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Showing posts from 2007

Writing Resolutions That Stick

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Probably the most consistent problem I'm asked to help with is sustaining the momentum required to finish writing projects. Writing a book is apparently the secret wish of 90% of the population - as though writing a book somehow validates us as humans - and perhaps makes us a little more immortal. But only around 5% of people will ever rise to the challenge - and even they will falter more times than not. Of these would be writers, less than one percent will ever finish their books - and just to be depressing now, only a handful of that one percent will ever be published. Faced with t his punishing reality, how do you find the strength to carry on writing? Let me answer by telling you a story. Once, a very long time ago, I asked a practising motivational guru how I could become rich. I say it was a long time ago because in those days I was very cynical and I asked the question as more of a challenge than a query. The guru gave me a quick answer: "Want to be ric

How to Achieve Writing Success

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Here's the cute lie that most people  believe: Writing is more than a skill, a pastime or a way of making a living. It is a vocation - like being a nurse or missionary. In order to commit yourself, and impress those that would read your work, you have to want to do it for nothing. Indeed this is how many of us become writers - it's something we feel compelled to do, whether asked to, required to or not! Certainly I've noticed that when you first start dealing with publishers, your enthusiasm, commitment and talent are of primary concern. Any talk of money too early in the process will see you ostracized very quickly. You're supposed to want to write for yourself - for Art's sake - first. I guess it's about trust. The people that would help us get our work seen - in other words, published - need to be sure that our motives are sincere. That we write for some purpose other than just to make money. Tosh! Robyn and I have discussed this aspect of the

Murder Your Darlings

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After a lifetime online I've just registered my site with Google - about time I guess. But that's not it... I've just discovered that my all time favorite article (according to Google) is the one below. To be honest I'd forgotten I'd written it - but it even gets a mention in Wikipedia, it's so famous! Well I never. Anyway, here it is, resurrected: Murder Your Darlings “Murder your darlings” is a phrase said to have been coined by F Scott Fitzgerald. He was referring to what you might call your “best bits.” He believed that these are the very “bits” you should always edit out of your work. As Elmore Leonard once said, “If I come across anything in my work that smacks of ‘good writing,’ I immediately strike it out.” The theory is that writing you’re particularly proud of is probably self-indulgent and will stand out. You might think this is good. Wrong. You will most likely break the “fictive dream.” (This is the state of consciousness reached b

The Hydra Syndrome

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The following article seemed to hit home with a lot of writers when I sent it to my current subscribers. It was originally called "The Medusa Syndrome" but many learned scholars and professors (yes - they get my newsletters too!) pointed out I'd made a slight 'myth-take' when it came to picking a mythological creature for my syndrome. I hope you enjoy it - and please, feel free to leave a comment of your own! Rob Parnell Have you ever noticed how you, as a writer, see-saw? For one heady moment you know you're brilliant and then, later, with just as much clarity, you know what you do is awful. It's the writer's curse. I've noticed this happens at certain times in the writing process. When the ideas are fresh and you're starting out on a project, the adrenaline is flowing, the words are spewing on to the page - everything seems so clear, so clever, so you. And then after, when you look back, the words seem dull, the structure contr

Interview by Word Mage

Hi, A quick note again. The lovely and ultra-talented author Billie Williams interviewed me recently for her Word Mage writing group. A copy of the interview (which I throroughly enjoyed) is available here: http://geocities.com/wordcrafter123/ROBPARNELL.html It contains lots of succinct and valuable advice on the craft of writing - and you'll hear things there most writing experts would charge you a fortune to find out! Best regards, Rob

Interview

I was recently interviewed by Aneeta at howtotellagreatstory.com. You can see the result here: http://www.howtotellagreatstory.com/byot/byot60.html

Becoming a Better Writer

The urge to write fiction seems God given for some, a learned skill for others. One thing is certain – it requires practice and a particular mindset. But, if you’re a beginner, where do you start? The following 10 tips will help kick-start your writing habit, whether you’re a complete novice, or perhaps a pro who has lost their way! 1. Step Away From the Car, Sir. Slightly detach yourself from your surroundings. Stop participating and begin observing. In social situations, watch people, see how they act and – more importantly - interact. Don’t pass judgment. Take it all in – and draw on it later when you write. 2. Look Harder, Homer Stop and look around you. Consciously notice the buildings, what’s underfoot, overhead, and what’s right in front of you. At home, look at something you take for granted. An iron, for instance. Find yours and study it. 3. Write Thinking Will Be Rewarded. A simple technique. Your mother is making tea and you are chatting to her. Take a mental step back and d