter description of the plot. While a synopsis can be anywhere from two to five pages in length, a summary is usually several paragraphs and it doesn’t give away the ending. There are no spoilers with a summary. Check out this video presentation from Reedsy, which provides a clear explanation of each.

If you’re still confused, check out the book descriptions on Amazon and Goodreads or browse the back of books in a bookstore or library. You’ll find the plot summary there. In three paragraphs, the summary describes the main plot and primary characters, the problem they’re trying to solve and the stakes they face. The summary’s purpose is to pique the interest of readers without giving away the ending.

The plot summary has several common elements, described below. I’ve also included a couple of examples:

* The first paragraph introduces the protagonist, showcases their world and what they desire. The inciting incident sets the story into motion and hints at the conflict that the protagonist faces.

From The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick:

“Mother of two Live Green barely scrapes by as a maid to make ends meet, often finding escape in a good book while daydreaming of becoming a writer herself. So she can’t believe her luck when she lands a job housekeeping for her personal hero, mega bestselling author Essie  Starling, a mysterious and intimidating recluse. The last thing Live expected was to be the only person Essie talks to, which leads to a tenuous friendship.”

From The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi:

“Escaping from an arranged and an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way from her 1950s rural village to the vibrant pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the henna artist–and confidante–most in demand by the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own.”

* The second paragraph describes the core plot and conflict without giving away the ending.

From The Messy Lives of Book People:

“When Essie passes away suddenly, Liv is astonished to learn that Essie’s dying wish is for Liv to complete her final novel. But to do so, Liv will have to step into Essie’s shoes.”

From The Henna Artist:

“Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow–a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly the caution that Lakshmi has carefully cultivated is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those who surround her as she does.”

* The third paragraph, which may only be one sentence, hints at the resolution and how it might impact the protagonist’s future.

“As Liv begins to write, she uncovers secrets from the past that reveal a surprising connection between the two women – one that will change Liv’s own story forever.”

“Vivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman’s struggle for fulfillment in a society pivoting between the traditional and the modern, The Henna Artist opens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel.”

With each of these examples, you can see the progression of the plot summary, the description of the character, their desire, and what gets in the way of their achieving that desire. But also note how the summaries don’t give away the resolution, but only hints at its potential impact on the protagonist.

Try this exercise: As you work on your current manuscript, draft a summary using the three-step formula above. Preparing a plot summary can not only help you refine your plot, it can be used to pitch to potential editors and agents. 

How Drafting a Synopsis Can Help You Revise Your Novel

~ The Regal Writer ~ 1 Comment
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I’ve been in a bit of a writing slump lately. Perhaps it’s the summer heat that has zapped my energy or self-doubt rearing its ugly head again. Either way, I’ve had no motivation to work on my current novel project(s).

It’s enough to make this grown-up writer cry.

I’ve tried several things to get out of this slump:

* Writing scenes for a totally different story to see if it has legs
* Writing character profiles to better understand their backstory, needs and desires
* Rewriting a previously drafted scene with a different character POV
* Rewriting a previously drafted scene with a character that has aged 30 years

So far none of them has sparked any kind of excitement about my work. 

But there’s one more thing I’m trying: Drafting a synopsis of the story in the hopes it will help me spot plot holes before they grow into canyons.

For the novice writers, a synopsis is a comprehensive, detailed account of the novel from start to finish, including character arcs, plot twists, the climax and resolution. At two to four pages, double spaced, it’s usually written in third person present tense and is used to pitch your novel to agents and editors.

Writing a synopsis before drafting or revising your story can be helpful for two reasons, according to the Writer’s Block Party blog:

* A synopsis is the sweet spot between a query letter and a full outline
* It can help you stay on track during the drafting or revision process.

A typical synopsis includes the following elements.

* Initial premise/concept
* Setting – time and place
* Main character – what they desire, motivation, problems they’ll face as they pursue their goal.  Make sure you show what makes the character unique.
* Any side characters, allies, or friends – who will help the protagonist achieve their goal
* Antagonist or opponent – what do they want, how will their desires clash with those of the protagonist?
* Any potential love interest?
* Inciting incident – what sets the action in motion?
* Rising action and midpoint scene
* Logical plot development
* Climax and resolution

That’s a lot to consider in the early stages of writing. But the process of drafting the synopsis will help you see the scenes or elements of your story that are missing or need attention. Is the protagonist’s character arc lacking? Are their story goals clear? Are the stakes high enough? Is there enough conflict and tension to move the story forward?

