Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Double Header- The best writing advice ever AND an award!


I've compiled all the writing advice from last week's post, but first I'd like to thank Krista M for my new award!  It's the Liebster Blog award, which means friend in German.  Krista is a college student with four (yes, four!) novels under her belt!  Her blog is a cute mix of every-day life and writing; I highly recommend checking it out ;o)




There's no tell-us-seven-things rule to go along with this award (thank you, Lord). It's sole purpose is to connect bloggers, specifically those with less than 200 followers. Look how quick and simple these rules are: 

  1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
  2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
  3. Post the award on your blog.
  4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the internet—other writers.
  5. And best of all – have fun and spread the karma. 
Here are my picks (in random order):

1) Jenny Phresh - This girl is hi-lar-i-ous!  If your feeling down and need a laugh, check out her blog ;-)
2) Marian Vere -  Marian's blog is always full of honest, well-written posts!
3) Bethany - Another funny gal. When she's not shopping at Wal-mart--her favorite store--she's juggling family, work, and a budding writing career!
4) Ashley Graham - Ashley has been absent from the blogosphere for a while, and I miss her inspirational posts :o(  Check out some of her older blog posts, and you'll see what I mean ;-)
5) Anna Banks - Anna's debut novel "Of Poseidon" is scheduled for release in Spring of next year. Her posts about what happens AFTER nabbing an agent are awesome.  Take a look!

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Now it's time for the best writing advice ever!

I want to thank everyone for sharing their best writing advice last week (you guys had some really good stuff!).  Based on all the comments, it seems the best writing advice is to stay true to yourself.  It sounds like a no-brainer, right?  But seriously, how many time have you been tempted (even if just a teeny, tiny bit) to write a certain genre or in a certain POV, just because everyone else was doing it?  Okay, so maybe you won't admit to it, but I bet the thought has passed your mind before--even if just fleetingly. 

Staying true to yourself is invaluable writing advice, because when you try to force something, the outcome is never good.  



Below is all the awesome advice left in the comment section of last week's post.  Thanks again to everyone who shared!

 


"[1] Read anything and everything you can get your hands on. Set aside time to read read read. [2] There is almost always a better word, or sets of words that can replace an adverb. [3] Write write write - even if you have nothing to say, write it anyway."  --Nina Powers

"You wanta be a writer ... you have to write."  --Anita Howard

"Rules are more like guidelines, anyway. (ala Pirates of the Carribean style).  Also: Follow your writerly gut."  --Cherie


"Write for yourself, not for an audience.  Even with 80+ rejections, I always received praise for having a strong voice in my manuscript. I attribute this to writing the book for me--not for anybody else. The moment you start writing to an audience, the soul of the book (meaning, the author's voice) disappears. You gotta write what works for YOU!"  --Bethany

"Follow your gut and to never give up."  --Jen

"Figure out what works for -you- and do that thing even if it goes against everything everyone else says. I mean, just because everyone else is eating rocks...Or jumping off of bridges..."  --Andrew

"My advice would be to enjoy writing and not stress about everything, but to love what you write and stand behind it."  --Krista M.


9 comments:

  1. What a cool post! And congrats on the liebster (friend) award! Oh, and congrats also to the nominees. :) I see some of my personal faves up there. Hee

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  2. P.S. Your #goatposse button looks great on your blog! Go GOATS!

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  3. I love hearing from other writers because it strengthens me so much! It's good to hear all that advice again! Just giving you a little heads up that I gave you a couple of awards :)

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  4. Woohoo! Congrats on your award!

    I love how you compiled a list of good writing advice. I know I need to be reminded myself, every once in awhile. Thanks, princess!

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  5. Anita- Thank you! Yes, I LOVE my #goatposse badge! I feel so honored to be a member- hehehe! ;o)

    Jen- I agree- the advice was stuff I was already knew, but it was inspiring to see that other writers feel the same way

    Cherie- Thank you! I think we all need to be reminded sometimes ;o) I'm glad you liked it :o)

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  6. Just to be clear, I'd rather cut off my own legs than shop at Wal-Mart. I don't to confuse anyone.

    And now, a big, hearty congrats to you on another outstanding post! This was great!! And thanks for the encouraging nod my direction. I shall definitely take my duties seriously.

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  7. @Bethany--LMAO! I thought you'd get a big kick out of that ;o) I crack myself up ;o) (hehehe). Yes, if the apocolypse wiped out every store except one, lonely Wal-Mart, I think you'd go hungry and naked before stepping one foot inside ;o)

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  8. This is all great advice. Sometimes it seems cliche to say stay true to yourself, but better to sound cliche than to feel like a sell-out.

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  9. I finally came by to collect this...sorry for the long delay. I am having trouble getting back into the online swing of things, after nearly being eaten by a bear. Thank you so much, my goat posse pal!

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