WRITING ADVICE

“Make sure you aren't wasting the reader’s time.” – Contributed by Ian Rash

Using an online source called The Minimalist, I learned that you shouldn't take too much time to explain a backstory when you can do it quickly because it will bore the reader, who might stop reading what you have written. – Contributed by Acadia Naylor

Today, reading "Dear Hunter" from the Cicada magazine, I learned about the importance of dialogue and how it contributes to the story. I learned about the importance of timing, using ... to draw out sentences to make them more dramatic and, often times, more effective. That's what I learned from the short story. – Contributed by Lucas Weidner

One thing I learned about writing is that if you imagine that you are in your character’s shoes, have ‘conversations’ with them, it’ll help you write a better story – Contributed by Peyton Vincent

“Use simple words.” – Contributed by Beck Naylor

“If you relax you have a better chance of being successful.” – Contributed by Raghav Goel

“Any time we pick up a book or a story, we’re looking for a reason to care.” – Contributed by Mr. Stewart (From Lisa Cron’s book, WIRED FOR STORY)

I learned that stories have to be written and read one word at a time. – Contributed by Kali Sura

If you want an audience of boys and girls you should have a main character who is a boy because a boy will be much less likely to read a book where the main character is a girl but a girl will be equally likely to read a book where the main character is a girl or a boy. – Contributed by Britta Nathan

“When you don’t have an idea for a story, put that creative energy into another outlet, as in art, music, or another thing that relaxes your mind. NO SCREENS!!! Do something that can will keep you motivated for writing, not that brain-rotting junk. If you don’t have an idea don’t give up on the story, which I have done way too many times.” – Contributed by Lucy Dreher

There are different ways to get ideas and how to turn it into your story. – Contributed by Serena Sun

“The greatest things sometimes come from the simplest things.” – Contributed by Tvisha Talwar

 “When you build up a character you want to actually think from the character’s view that you’re writing and you have full control over the character.” Contributed by RITAM CHAKRABART