In addition to the elements listed above, the Reedsy experts (watch the video in the link) recommend the following suggestions:

* Voice – Make sure you show strong narrative writing in the synopsis. If the writing is poor, editors and agents may assume the novel won’t be well-written either. Use voice to convey the book’s tone, mood and atmosphere.

* Plot twists – Include the key plot twists that they’ll find in your novel and set them up the same way so readers of your synopsis can see their impact.

* Themes – The synopsis should hint at any themes in your story to showcase the level of complexity. 

I like the idea of drafting a synopsis before the revision stage because it can help you refine your story idea, spot plot holes and create stronger character arcs.

If you’re just starting the drafting phase, you may only have a few scenes and characters in mind. Go ahead and summarize those scenes and build your story synopsis from there. You can always go back to refine the premise and plot points as you think of new scenes.

Another advantage of creating the synopsis before revising is that it’s a working document so you can jot down plot details to see if they’ll work. That way you won’t forget them or lose track. They’re all written down for future reference. However, as you draft and revise your manuscript, those scene and character details may change, so be flexible.

If you ever feel stuck while revising, try writing the synopsis. It might just be the key to unlocking your creative inspiration so you can plan a better story.

How to Get Over a Mid-Summer Writing Slump

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This post was originally published in 2022, but the topic is as pertinent now as it was then.

Ever have those days when you simply don’t feel like writing? Funny that those days seem to occur most often during the summer. Blame it on the heat that makes everyone feel lazy. Or the distraction of summer activities – picnics, parties, the beach, outdoor movies in the park. When it’s summer, the last thing you want to do is work. And writing is work. A lot of work.

Conversely, maybe you’re too busy with work assignments and deadlines to squeeze in any pleasurable writing time. Despite my busy schedule, I feel like most days I’m waiting for email responses, interview confirmations and reviewed manuscripts, which make me feel like I’m not getting anything accomplished.

Welcome to summer, where everything and everyone seem to slow to a crawl. That includes your writing practice, which can feel like you’re in a race with snails.

How do you get back into that creative flow? How do you keep your writing practice going when there are so many summer distractions and obligations to take care of? Here are a few strategies that have worked for me. They might work for you too.

*Shorten your schedule. It might be necessary to shorten the schedule. For example, instead of writing every day, cut back to three or four days a week. If all you can give to your writing is three days a week, then go with that shortened schedule. Then when summer ends and activities slow down, you can always go back to writing every day. The most important thing to remember is to keep to some kind of schedule so you don’t lose momentum or motivation.

* Write in the early morning. If you can’t find the time to write during the day, try writing before breakfast. Many writers swear by this practice. It’s quiet at that early hour before the rest of the world awakes, and you can actually hear yourself think. You might be able to do your best work then.

* Write in the evening. If the early morning does not fit your schedule or appeal to you, try writing after dinner or before bedtime. You might find it more relaxing and it might help you get to sleep.

* Write in short bursts. Sessions of 10 to 15 minutes can help you stay productive. You’d be surprised how much you can get done in that brief amount of time. Check out my earlier post about writing in 15-minute sessions.

* Skip a day or two. It’s okay if you have to cut back on writing time to make room for other activities. Just don’t extend it too long or you might have trouble getting motivated to start writing again. Engage with the outside world and exploring new people and activities. They can only help to enrich your writing.

* Focus on non-writing activities. With less time available, writing may not be practical. Use your time instead to read about the writing craft, do research for your work-in-progress, or study the works of a favorite author.

*Set small goals. Setting smaller goals will feel less daunting and may be easier to achieve. Set a goal for writing one page a day. Or 1000 words a week (or about 200 words a day). By writing one page a day, you can still make steady progress toward your larger writing goal.

If none of these suggestions work, then try this exercise. Close your eyes and imagine your life without any kind of writing at all. What if you never wrote another word again? How would that make you feel?

If you see that your world would be drab and empty without writing, then use that vision as a catalyst for your writing practice. Use it as motivation to keep writing.

Summer brings all sorts of temptations that can drag you away from your writing practice. But with proper planning and setting small goals, you can still make progress while enjoying all that summer has to offer.

Creative Writing as a Form of Self-Care

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Creative writing is often looked at through a kaleidoscope of experiences: as a career path, a hobby, or simply a way to communicate. But writing as a form of self-care is a different lens altogether.

Most people, I suspect, are too focused on the practical aspects of writing to consider it as self-care. They’re more focused on writing as a critical work skill or a means to publication. Also most self-care routines are focused on the physical body – proper sleep and nutrition, physical exercise, hygiene, etc. But creative writing requires mental and emotional energy. It can feel more like work rather than a way to relax or take care of yourself.

