Hi everyone. Today Diana Dawn is taking things over for a bit and sharing some helpful writing tips for beginners on their journey to becoming a published author. Check out the fun facts below and happy reading :).
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘WRITING 101∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
by: Diana Dawn
Hello friends! I’m Diana Dawn and I’m a self-published author. I write clean romance stories including fantasy, historical and contemporary. I have a story featured right now in the “Beyond Starlight” boxed set. I thought I would use this blog post opportunity to offer some pointers to new writers.
Tip 1 — Write what you know.*** I know this is said a lot, but it’s true! I struggle more trying to write out of my comfort zone. But when I focus on something I know, the words and content just flow much easier, and it will also seem more real to the reader. This isn’t an exclusive “rule” of course, it just makes writing a little easier. It really helps, at least in the beginning, when you’re still trying to figure out your writing styles and preferences.
Tip 2 — Do your research.*** You certainly can’t always stay in your comfort zone, or else you wouldn’t be able to stretch yourself as a writer. The key is consistency within your story and within the genre you’re writing. For example, the story I have in this boxed set, “Beyond Starlight”, is actually not in my typical comfort zone. I hadn’t written science fiction before, but I had the story in my head and wanted to write it. I found that the key to this is to do your research and read other books in the same or similar genre. You may not be familiar with the genre, but the reader may be a pro. So, you want to be sure not to pass his or her “suspension of disbelief” … which means to write something so far-fetched within the genre, that the reader can’t believe it, even in a fiction story. Admittedly, this is pretty subjective, but just keep it in mind. I was part of a post-apocalyptic boxed set a couple of years ago and had a story I wanted to write for it. Originally, the idea for the setting of my story was to be in the pre-colonial era. So, it was a struggle for me to completely change the story and the setting to fit into a post-apocalyptic world. It was such a challenge that I almost gave up! LOL! But I pushed through and completed the story and ended up being very happy with how it turned out.
Tip 3 — Stay organized.*** I always have an idea for a story in my head. I find it helpful to jot things down as I think of them so I don’t forget. It never fails… I’ll be driving and think of something for my story, and I tell myself to not forget so I can write it down later. Then later, I’m like “what was that idea I had?”, then I’m kicking myself! LOL! So even if I’m not in a situation where I can write something down, I pull out my phone and record a short note that I can reference later. Also, when I am first writing a story, I’ll have a general overview of it in my head. So, before I go into the details of writing the setting or the dialogue, I’ll do an outline of the story, and sometimes I’ll even do a spreadsheet of all the characters and their relationships, birthdates, and so on. Additionally, if your story has a lot of time points or dates, it might be helpful to do a timeline that shows dates and gaps in months, years, etc. I have a series that spans across five years, so I did a timeline that shows the year, the season and a general description of the important event in the story, so I can keep track and keep consistency throughout the series. I also keep a document with all of the dates for my deliverables. For example, I have a spreadsheet that has the name of the story (whether it’s a stand-alone book or story in a boxed set) its pre-order date, deliverable due date, release date, Facebook group link (if applicable), date I signed up for the set, etc. Don't let a deadline creep up on you and catch you unawares. Put things on your calendar. Make notes to yourself... even send emails to yourself. This helps me to remember things, too!
Tip 4 — Get inspired.*** I find it helpful to get inspiration for my story if I can really visualize things in my head. So, I will gather various photos. These can be pictures that no one will see but you… anything that can get you inspired. I like to gather photos of what I see my characters looking like, whether it’s pictures of movie stars or character drawings. Plus, I’ll find photos of the different settings in my story, like if it’s a forest or the beach. Personally, I also get inspired by music, like if I am listening to a song and can see one of the scenes of my story play out in my head like a music video. LOL! One story I wrote recently took place in the 1400’s in a European-style setting. I got inspired by attending a Renaissance faire, and while I was there, I enjoyed watching the court dancing they did. I had a very similar scene in my book, so that was very inspiring for me. I also had another story that took place on a cruise ship. I gathered a lot of inspiration while on a Caribbean cruise vacation with my family. It was a win-win! LOL! You can use anything to get inspired and get your juices flowing to help you with your story.
I hope these notes helped to give you some takeaways that you can cater to your own writing practices and styles, etc. Thank you all for listening! And I’d like to give a special thank you to K.M. Jenkins for the opportunity to post on the blog today. Reminder to stay motivated!
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘ABOUT THE AUTHOR∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Diana Dawn
As a lover of fairy tales and romance, Diana has focused her writing on romantic fiction, with a hint of classic fables. She has been a lifelong writer and first began creating stories in grade school. When she isn't glued to her computer or lost in her next fantasy story, Diana enjoys taking vacations with her husband and three children.
Diana Dawn is the author of the book series, Whispering Willows. Based on the character of Snow White, this series is a fantasy romance adventure.
"Whispering Willows series: A mix of fairy tales and modernism with romance, adventure, and magic...a perfect fit!"
Snow found herself falling into another world...literally...as she ran from her evil stepmother who was trying to kill her. And now, a new world full of romance and mystery and magic awaited her. But, she is still hunted... still in constant fear for her life from that witch. Searching for her "prince and protector" among the handsome strangers in this mystical remote village, she finds new friends among its residents, both historical and present-day folks. It was a mysterious woods where once you fall into it, you can’t leave. This was her new home, a world of magic and new family and friends and... romance. A new twist on a fairy tale retelling and re-imagining adventure... ‘Fallen Snow’ is the first book in the Whispering Willows series.
"...a captivating fairy tale and fantasy book featuring the theme of romance!"--Five Star Review
Get the first two books in the series FREE! Plus, you can sign up for her newsletter for news and giveaways! Just visit Diana’s website at this link:
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘ABOUT HER STORY∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Beyond Starlight
An Alien Fated Mate Box Set
"Starcrossed Love"
by: Diana Dawn
Kira’s planet's sun had suffered collapse, destroying her world and everyone she loved. As part of the Gundrie race, Kira's crystal pendant with its energy source of their planet's sun would allow her to live forever. She was one of only two left of the Gundrie. The other was a man she despised. If you are one of the last of a race that lives forever, how can you find everlasting love?
Pre-Order for 99¢!
Full Blurb:
To the deepest reaches of the galaxy these warriors will fight to find their fated mates. When their females are at the lowest in their lives they will twist the fabrics of existence and change everything in a blink of an eye. They will face slavers, hunters, computer matching systems, and so many obstacles that they will fight to the death to be together. Fated mates happen once in a lifetime, but will their bond be strong enough to stay together until the end. Find out by reading this limited edition box set filled with space, adventure, and fated mates between species never seen before on earth.
Featured Authors:
Diana Dawn
Susanna Eastman
Demelza Carlton
Katrina S. Karter
Danielle Forrest
Clare Dugmore
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