I wanted to write a book, but when I started, I realised that I was incapable of making it interesting. Incorporating dialogues, settings etc was just too much for me, so I quit. Writing books is not for everyone, although it seems like so many people are writing books nowadays. Do you have any tips on how to get better at writing?
And I sure do. I have a section called "Writing with Vane" where I want to distill a set of rules that I've come to abide by.
The first rule is published (Writing is Not About You) and the second comes later today. I try to give tips that are pro-level and not the kind of obvious, unhelpful fluff you see in "self help books".
Though of course, rules only get you that far. There are arc structures that can help you get started and make satisfying progress, and I'll go through those too, with examples.
Hopefully, all this will help. And If you want to write and share some writing, I'm more than happy to come with notes.
Perhaps it would be interesting to change the way you read from time to time. Instead of reading continuously, pause and reflect. Think about what works on each page: the mechanics of the writing, the dialogue, how the pieces fit together, and how the book functions as a whole.
Reading books from different eras sheds light on the evolution of literature, revealing how stylistic complexity has been simplified in today’s "fast-food" formats. But it's up to you to choose.
All valid points. The harsh reality hits when the book you "just wrote" falls in the hands of a no-holds-barred reviewer like the Strange Girl and all of a sudden the walls start crumbling down.
A lot of good points here, although I disagree with #1. Sometimes you just need to write that failure of a first novel to get the ball rolling. I've trunked at least two novels. Assuming the writer is objective enough, he/she will learn a thing or two in the process.
This hit hard. Thank you for exposing the truth so brutally! A couple of thoughts come to mind. First, for many, getting 'better' doesn't necessarily mean improving the quality of one's prose. Instead, it is measured by audience size or compensation, which doesn't necessarily correlate.
Secondly, I think your piece does a fantastic job of summing up the challenges faced by every hobby writer. It's very difficult to source the kind of specific, valuable feedback about our work that you're identifying, without paying for it. Many of us are left with the impressions of family/friends (skewed) or any morsel that can be gleaned from the anonymous 'audience' that we manage to cobble together on public platforms. We bumble onward because there aren't many other options.
Thank you. It’s absolutely critical to get honest feedback.
I take your point that audience size and compensation don’t always nor necessarily correlate with better writing. It can come down to luck, catching a trend, etc. A self-reflective author should always strive to improve, regardless.
I like to compare writing for the mass market to a factory and a carpenter: the factory produces; the carpenter crafts, and the carpenter will improve over time by the sheer act of caring for their work.
It’s a great comparison! The crux of the challenge for many of us is finding a skilled carpenter willing to share their observations and suggestions on our carving, planing, and joints that doesn’t cost $200/hr. What we get is the occasional ‘nice table’ thumbs up from a friend, family member or a casual passerby.
"Interesting... Oh, wait. He’s not backed by a publisher or a big name, so I suppose I can’t believe anything he says. Must be incompetence." < This is how some will evaluate it... not on the basis of logic or thoughtful consideration, but out of pure and superficial prejudice.
I agree. For a lot of writers, word count feels crucial. I think part of that comes from awards and submissions that only accept work over a certain length.
In the end though—write, edit, and cut until the story itself is finished. Thats how I write at least.
I noticed the same thing when I looked into traditional publishing—strict word-count expectations that can quietly shut out great stories. It’s a strange gate to keep.
This is a fear of mine. That I’ve somehow deluded myself into believing that I’m a decent writer/storyteller and everyone is being too nice to tell me that I am mediocre and suck.
I wanted to write a book, but when I started, I realised that I was incapable of making it interesting. Incorporating dialogues, settings etc was just too much for me, so I quit. Writing books is not for everyone, although it seems like so many people are writing books nowadays. Do you have any tips on how to get better at writing?
It's definitely hard work.
And I sure do. I have a section called "Writing with Vane" where I want to distill a set of rules that I've come to abide by.
The first rule is published (Writing is Not About You) and the second comes later today. I try to give tips that are pro-level and not the kind of obvious, unhelpful fluff you see in "self help books".