“I remind myself, over and over again, that writing fiction is an act of self-care. And self-care isn’t selfish or inaccessible,” writes Sweta Vikram, a speaker, author and holistic wellness coach. “Taking care of yourself….is important! It not just helps you feel better, but [it] also fuels your creativity and supports you to perform better in the long run.”

The University of Greater Manchester (U.K.) outlines numerous psychological benefits to creative writing, including:

* gaining mental clarity
* increasing self-esteem
* expressing emotions
* boosting creativity
* strengthening memory and attention span

With so many wonderful benefits to creative writing, it’s no wonder so many people gravitate toward it. Writing is a healthy habit that anyone can develop, no matter what age or level of education they have. In addition to the university’s outlined benefits, here are a few others I’ve noted through my experience.

* Helps reduce stress. Writing is one of the most relaxing activities I’ve experienced. I feel amazingly calm as I write, no matter what I’m writing about. The action puts me in a zone that is free of pressure and stress. The process of creating stories is also fun, which also lowers stress levels.

* Emotional release. Creative writing as self-care can help you deal with emotional issues as they arise and make sense of them. Perhaps you don’t quite understand why you’re feeling angry or sad. Writing can help you sort out those feelings. While writing won’t make those problems go away, it can make them seem more manageable.

* Clarity of thought. Our brains may feel jumbled with so much incoming stimuli, whether it’s social media, news stories or simply our workplace. Writing sifts through all that so you can make sense of what you see, hear and experience of the world.

* Improved communication. Not everyone communicates well verbally. Sometimes written words do a better job of communicating our messages than speech. 

* Quality alone time for yourself. It’s not always easy to find alone time amidst demands from bosses, clients and families. But that alone time is important to reconnect with yourself and help you become aware of your thoughts and feelings. Writing is the perfect activity to do during that alone time. 

* Creative self-expression. We all need to express ourselves, and writing is one outlet at our disposal. Writing as self-care is an opportunity to tap into your creativity and find the story you want to tell.

How do you add writing to your self-care regimen? Writing as self-care doesn’t (and shouldn’t) require a lot of time, but even 10 minutes can make a difference to make you feel centered and focused. Here are some ideas for using writing as self-care.

1. Freewriting. Set a timer for five or ten minutes, then using pen and paper, start writing freely without picking up the pen from the page. Allow your thoughts to flow to the page.

2. Use a prompt. If you don’t like staring at a blank page, a prompt can unlock your creative flow. Some of my favorite prompts are “I remember” and “What if?”

3. Do a brain dump. Using bullet points, make a list of everything you’re thinking and feeling. Don’t judge yourself. Simply write whatever is happening in your mind and body.

4. Find a photo from a family album and write about what you see. Alternately, find any photo that inspires you and write about your feelings when you look at it.

What to do when you can’t find that alone time? I say, write wherever you are. Even if it’s dreaming up scenes for your novel while doing the dishes, or crafting several paragraphs in your head as you shower. When you think of writing as a form of self-care, you may be more inclined to make time for writing.

I’ll leave with this final thought from Sweta Vikram: “Make room for the writing that nurtures us, not just what supposedly sells or our profession expects us to deliver. Just being able to write what you want to write is ample self-care on some days.”

What do you think? Is creative writing a form of self-care?

Where to Find The Best Story Ideas

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As writers and creatives, we’re always on the look out for unique story ideas. But sometimes our minds draw a blank about what to write or how to kickstart the imagination.

I’ve found over the years that the best source of story ideas is my personal experience and my reaction to what’s happening in the world – from the people I know (and don’t know) to the places I’ve visited and the books I’ve read. Everywhere you look, you’ll find some nugget of inspiration. Awareness and staying relaxed are keys.

When you’re struggling to find good story ideas, there are a few things you can try to shake up the creative genius within you.

1. Start people-watching. Choose a semi-crowded public space, like a cafe, a bookshop or a doctor’s office. Settle in somewhere where you can observe the people around you. When you notice someone intriguing, create a story about them.  For example, the barista serving your coffee looks harassed and distracted. Imagine what her story could be. Write her as the protagonist in your story, give her a different name, then reimagine why she is so distracted on the job.

2. Watch a movie or TV episode. Sometimes watching a movie or TV show can spark an idea for a new story. Perhaps you didn’t like how the movie ended. Rewrite it the way you think it should have ended. Maybe you were intrigued by a minor character. Why not draft a new story featuring that minor character that intrigued you.

3. Re-read a beloved book. When you’re feeling stuck, sometimes reading a beloved book can spark an idea or reinspire you to write again. This time, though, pay attention to the subplots and minor characters. Challenge yourself to create a new story for that minor character.

