Wednesday April 4, 2018 ~
Wednesday April 4, 2018 ~The Letter DÂ Â
This month, I write about being a writer, alphabetically.
I’ve written nonfiction, short stories, and poetry. My media has included everything from keyboard to fountain pen to crayon. Â And yes, I’m working on a novel.
Please join me each day as I explore this craft and career of playing with words as I participate in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2018.
Today is the first Wednesday of the month, which means it’s also Insecure Writer’s Support Group Day. I’m giving Blogging from A to Z precedence, so today’s post doesn’t really examine April Showers or explore May Flowers. Still, go take a look at IWSG And while you’re there, congratulate Shannon Lawrence, on the launch of Blue Sludge Blues and her new position as Newsletter Editor at IWSG. You can find Shannon here.
The Letter D
Dictionary
Creative use of grammar and spelling and vocabulary can be fun.  Remember though, editors and (most likely) your readers can tell.  They can tell the difference between intentional creative wordplay and just  poor wordcraft. Maybe that’ll make a difference in getting published or selling the next book.  Possibly it’ll just annoy your readers.  Use a spellchecker, verify the meaning of words if you’re not certain, and see that your subjects and predicates match properly.
Doubt
Yes, yes you can do this! Â Doubt chips away at self-conficence and will erode all your plans. Â Put doubt away, don’t let it ruin your process. Afraid you don’t have the chops for this writing thing? Â Take a look at some of the offerings on free e-pub sites, or read some fan fiction. Both are great places to take a peek at all different writing skill levels. And I can just about guarantee you’ll find at least one piece that will boost your ego.
Daily
We’ve all got busy lives, full plates, varied commitments. Remember that 8:00 am class back in your school days? The one you only made it to half the time because, well, 8:00 am. Plus it wasn’t really required for your major. Remember barely phoning it in until two days before the final when you tried to fill your brain with enough to get through the final? Â Did you get your own best possible results? Â Small bites daily will build your story efficiently. And with less mental anguish than an interminable session that leaves you with blurred vision and a word-count hangover. Â Exception: NaNoWriMo, if that’s your thing.
Discipline
If you’re serious about this, then you should treat it as such. Â Make a regular commitment – even if it isn’t every single day. Â Put it on your calendar, set a reminder if you need to. Not only will you get more words down, but your mind will get in the habit of being creative on a regular basis. Â Yup, the more regularly you write, the less writer’s block you’ll suffer. Â Most of the time.
Tomorrow, the letter E …
Thank you for the mention, and keep on A-to-Zing! Hope you’re having fun with it.
My first two novels were started in NaNo & Camp NaNo. I’ve found I work much better with a deadline, not real big on the daily discipline. Maybe because we’re retired and have so much to do! LOL!
Donna B McNicol, author & traveler
Romance & Mystery…writing my life
A-Z Flash Fiction Tales: http://dbmcnicol.blogspot.com
A-Z of Goldendoodles: http://ourprimeyears.blogspot.com
Good for you! What I created in NaNo this past fall was mostly not very usable. I’ll get there!
Great D points for aspiring writers. Best wishes to you as your write your novel.