#wordweavers Oct 4. Character development, world-building, plot – how much attention do you pay to each?
I tend to focus pretty equally on character development and plot with my world-building far behind. That doesn't mean I don't world build, I just try to do it organically within the plot. You find out about the world through the events in the story. My hope is that an interesting story and characters will keep someone reading enough for the world to become alive for them.
#WritersCoffeeClub Sept 30. What dumb things do people say when you tell them you're a writer?
I don't tell people mostly to avoid having to answer questions about it or about what I write. When I told my wife I was going to pursue writing she told me she expected me to write the next great American novel. And that is very dumb but in the most supportive way 😂😂
@7ccb675f Yeah and I think it makes the story more interesting and the antagonist a more believable character. She's not just one dimensional evil or bad. She is smart and clever and there is a reason behind her actions
@7b682b86 Agree totally. If you write a bad, boring prologue it does not suggest a great book will follow. It can be hard to judge how it will land though
@7b682b86 Yeah, I think this is interesting because I use it primarily to introduce the reader to a plot that will intersect with the MC but it's not the focus of the story. I can totally see why that would turn some folks off but at the same time I think it adds a lot to the story to know it before you meet the MC
#WritersCoffeeClub Sept 13. Do you derive joy from writing? In what way?
Yes but it's more complex than just joy. Writing is often arduous and can be disappointing or embarrassing. It's always worthwhile and I love it but it's not the same as the joy I had when my kid learned to write her name or even when enjoying a good meal.
It's a joy that comes from accomplishment so it needs to be difficult and trying too. I guess it's complicated for me
@7ccb675f I try to think of successes in terms of things I can control. I can control finishing the story and I can control how good it is to my standards. I can't control whether it will be published or anyone else will like it or buy it. Finishing the book is the success for me. But I'd be lying if getting it published wasn't a nice addition
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