4. Look through photographs. Photographs have a way of telling a story through images and symbols. There’s always a story behind that photo. Find one that speaks to you. Author Sarah Addison Allen posts a super-short story every Sunday on her social media inspired by a random photo. Each story is only about 200 words, but they capture the mood and spirit of the photo. Browse through magazines or check out photo sites on the web to find one that inspires you, then write the story that inspires you from it.

5. Re-visit a place that you loved as a child. Is there a place you and your family visited when you were younger that brought you happy memories? Consider writing a story set in that locale, capturing all the details to make it authentic. Write about the food, the architecture, landmarks, the people, the sights and the sounds that you remember. Any memorable setting can inspire a fresh new story.

6. Read the newspaper or a magazine. Stay current on today’s news. Learn about current events or read profiles of outstanding people, especially those who have overcome struggles to achieve greatness. Re-imagine those events for your story, or re-create those people as characters. Much of what you see in best-selling novels borrow from news stories.

7. Recall your dreams. Keep a dream journal and jot down the dream with as much detail as you can recall. Note how you felt within that dream. If you’ve ever dreamed of falling, being chased or watching a storm, those moments can be captured for your creative work, especially as you capture your emotional response in that dream.

8. Play the game of “What if?” If you’re feeling stuck, try using this writing prompt to get the creative ideas flowing. On a sheet of paper, write “what if?” at the top. Then create a bullet point list of possible answers. For example, what if someone woke up one morning and found that their teeth were missing? Or what if one of your beloved childhood pets came back to life and visited you? That one simple question can unlock possibilities you hadn’t expected.

9. Use a story prompt generator. If you’re really desperate to find ideas, you can always use a story prompt generator like Reedsy or Service Scape. You can use the ones provided or change it up with a different setting or relationship dynamic. 

If you prefer to find your story ideas more organically, the following tips might be helpful:

* Relax your mind and your body. I think some of my best ideas have come to me while in the shower or waking up from sleep. When your brain is overstimulated, the ideas won’t flow, no matter how much you try to prime the pump. So find ways to relax your mind so your imagination operates more efficiently and sends story ideas to you.

* Be aware of your surroundings. Wherever you go, whether it’s the grocery store, the doctor’s office or the local pub, note the people and the settings you pass by. Be an unobtrusive observer of life. I suggest carrying a small notebook to take notes of what you see or record them on your phone, especially if it’s an unusual place, person or conversation.

* Be aware of how you react to certain events and people in your own life. This is more an internal assessment rather than an external observation mentioned above. The more intense reactions will clue you in to what you feel is important about that experience. Then use that experience to mold a fresh new story idea.

Story ideas abound all around us. Stay relaxed and be aware of the people and situations around you, and you’ll never run out of story ideas.

What a Book Coach Can Do for You

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For the last few years, I’ve been pushing my way through several novel drafts. By the end of the draft phase, I tend to lose interest in the story because it’s out of my system. Worse, I have to deal with the revision process, which is so daunting that I keep putting it off. Needless to say, I have several WIPs in my file drawers collecting dust. 

This year, I made it my goal to tackle a revision. I knew it would take a lot of work, but I wasn’t sure how to begin or what the process looked like. I knew I needed help.

So I bit the bullet and signed up for a three-month group coaching program, which includes writing sprints several times a week, craft lessons and live feedback sessions. It’s a small co-hort, only six of us including our coach, Karyn Fischer of Story and Prose. There’s comfort in knowing that other writers in this group are dealing with similar issues about plotting and revising that I am. And because it’s only for three months for several hours a week, it’s not a huge investment of time, and it will carry me through most of the summer. As you know, it can be tempting to slack off during the summer, so this program will keep me motivated. 

Entering the third week of the program, I see the following benefits:

1. Accountability. With summer fast approaching, it’s easy to slack off or find other things to do. A coach keeps you accountable for your own efforts. Whether it’s through weekly craft lessons, monthly feedback sessions, or writing sprints, having someone else to report to can help you make consistent progress.

2. Goal setting. During our first meeting, each member in my group shared what they hoped to accomplish during the three-month program. We do the same before each sprint session.  When I go into those sessions, I have to have a clear idea what I’m doing for the next hour. That goal setting keeps me accountable for my actions so I keep moving forward, even if they’re baby steps. 

3. Community. Being part of a small coaching group has its rewards. We’re all in the same boat, struggling with similar problems with our revisions. Knowing that provides some comfort and keeps me motivated to keep working.

