Teen Writers' Group

 

I am thrilled to say I have joined an amazing online group of writers! I'm very excited about this, which is why I couldn't help blogging about it, and hope you'll be excited for me as well ;)

I found this group by randomly reading different blogs...yes, that is how I spend a lot of my time now-a-days...but that's besides the point - I am now a member of a community of like-minded writers! Hopefully, being part of this group will help me stay on track with my writing and encourage me to never give up when things get tough (writing wise).

Another reason I joined is because I need to expand my writing platform. A writing platform is something I've learned every writer needs before trying to publish a book; it's basically your online popularity. You see, if a publisher/editor looks you up on the internet you want your name and info to come up first. So, I'm trying to do something I would never had tried if I wasn't crazy about writing; I'm trying to become popular on the internet.

I now have a Pinterest you can follow *wink wink* (I know, that really has nothing to do with writing. But hey, whatever)

I recently (like, today, recently) made a book club community on Google+. It's public and awaiting members! Teen Book Club

And of course, please follow my blog! *puppy eyes* (pretty please? with a cherry on top?)

Comments are always welcome! *nudge nudge*

...No, I'm not trying to nonchalantly tell you something...why do you ask?

What to write, what to write?

My mind likes to wander places...and sometimes I can't stay on track with what I'm doing.

Unfortunately, I have discovered that this fact also applies to when I write.

Right now I am working on a book. My first book. Without a writing coach or anyone really helping me. Basically, I'm getting all my writing tips off the internet, which isn't bad, just confusing. One website says "do this", one website says "do that" and sometimes it's hard to prioritize what is most important when I'm writing. Also, while I'm writing, different ideas pop into my head for different stories and I have to put them aside and focus on my first goal. (I think I've mentioned that already...)

So, here's what I've been doing: I gather all the info and tips I can, then tinker around to find out what works best for me. It's a slow process - but it is process :)

Why Write?

A question I recently asked myself, "Lily, why do you write; what drives you to write?"

The answer is simple: "Because I have to."

Writing is something I love. Something I really can't live without. Ideas for stories pop inside my head almost non-stop. Different ideas can turn into one big idea, while other times I have to just write my ideas down in a notebook and get back to them later. When I write, I feel in control. I'm in control of the story. I'm in control of my characters actions. What happens depends on me.

Now, that doesn't mean that writing is a piece of cake for me either. I have my fair share of troubles as a writer, just like anybody else. For me, I have trouble with outlines. I could write a ten page story all in one sitting without an outline. And sure, it might be worthy for others to read, but without an outline my ideas and plans get jumbled and I'm not sure where my story is going next. It's all on a whim, and I don't like that.

So, I am teaching myself to outline. I know it will be difficult, but in the end will be worth it. Outlines, here I come!

Character Profiles

Okay, so recently I have discovered that writing down character profiles for your story is VERY important! Wow, Lily, you didn't realize this? No, I guess I didn't. If you must know, I am horrible with lists and outlines (I can make a list, I just have trouble following through with it)! I have been searching around on the internet for tips and things for writing a novel. The first thing that came up was: make character profiles. Creative Writing Now has great outlines for this very purpose:



For a young (school-aged) character

1.  Name:
2. Age:
3. Birthday:
4. General physical description:
5. Hometown:
6. Type of home/ neighborhood:
7. Father’s name, background, and occupation:
8. Mother’s name, background, and occupation:
9. Brothers and sisters:
10. Position in family:
11. Other close relatives:
12. Family relationships:
13. Special friends:
14. Enemies:
15. Influential person or event:
16. Grade in school:
17. Attitude toward school:
18. Grades:
19. Favorite pastimes:
20. Hobbies (music/art/reading material):
21. Favorite sports:
22. Favorite foods:
23. Dress style:
24. Religion:
25. Attitude toward religion:
26. Relationship with boys:
27. Relationship with girls:
28. Leader or follower:
29. Strongest positive personality trait:
30. Strongest negative personality trait:
31. Sense of humor:
32. Temper:
33. Consideration for others:
34. How other people see him/her:
35. Opinion of him/herself:
36. Other traits, especially those to be brought out in story:
37. Ambitions:
38. Philosophy of life:
39. Most important thing to know about character:
40. Will readers like or dislike this character, and why?

For an adult character

1. Name:
2. Age:
3. General physical description:
4. Hometown:
5. Type of home/ neighborhood:
6. Relationship status:
7. Current family:
8. Family background (parents, previous marriages, etc.):
9. Friends:
10. Other close relationships:
11. Relationship with men:
12. Relationship with women:
13. Job:
14. Dress style:
15. Religion:
16. Attitude to religion:
17. Favorite pastimes:
18. Hobbies:
19. Favorite sports:
20. Favorite foods:
21. Strongest positive personality trait:
22. Strongest negative personality trait:
23. Sense of humor:
24. Temper:
25. Consideration for others:
26. How other people see him/her:
27. Opinion of him/herself:
28. Other traits, especially those to be brought out in story:
29. Ambitions:
30. Philosophy of life:
31. Most important thing to know about this character:
32. Will readers like or dislike this character, and why?

These outlines have made it so much easier for me to get a good start on my novel!