Though of course, rules only get you that far. There are arc structures that can help you get started and make satisfying progress, and I'll go through those too, with examples.
Hopefully, all this will help. And If you want to write and share some writing, I'm more than happy to come with notes.
Thanks! I’ll check them out
Read multiple books in the genre you want to write. And prioritize older books.
Agree. Some of the classics are insanely good. Life-shattering.
I already read a lot but it doesn’t help. I’m not a fan of classics tbh
Perhaps it would be interesting to change the way you read from time to time. Instead of reading continuously, pause and reflect. Think about what works on each page: the mechanics of the writing, the dialogue, how the pieces fit together, and how the book functions as a whole.
Reading books from different eras sheds light on the evolution of literature, revealing how stylistic complexity has been simplified in today’s "fast-food" formats. But it's up to you to choose.
I honestly think that would take the joy out of reading for me. I do it to relax or to escape reality 😅 but thank you for the tips!
All valid points. The harsh reality hits when the book you "just wrote" falls in the hands of a no-holds-barred reviewer like the Strange Girl and all of a sudden the walls start crumbling down.
Cheers from the Strange Girl 💜
I may have had this in mind when I wrote it 😏
Facts 👀👀
Great article.
Thank you 😊
A lot of good points here, although I disagree with #1. Sometimes you just need to write that failure of a first novel to get the ball rolling. I've trunked at least two novels. Assuming the writer is objective enough, he/she will learn a thing or two in the process.
That’s fair!
Writing stories that you shelve is also writing and learning!
This hit hard. Thank you for exposing the truth so brutally! A couple of thoughts come to mind. First, for many, getting 'better' doesn't necessarily mean improving the quality of one's prose. Instead, it is measured by audience size or compensation, which doesn't necessarily correlate.
Secondly, I think your piece does a fantastic job of summing up the challenges faced by every hobby writer. It's very difficult to source the kind of specific, valuable feedback about our work that you're identifying, without paying for it. Many of us are left with the impressions of family/friends (skewed) or any morsel that can be gleaned from the anonymous 'audience' that we manage to cobble together on public platforms. We bumble onward because there aren't many other options.
Thank you. It’s absolutely critical to get honest feedback.
I take your point that audience size and compensation don’t always nor necessarily correlate with better writing. It can come down to luck, catching a trend, etc. A self-reflective author should always strive to improve, regardless.
I like to compare writing for the mass market to a factory and a carpenter: the factory produces; the carpenter crafts, and the carpenter will improve over time by the sheer act of caring for their work.
It’s a great comparison! The crux of the challenge for many of us is finding a skilled carpenter willing to share their observations and suggestions on our carving, planing, and joints that doesn’t cost $200/hr. What we get is the occasional ‘nice table’ thumbs up from a friend, family member or a casual passerby.
"Interesting... Oh, wait. He’s not backed by a publisher or a big name, so I suppose I can’t believe anything he says. Must be incompetence." < This is how some will evaluate it... not on the basis of logic or thoughtful consideration, but out of pure and superficial prejudice.
I agree. For a lot of writers, word count feels crucial. I think part of that comes from awards and submissions that only accept work over a certain length.
In the end though—write, edit, and cut until the story itself is finished. Thats how I write at least.
Good point about the contests that require longer works. That’s very odd to me.
I like your method!
I noticed the same thing when I looked into traditional publishing—strict word-count expectations that can quietly shut out great stories. It’s a strange gate to keep.
This is a fear of mine. That I’ve somehow deluded myself into believing that I’m a decent writer/storyteller and everyone is being too nice to tell me that I am mediocre and suck.
It’s a valid fear, because we all have blind spots. If was an editor I’d be offering my services right now.
It’s important to have someone read it and give honest feedback, even though it can be painful.
I had this issue with The Jotun Bride now where I got notes on moving some storylines earlier as they were ineffective where I originally had them.
I didn’t need to do anything about the beginning, so that’s why I could just go ahead and start publishing.
I only ever heard good things about your Christmas Demon book though. I’ll be sure to check it out now.