4. Feedback. Before the group session began, I submitted the first chapter to Karyn for her review. It was a scary proposition because I hadn’t shown my work on that novel to anyone else. But I needed some direction and encouragement so I wouldn’t feel I was wasting my time. She pointed out details in my story that I had overlooked, and questioned the authenticity of the dialogue. (“Would her client have actually said that?”) Sure, it was a little hard to take the criticism, but she made good points and it gave me something to work around in my next revision. If you want to improve your story, getting feedback from a trusted beta reader or qualified coach is important.

5. Education. Since most book coaches are published authors themselves or have earned an MFA, they bring that knowledge and experience to the table. They’ve gone through the writing and publishing process before, so they can share their knowledge about craft issues, such as plotting, character development and story structure.

6. Writing progress. Several times a week, the group meets for one-hour writing sprints, though there’s flexibility about what group members can work on. No matter how we choose to use our time – whether it’s revising a scene, reading up on craft, or doing a beta-read of their manuscript – we’re all making progress on our story. By the end of that hour, I know I’ve made some progress, even if it is a small step.

A few final suggestions:
* Consider group coaching to start, which may save you a few bucks rather than working one-on-one.
* Many coaches provide short-term sessions or workshops so you can see how they teach.
* Sign up for their newsletters, which will reveal their expertise as well. You can always unsubscribe from the newsletter later if you find you’re inundated with material or their content isn’t helpful.
* To find a book coach, check out sites like Author Accelerator, which offers resources and certification for book coaches. Then check out their websites to see if they’re a good fit.

Writing is a solo endeavor. But working with a book coach, whether individually or in a group, can help you stay motivated and keep you focused on your writing goals. 

What about you? Have you worked with a book coach? What was your experience like? 

How to Stop Overthinking Your Story

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By nature, most writers are overthinkers. We’re wired to question every aspect of our story. We look at the plot from every angle, figure out character goals and motivations, and then create an ending that ties up all the loose ends in a reasonable and satisfying way. Overthinking, you could say, is part of the creation process.

Problems occur when overthinking interferes with your ability to produce meaningful work. Or as one person recently suggested: “I’m not overthinking; I’m pre-solving problems that don’t exist yet.”

You know you’re overthinking your story when one of the following situations occur:

* You review and edit sections of your manuscript to make it “Just right” before you can finish the story.
* You abandon a project because it didn’t live up to your initial vision.
* You spend too much time researching and planning your story before actually writing it.
* You plotted the story down to the tiniest details, and after writing it, it sounds stiff and boring
* You plotted yourself into a corner and now can’t figure out how to fix it
* You’re more focused on the language of the story rather than the storytelling aspect
* You’re constantly comparing yourself to other writers and feeling that you fall short

Overthinking occurs when you’re “swimming in circles of self-criticism or perfectionism,” writes fantasy author K.M. Weiland. “[But] if you’re asking good questions, you’re not overthinking.”

She adds that overthinking is caused by two possible factors: lack of knowledge about storytelling and perfectionism.

The lack of knowledge can be rectified by reviewing the basics of story structure and character development so when you review your own work, you can notice what’s not working and fix it.

Perfectionism is a little tougher to overcome. Overthinking born out of perfectionism can be tiring and exhausting as you go over the same ground over and over. Questions you ask yourself may be more generic and focused on your performance as a writer than the performance of the story. For example, “does this paragraph sound right?”, “Is this the right word to use in this scene?” Or “What was I thinking when I wrote this section?” More often than not, these thoughts only trigger your insecurities and do nothing to improve your writing, Weiland says.

Fortunately, there are ways to halt the overthinking cycle, or at least minimize it, so you don’t get stuck in wasteful activity. Try one of these methods to see if you can stop overthinking your story.

1. Use word sprints. Author and book coach Janice Hardy says word sprints are designed to ignore the internal editor or critic. All you do is write without stopping to think. Just pick a length of time, say 20 minutes, then write as fast as you can without lifting your pen off the page (if handwriting) or stopping from typing to read what you wrote. Don’t worry about typos or misspelled words or how it sounds. Sure, it will be messy, but Hardy says “it’s a way to train yourself to ignore editing as you go.”

2. Use alternative methods of drafting. Many writers draft on the computer, but that can also lead to constant revision and deletion because it’s easy to backtrack to correct your ideas or start over. I usually draft my stories by handwriting. It might seem like a waste of time to some, but I find I’m more focused and the words flow more freely from my brain to the page. I’m also less apt to fix a word or question what I wrote.

Another option is dictation. Some mobile devices have a built-in feature that allows you to record words making it easy to draft a story wherever you go. If you don’t have that recording feature, check out apps that you can download that will let you do the same thing. 

