You are here:
Careers: Writing/writing
Advertisement
Question
how can you enhance your writing skills?
Ivan,
First and foremost, READ. Pick books from the subject/genre you intend to write and not only read for enjoyment, but read to see how the book is constructed. Read it first to decide whether you enjoyed it as a read. Then go back again and read it for structure. How is dialogue handled? How do they include emotions or the five senses? At what point in the action do chapter breaks appear?
Read no less than 25 books over the next year and dissect them in your mind. Use a highlighter and paperclips on the pages to go back to things you find brilliant or things you find annoying. Then ask yourself: why? Why did I like or dislike that? What would I have done differently?
That's your first step and it will enhance your skills immensely!
Good luck!
Cathy
Related Articles
- My Conversion: Mormons gave me some books to read - Reader Stories: How I Converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- PATT - A Principles Approach to Table Tennis - First Impressions Review
- Best Nicholas Sparks Books - What is the Best Nicholas Sparks Book - Readers Choose the Best Nicholas Sparks Book
- 1 - Adventures Among Books - Andrew Lang
- Best Stephen King Book - What Do You Think Is the Best Stephen King Book - Stephen King's Best Book
Answers by Expert:
Cathy Clamp
Expertise
I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)
Experience
I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.
Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.
Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others.
Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.
Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.
Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.