Comments on: The Irresistible Novel

By: Judy

Judy — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:51:23 +0000

I remember writing a journal entry a few years ago while I was in college (by “a few”, I mean “eight”). In it, I remember bemoaning a lack of skill that would allow me to create worlds as detailed and engrossing as those created by authors like JRR Tolkein and JK Rowling.

Three months later I began the groundwork on what would become my very own literary world, one I hope to one day bring readers into with the same enthusiasm.

But self-doubt is a hard voice to silence. It helps sometimes to think of it as telling a story to yourself, that way you aren’t pressured by any fears of reader rejection.
Judy´s last blog ..Vox Populi Vox Dei

By: StephanieD

StephanieD — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:49:37 +0000

What if the story you feel passionate about isn’t universal? What if it’s not something that the majority will like? Does that mean it isn’t great? Univeral and great are probably what writers shoot for; but the end product may not be commercially successful.
StephanieD´s last blog ..Hint Fiction Contest – A Story in 25 Words or Less

By: Lost Wanderer

Lost Wanderer — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:48:03 +0000

I eagerly look forward to your posts on this blog, and I am never disappointed. Ever since getting your books, I have become a fan, because the advice you give is practical though nevere easy, and it’s encouraging. It makes me want to make sure that my story is as best as it could be, and then double check that it is before sending it to an agent. Thank you.
Lost Wanderer´s last blog ..Third Day of NaNoWriMo and How is it going?

By: Kathleen Bolton

Kathleen Bolton — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:36:48 +0000

Officially Going Big. Thanks, Don.

By: Glynis Smy

Glynis Smy — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:16:35 +0000

What an interesting post. I think it is lack of courage that has stopped me letting go a little with my WiP.
I forget that the ‘greats’ were once like me. I will read my work through and add more oomph to it. :)
Glynis Smy´s last blog ..Ta Da! A Few Words from Me

By: Kristan

Kristan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:15:09 +0000

Agree agree agree! For a long time I was trying to write LIKE the books I enjoy, instead of WRITING THE BOOK I ENJOY. That one degree of separation makes a huge difference, believe me.
Kristan´s last blog ..Overwhelmed, underfocused

By: Monica Britt

Monica Britt — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:54:01 +0000

Wow! Permission to succeed. Thank you.

By: Ellie

Ellie — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:03:34 +0000

Thank you so much for those words. They were exactly what I needed to hear today.
I wish to write plot like JK Rowling, meaning and purpose like CS Lewis, instantly lovable characters like Dean Koontz, diction like JRR Tolkien, and have courage to change the world like Upton Sinclair and Charles Dickens.
Now to write the novel that encapsulates them all…

By: Margaret A. Golla

Margaret A. Golla — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:50:58 +0000

You really spoke to me in this blog post. I’ve been dithering around on one particular manuscript, but I can’t seem to make myself finish writing it. I KNOW it has potential to be big, but I’m not able to take it there at this point in my writing career. I’ll put it aside for awhile and continue honing my skills on other stories. Maybe in a year or two, I’ll be at a point in my writing to do it justice.
Margaret A. Golla´s last blog ..Dis and Dat