3. Keep learning about your craft. When you understand more about plotting, character arcs and story structure, you’ll analyze your writing with sharper instincts about what to look for. You’ll be able to identify the problem areas without getting stuck in pointless “what if” cycles of overthinking. You’ll move forward with your story with greater confidence and ease.

4. Turn off your screen as you type. If you’re drafting on your computer and you’re easily distracted by pop-up alerts, emails, and other tech stuff, it might be a good idea to turn off the screen, suggests Hardy. Sure, you’re typing blindly, but you won’t have the temptation to stop what you’re writing to re-read something which can lead to editing or deleting it. That’s how the cycle of overthinking begins.

5. Set aside your story for a few days. That time and distance will give your brain a rest.  Instead, read a favorite author, take a mini-vacation or engage in a hobby. Sometimes shifting gears allows your brain to become more relaxed so a solution to your story problem can show up. Plus reading a favorite author can re-ignite your passion for writing.

6. Develop a healthier relationship with your inner critic. Sad to say, but our inner critic is here to stay. Look at the positive things it can do, such as warning you not to turn in your article until you’ve proofread your work one more time. But it can also wreak havoc when you’re in drafting mode and you’re trying to put words on the page. Somehow you have to make peace with the inner critic, acknowledge its presence but also set some ground rules for when it should appear, such as only during the revision stage when you need its sharp eye.

As Weiland reminds us: “A healthy inner critic guides us toward legitimate growth and improvement, while a toxic inner critic only tears us and our work down.”

Most importantly, trust the creative process, especially during the drafting phase when it’s more important to get your ideas down on the page or screen. No writing is ever perfect so don’t expect it to be. Aim for being good enough.

Overthinking in and of itself is not a bad thing, but it can hinder your progress as a writer. When you tone down the excessive cycling and useless questioning, you’ll get more writing done.

My Biggest Pet Peeves about Books

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Book pet peeves have been on my mind a lot lately. So I’ve decided to revise and repost the following story from 2023.

For all the joy I get out of reading, I also have a few pet peeves. I’m not alone. Recently, a contributor at Book Riot published a list of annoyances about books and the book world, gleaned from their readers’ comments. Complaints ranged from poorly designed book covers to the competitiveness of reading challenges and the lack of a synopsis on the back cover.

Inspired by Book Riot’s list, I’ve compiled my own list of petty annoyances. But while the Book Riot list focused primarily on the marketing of books, my list relates more to the story telling aspect. Because one seemingly minor miscue can ruin an otherwise good book.  

Do you agree or disagree with this list? Or do you have other pet peeves about books and/or the book publishing process? I’d love to hear your opinions.

  • Unnecessary prologues – The purpose of a prologue is to provide some backstory, usually written from a different point of view character than the main narrator. More often than not, prologues don’t live up to that purpose. They meander or get stuck in world-building and backstory, which could just as easily been sprinkled throughout the main part of the novel. The only exceptions might be a mystery or thriller that sets up the crime or science fiction/fantasy to establish world-building that requires some detailed explanation. If the prologue can be read as a first chapter or if the information could be weaved into the main story, you probably don’t need the prologue. I rarely, if ever, have read a prologue that added anything of value to the story.

  • No summary on the back cover. I’m inclined to agree with the Book Riot reader who suggested the back cover was often wasted on meaningless quotes from celebrities. That back page is prime real estate for book summaries. When used well, those summaries can grab more readers’ attention than any celebrity quotes. 

  • Books that don’t live up to its premise. The premise is meant to hook the reader with an intriguing plot and conflict. But when that premise doesn’t pan out, it can be disappointing. Maybe the story meandered or ran off in a tangent to some obscure subplot, the ending didn’t make sense, or the author left some loose ends at the end. For whatever reason, when a book doesn’t live up to its promise, I feel cheated as a reader. And when I feel cheated, I’m less likely to pick up another book by that author.

  • Novels that are too long. Is it my imagination, or are current novels running longer than they used to? I think the sweet spot for most novels is 300-350 pages. That’s long enough to develop a strong plot, characters, and suspense to keep readers interested. There are exceptions, of course, such as Harry Potter series and science fiction/fantasy sagas. Others, especially in women’s fiction, have gone for nearly 500 pages—too long by my standard. Maybe it’s my advancing age or diminishing attention span, but by page 350, I tend to lose interest. To push me past that point, authors better have a really good, compelling story line to keep me reading.

  • Slow, meandering middles. Ugh! The book might have gotten off to a roaring good start, but by the midpoint, the story drags or heads off in a different direction. Maybe the author filled in with too much backstory or there wasn’t a surprise plot twist to push the story forward. If you’re struggling to get through that middle section, chances are, the author struggled to write it. A slow, meandering middle can kill a reader’s attention in a heartbeat.

