One of the first lessons I've learned in taking my writing more seriously is that characterization is hard. For me, at least, it takes a concerted effort to try to create a standout character and I rarely get it right in my view. Nevertheless, I keep trying and figure one day it will click. Hang in there!
Thanks Mark! I've been watching videos from authors and they all say a similar thing. I used to focus a lot on coming up with story ideas, but I've since learned that no matter how great our story, if there is no standout character, it just won't work. Good luck on your efforts as well!
Oops, pressed the wrong selection. either is fine with me. You're a good writer Brian don't let anyone bring you down. Stay strong and be proud of your work. I'm in Florida with the Red Cross been here for over two weeks. This morning is the first time I was able to get a connection. It was nice to come across your post. Peace
Thank you, Naomi, for volunteering your skills and time! Also, thank you for the feedback. It's one thing I don't like about the Substack poll, is that you can't undo a vote and change it.
I’m looking forward to seeing that next story early! I feel like the “Dear Reader” pieces are a nice intermission in the stories, so I don’t mind them in one newsletter. With the stories, I feel like I need to set aside a little time, to really give them my attention. The “Dear Reader” bits are just easier, and it’s nice to have a break.
I'm starting it today! The contest theme is a good one, fitting with Halloween. I've got a great idea, and I'm just flushing out how I want it to end. As far as Dear Reader, I purposely keep it short for that reason. It's like an appetizer, not the full meal... or maybe it's just dessert 🤔 I'm the same with your serial. I like to wait and sit with it when I have more time.
I think giving readers options can be a good thing. The strategy for my November launch is to sectionize my author updates, fiction/essays, podcast, and goodies (AMAs, giveaways, etc.) so that readers can pick their sushi. 🍣
We’ll see if it works. Curious about your experiments as well.
Thanks for the feedback, Teague! Whenever I think of the reader, I think the same thing. It's nice for them to have that choice. Me not doing it is mostly about me not wanting to manage it, but honestly it's probably not that much work and I'm just making too much of the effort.
Thanks for sharing your process and the feedback you get. It’s generous to do so, I think, and helpful to us new to the craft. Hope your next submission is successful!
Thanks Bryn! I'm excited about this month and I've got a good story brewing. I'm happy to share how things are going, and I'm glad you're along for the ride. It would be nice to share some successes in the next couple months to encourage all the writers out there 😁
Characterization is so hard, but so worth it in the end! It's something I'm needing to work a lot on too.
As far as 'Dear Reader' goes, I quite like it. I agree with what Tom said, that it's a nice intermission from the stories. Plus, it gives me other things to think about in a more 'writerly' sense, if that makes sense. Maybe I just like them because I'm in that cross section of writer and reader?
That's great feedback, Claire. Right now, I've got a good mix of writers and readers, and I hope that I can keep that balance. I try to keep Dear Reader in that middle ground so even if someone isn't a writer, they can appreciate the journey of an author they like to read. Even myself, I like hearing about those first baby steps of new authors, and how they found success.
I’m considering the same approach for “Fifties by the Fire” - not really sure how I want to go about it. I enjoy posting fiction twice weekly, but I also enjoy the writing prompts/challenges/community building aspect of “Fifties”. And I also don’t want to inundate subscribers with too many emails. I’m going to shoot for two prompts this month to see how it goes. Decisions, decisions... 😅
I enjoy your Dear Reader posts. It’s been fun following your writing journey!
Thanks for the feedback, Justin! It's interesting because both Fifties and Dear Reader are sort of geared toward the writing audiences, athough regular readers can enjoy them as well. I gues that's another thing for us to consider 😂 As for me personally, I don't mind getting fifties, and want to participate in your community, so even if I get more it's okay.
One of the first lessons I've learned in taking my writing more seriously is that characterization is hard. For me, at least, it takes a concerted effort to try to create a standout character and I rarely get it right in my view. Nevertheless, I keep trying and figure one day it will click. Hang in there!
Thanks Mark! I've been watching videos from authors and they all say a similar thing. I used to focus a lot on coming up with story ideas, but I've since learned that no matter how great our story, if there is no standout character, it just won't work. Good luck on your efforts as well!
Oops, pressed the wrong selection. either is fine with me. You're a good writer Brian don't let anyone bring you down. Stay strong and be proud of your work. I'm in Florida with the Red Cross been here for over two weeks. This morning is the first time I was able to get a connection. It was nice to come across your post. Peace
Thank you, Naomi, for volunteering your skills and time! Also, thank you for the feedback. It's one thing I don't like about the Substack poll, is that you can't undo a vote and change it.
God's blessings down in Florida and stay safe.
I’m looking forward to seeing that next story early! I feel like the “Dear Reader” pieces are a nice intermission in the stories, so I don’t mind them in one newsletter. With the stories, I feel like I need to set aside a little time, to really give them my attention. The “Dear Reader” bits are just easier, and it’s nice to have a break.
I'm starting it today! The contest theme is a good one, fitting with Halloween. I've got a great idea, and I'm just flushing out how I want it to end. As far as Dear Reader, I purposely keep it short for that reason. It's like an appetizer, not the full meal... or maybe it's just dessert 🤔 I'm the same with your serial. I like to wait and sit with it when I have more time.
I think giving readers options can be a good thing. The strategy for my November launch is to sectionize my author updates, fiction/essays, podcast, and goodies (AMAs, giveaways, etc.) so that readers can pick their sushi. 🍣
We’ll see if it works. Curious about your experiments as well.
Thanks for the feedback, Teague! Whenever I think of the reader, I think the same thing. It's nice for them to have that choice. Me not doing it is mostly about me not wanting to manage it, but honestly it's probably not that much work and I'm just making too much of the effort.
Thanks for sharing your process and the feedback you get. It’s generous to do so, I think, and helpful to us new to the craft. Hope your next submission is successful!
Thanks Bryn! I'm excited about this month and I've got a good story brewing. I'm happy to share how things are going, and I'm glad you're along for the ride. It would be nice to share some successes in the next couple months to encourage all the writers out there 😁
Characterization is so hard, but so worth it in the end! It's something I'm needing to work a lot on too.
As far as 'Dear Reader' goes, I quite like it. I agree with what Tom said, that it's a nice intermission from the stories. Plus, it gives me other things to think about in a more 'writerly' sense, if that makes sense. Maybe I just like them because I'm in that cross section of writer and reader?
That's great feedback, Claire. Right now, I've got a good mix of writers and readers, and I hope that I can keep that balance. I try to keep Dear Reader in that middle ground so even if someone isn't a writer, they can appreciate the journey of an author they like to read. Even myself, I like hearing about those first baby steps of new authors, and how they found success.
Thanks for your support and readership!
I’m considering the same approach for “Fifties by the Fire” - not really sure how I want to go about it. I enjoy posting fiction twice weekly, but I also enjoy the writing prompts/challenges/community building aspect of “Fifties”. And I also don’t want to inundate subscribers with too many emails. I’m going to shoot for two prompts this month to see how it goes. Decisions, decisions... 😅
I enjoy your Dear Reader posts. It’s been fun following your writing journey!
Looking forward to your next story and podcast!
Thanks for the feedback, Justin! It's interesting because both Fifties and Dear Reader are sort of geared toward the writing audiences, athough regular readers can enjoy them as well. I gues that's another thing for us to consider 😂 As for me personally, I don't mind getting fifties, and want to participate in your community, so even if I get more it's okay.
I agree, both are very similar in that way. Thank you for the feedback as well - good to know! 😀