Tag Archives: advice

NaNoWriMo Giveaway: Inspiration from Orson Scott Card

I think it is important to listen to, read about, and question other authors. We learn from one another. Much of what I’ve learned about writing has come from the advice of another author, whether I’ve met them in person, read their blog, or listened to an interview.

An interview with Orson Scott Card, author of the popular science fiction novel Ender’s Game, was the NaNoWriMo giveaway for Day 20 of NaNoWriMo. Though I have not read any of Card’s books, I intend to see what he has to say in response to some of my most pressing questions. It seems that every author has a different response.

It’s exciting, however, to learn more about an author and his/her process so you can try it out for size. Maybe their advice doesn’t suit you. Maybe it does. I guess there is only one way to find out.

Card seems to have a different viewpoint than most other authors concerning the craft of writing, and I look forward to reading the interview in more detail when I get a chance.

 

NaNoWriMo Giveaway (Day 20): Inspiration from Orson Scott Card

A Writer’s Notebook

I’ve been told countless times that if I’d like to be a writer, I should carry a notebook everywhere I go. A notebook, regardless of size or style, would enable me to record my random ideas and the whims that I would forget if not immediately written down.

For some reason, I’ve never really been into keeping a consistent notebook, because my writing is saved in various folders on my computer. I’ve tried to keep a notebook, but when I often forget to place it in my purse, I decided that an “idea notebook” just wasn’t for me.

However, I recently read A Writer’s Notebook, by Ralph Fletcher, which completely changed my mind.

For some reason, I had forgotten that customization of my notebook is entirely up to me. If I don’t want to carry it with me everywhere I go, I don’t have to. If the notebook isn’t solely for “ideas,” that’s okay too. The notebook, really, is just like a journal. It is meant to be completely personal, most likely different for every writer. (And who says you have to be a writer to keep a notebook?!)

So far, the composition book I have started is coming along well. The notebook houses a variety of things – journal entries, ideas for novels, lists, photographs, song lyrics, poetry, quotes, and articles I printed off the Internet.

I absolutely love the notebook because I can be so creative with it. The idea is that when I am writing, and need an idea for an interesting character, or an interesting name for a character, or an interesting plot line, or an interesting quote, I know right where to look for inspiration.

Use the notebook as a diary, an idea catcher, a sketchbook…whatever floats your boat.

Only rule: make it yours.

 

~ Brooke