  • Unsatisfactory endings. The best endings are the ones that wrap up loose ends and conflicts in a way that makes sense for the story while also making me feel good. When I’ve spent countless hours reading a 400-page novel, I want to know that my time was well spent and that there’s a big pay off in the end. When a story ends without all conflicts resolved, or it ends differently than I expected or worse, made me cringe, it leaves a lasting impression, and not in a good way. I can think of two books that DID resolve the story satisfactorily and made me feel good: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick.

  • Stories that end long before the book does. Another pet peeve is a novel with a compelling conflict that ends too soon, leaving readers with another 40 pages of narrative without anything truly interesting happening on the page. (Example: Memoirs of a Geisha.) It’s as if the author had fallen in love with their story and their characters and was reluctant to let them go. (Another example: The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman, the fourth and final book in the Practical Magic series.) So the book dragged on for an extra 40 pages before the author figured out how to end it.

  • No surprising plot twists. Some of the best novels I’ve read had a major plot twist that was unexpected and surprising. Without that surprise element, there’s no momentum forward, and there’s nothing to keep the reader interested in the story until the very end. The story meanders aimlessly, and you wonder if there’s anything new or interesting up ahead to make you keep reading. Sure, there are plot twists, but they don’t come off as surprising or unexpected, and that can dampen your reading experience. For examples of novels with successful surprising plot twists, check out Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult or In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (and the aforementioned The Nightingale.)

Even with these petty annoyances, books are still the most wonderful creations on earth. I’m willing to put up with a few clunkers in the books I read to find the best gems.

Feeling Overwhelmed by Your Writing? Here’s How to Deal with It.

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

As writers and creatives, we occasionally experience those moments of overwhelm–when it seems many tasks and projects hit all at once fighting for our attention. Or maybe it’s not many things but one gigantic project that stops us in our tracks.

The good news is that this feeling is quite common, and perhaps even a natural part of the writing process. Though when you’re going through it, it feels like you’re the only person in the world suffering.

For me, the overwhelm struck after I had completed a rough draft of two separate novels. I stared at the pile of pages wondering “Where do I begin to sort through this mess?” The thought of revising my work filled me with dread. The overwhelm I felt stopped me in my tracks, and I struggled to get started on the revision phase. It’s only recently that I jumped back into the project once I realized that the reason for the overwhelm was that I didn’t know how to proceed with my revision. I didn’t have a plan.

I’ve noticed that when overwhelm occurs to me, it’s usually under one of the following circumstances:

* High expectations of myself (also called perfectionism)
* A supersized project that I’ve poured my heart and soul into
* Writing about an unfamiliar topic
* A super tight deadline
* Too many projects of multiple sizes hitting at one time
* Too many story ideas begging for my attention
* Any project where I feel unsure about what I’m doing

I’ll discuss each of these circumstances below, but know that the feeling of overwhelm happens to all of us at one time or another. While the emotional toil can be difficult, I’ve found that each situation requires rethinking how to perform the writing tasks at hand and setting new priorities.

1. High expectations/perfectionism. Sure, it’s important to think big, to envision success for your writing project. But sometimes what you produce on the screen/on paper doesn’t match up with what you originally envisioned inside your head. That can be a tough pill to swallow. Not only does it not match, it’s far from perfect, which can further dampen your enthusiasm for the project and steal your momentum. The image of perfectionism can fill you with overwhelm that’s hard to dig out of. It’s helpful to remember that nothing is truly perfect when you start writing. Think of your project as a stone that is raw and misshapen before it’s cut and polished into a bright, shining diamond.

2. One supersized project. Like my recent work-in-progress, a supersized project can be daunting to complete, like climbing a mountain. It might help to break the project into smaller chunks so they’re easier to manage. For example, if writing a book, try writing and editing several scenes at a time to make sure they flow well and make sense. Tackling a few scenes at a time also gives you a sense of accomplishment. When you see the progress you make, that feeling of overwhelm will likely subside.

3. An unfamiliar topic. As writers, we may have to write about things we know nothing about. Sometimes that lack of knowledge can be overwhelming and prevent us from making any real progress on our current project. Yet, our writing success requires that we develop that knowledge. Whether you’ve been assigned a topic by an editor or you’re doing background research for a novel or memoir, embrace that opportunity to learn and grow. Take the time to read articles or talk to an expert about the work they do. Writing is all about learning. 

