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Writing Tip: Be Specific
If you want your reader to remember your book, you need to be specific.
Sometimes, we think being broad will reach more people because it’s more relatable, but really, when we are general, we speak to no one.
It’s when we are specific that we connect with people.
You are smart enough to write your novel
I hear this from my clients a lot. They think that because they’re overwhelmed or are moving slowly in their novel, it means they’re not smart enough to write their story.
That is a lie from the pit of story hell.
You are smart enough to tell your story.
Do you know this essential thing about your novel?
Your point is the message of your story, the emotional core.
It’s the tree trunk from which all other story elements grow—character, plot, tone, worldbuilding.
If defining your point feels restrictive or like you’re going to beat your reader over the head, you can think of it as your book statement, theme, concept, or story’s heart.
When I Punched a Bestselling Author
A few years ago, I attended a talk by a multi-published, best-selling author. I hadn’t read this woman’s books, but I enjoyed hearing her speak about researching the novels, the growth of her writing journey, and connecting with readers.
All was destroyed, though, when someone asked a simple question, “Do you have any tips for aspiring novelists?” Her response? You need an inborn level of skill to make it as a published author.
I’m not the coach for you
I know I’m not the right coach for every writer. I can be too emotional, too slow, too crass, too political.
If you’re not into me, that’s okay.
Need help knowing if we’re a good match?
The Snowball of Misbelief
Most writers don’t understand how important it is to merge your plot with your character arc, but this is the secret to writing a powerful novel.
If you can master this skill, you’ll be well on your way to a book that is unputdownable AND punches your readers in the heart.
Let me introduce you to my favorite tool for illustrating this concept.
You Deserve to Write Slow
Writing is not an emergency.
If what you want most is to impact your reader on an emotional level, you need to learn to write slow.
Impactful fiction doesn’t happen by accident, it happens on purpose, and that purpose takes time.
When you write fast, you skim the surface. Like a speedboat, you jump from plot point to plot point, rushing from one shore to the other. Yes, it’s exciting, but you miss the meaning, the life.
You want to do more than give your reader a quick thrill. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be here.
The Terror of Writing
Have you ever felt like your story ambushed you?
Out of nowhere, writer’s block reared its giant head, procrastination kicked in for weeks, or you came up with an exciting new story you needed to write immediately.
Friend, I’m sorry to tell you, but that thing that ambushed you? It’s probably fear.
Sometimes, our stories invite us to go places we’ve never been inside ourselves. They invite us to dig beneath our surface to find the bloody truth.
Writing impactful fiction requires telling the truth, telling your truth, and that is one of the most frightening things you can do.