Don't Do That!



MJ Rose wrote an informative piece on the top ten mistakes authors tend to make. Mostly they concern marketing and blogs (MJ's areas of special interest).

Some things I'd like to add about the craft of writing... Let's call them the Tambo Don'ts

1. Don't add plot points or characters simply because they sound "cool". Everything must make sense within the narrative.

2. Don't be afraid to delete it if it doesn't work, even if you love it. If it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit.

3. Don't ask for a pile of opinions on your plot and characters until you, the writer, have things well in hand. Opinions are for polish, not composition.

4. Don't play safe, make nice, or otherwise protect your darling characters. Trauma is a good thing. It's like drama, only cranked up. And it's fun!

5. Don't use a ten-dollar word if a common one will do, unless it's the absolute end-all perfect word. Whatever word pops in your head first is probably the right one.

6. Don't follow trends. Two (or more) years from now, when the book comes out, hot books will be something completely different.

7. Don't let the how-to guides get you in an endless loop of writing research. Write the dang book, already!

8. Don't watch TV. It sucks time away. If you must watch, limit the shows.

9. Don't ignore your loved ones. Don't blame your loved ones. Don't expect your loved ones to cater to you. You're all in this together and what's more important than the people you love?

10. Don't ever give up trying to improve, to finish, to publish. Don't ever give up.

Posted: Thu - June 16, 2005 at 09:20 AM         |

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