4. A super tight deadline. Deadlines and fast turnarounds can feel overwhelming when it’s thrust on you out of the blue. It’s helpful to set aside non-essential tasks and focus on the most important tasks first. It can feel freeing to get past the hard work first before doing simpler tasks.  If you’re feeling truly stuck, consider requesting more time from the client or boss so you get some breathing room.

5. Too many projects to juggle. Sometimes the overwhelm occurs when you’re dealing with multiple projects of various sizes and deadlines. That’s when your organizational skills can really shine. Similar to the tight deadline, it’s important to set priorities. Work on the projects that are the most pressing or have the more immediate deadline. If anything should fall through the cracks, it probably wasn’t that important to begin with.

6. Too many stories begging for your attention. You might be working on one project while another story idea tantalizes you from beyond. While it’s tempting to switch gears, chasing after every new, shiny idea can be counterproductive and slow your momentum. What I’ve done in these situations is to draft notes about the new, shiny idea, which should only take a day or two. It might help to keep a spreadsheet of all your story ideas with a brief summary of the plot and  descriptions of some of the characters. That way you won’t forget your bright, shiny idea, and you can get back to your current project.

7. Not sure what steps to take next. The feeling of overwhelm may result because you don’t know what your next steps should be. When I struggled with the revision process of my novels, it made me feel stuck and overwhelmed. I took a time out to research various approaches to revision until I settled on an option that I felt would work best. Now that I’ve settled on one,  courtesy of Jessica Brody and Writing Mastery, I’m finally making progress. So if you’re feeling stuck because you’re unsure what the next step should be, take the time to research several expert opinions and experiment with them to see which one works.

There will always be moments when writing feels overwhelming. That’s a normal part of the writing process. When that happens, take a step back and observe your work with a critical eye. Once you understand what’s making you feel overwhelmed, you can take the steps to unblock yourself and move your project to a successful conclusion.

Freshen Your Routine with These Spring-Themed Writing Prompts

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
Photo by TLK GentooExpressions on Pexels.com

As the calendar turns to April, my thoughts often turn to the events of the season, such as long walks outdoors, seeing flowers bloom and watching baseball games. Spring is a time of renewal and cleaning the house, getting rid of things we no longer need. I always feel like I’m being reborn at this time of year, especially after the long, dark, cold winter we’ve had.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your writing routine or recommit to it. That’s not always easy to do when you’re stuck staring at a blank screen or empty page. Sometimes working with writing prompts can jumpstart your writing routine or give you the inspiration to start fresh.

To help you, I’ve compiled a list of spring-themed writing prompts. They cover everything from rainy weekends, gardening and celebrating Easter. You never know when any of these prompts might spark an idea for a longer story or essay. Challenge yourself and have fun.

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Easter/Passover

Write a story about a child visiting the Easter Bunny at the local mall.

Someone receives an Easter basket filled with goodies plus one surprising and unusual element.

Write a story about someone choking on a jelly bean.

Write a scene or story about someone shopping for a new Easter outfit.

A young couple discovers a lone Easter egg, and they find a cryptic message inside.

A family comes together for Easter or Passover celebration. Over dinner, someone reveals a secret they’ve been keeping for years.

Write about someone who gets stuck in an Easter bunny costume.

Gardening

A new hybrid tulip has been introduced at the annual tulip festival. What is it? Why is it special?

You discover a package of seeds. When you plant them, something unusual and magical sprouts from them.

Describe the first spring flower you notice while out for a stroll in the park.

Imagine a snowflake and flower meeting for the first time, but neither knows what the other is. Write a dialogue between the two.

Write a story set during the annual cherry blossom festival.

Write about someone struggling to keep a houseplant alive.

Write about a small town or community as it prepares for celebrating Earth Day.

Miscellaneous

Someone experiences spring fever in strange ways.

Write about a springtime wedding in which either the bride or groom realize they’re making a mistake.

Write a story set during a spring music festival.

Imagine attending a class reunion. Someone there recognizes you right away, but you can’t remember who they are.

Write a story about a group of teens preparing for their first spring dance.

Write a story set in a treehouse.

Write a meet-cute in which two people fall in love over a spring weekend.

Write a story featuring three sisters named April, May and June.

Write about someone rushing to get their taxes done on time.

While cleaning out closets, someone uncovers an item that they haven’t seen or worn in years. What memories does it bring back? What do they do with the item?

On a weekend getaway, someone gets lost on the road or has a flat tire. What do they do next?

Describe someone attending their first baseball game. What do they experience? How do they respond to it?

Write about someone who is auditioning to be the mascot of the local baseball team.

Spring is a time of fresh starts. Write about what plans you want to make for this spring.