The Word Girls Blog: August 2009

Over the weeekend The Word Girls consulted with a burgeoning author. During our impassioned, creative conversation with her, Five Writing Secrets emerged. We share them here - with you - as a gift! We hope they will help you, Writer Friend, as you hone your craft and continue on the writing journey.

Include sensory details.

Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, always ask yourself, What do I want the reader to see, hear, feel, smell, experience? Sensory writing will draw in your readers and vivify your work.

2.
Honor your voice.

Remember that YOU are the one writing your book. No one else can tell your story with the particular tone, pace, rhythm, details and slant that YOU can. Never write what you anticipate the reader wants or expects you to write. Dig deeply into the soil of your soul and write exactly what you feel, think, believe, perceive. Your particular slant on a subject is what makes it interesting, saleable, worth-while, intriguing and unique.

Include details instead of assuming the reader will 'get' it.

It is dangerous to assume that your readers will make a conclusion or connection that seems obvious & unmistakable to you. Sketchy sentences or sometimes even an elusive paragraph of ideas can sometimes leave a reader in the dark. Take the time to unpack, describe, explain, delve into concepts or thematic elements that are quintessential to your story.

Take your time.

The publishing world moves at glacial speed. So, try not to worry or impose false deadlines on yourself. Sit with your ideas. Walk with them. Give them space to live and move and breathe. Give yourself time to write and revise and bring your manuscript to its brightest best before you submit it to an editor.

5.
Seek Advice from experienced writers.

We know it can feel intimidating, scary, even diariaha-producing to have other writers reader your work. But, we strongly suggest that you do! You'll be surprised what a fresh pair of educated, trained,experienced eyes can offer your work. When you share your pieces with other writers they'll offer encouragement, editorial suggestions, and perhaps even well-researched and informed ideas for where to submit your work.

All of these reasons are why we developed The Word Girls Writing Studio. So, if you're yearning for mentorship and guidance from a couple of writers who've experienced gut-wrenching rejections as well as heart-palpitating publishing successes over the last decade, then we welcome you to visit our Writing Studio: www.thewordgirls.com. Blessings on your writing journey, Writing Friend!