October 2000

Last Updated: December 2000- I would first like to thank all of the members of TYWC for supporting this semi-new part of TYWC. You may have noticed that there is a new color scheme (hopefully better than that glaring yellow), but the layout is the same. Down below are a lot of new (and very good!) articles by various members of TYWC. If you have any questions, wish to write an article for the Young Writers Tips page, or just have some comments/suggestions to make, feel free to drop me a line anytime at nate_caldwell@hotmail.com. -Nate

Special Note: Articles are still needed for this page. E-mail Nate if you have any you wish to publish.

Table of Contents

• Writers Block by ~Darkangel~
• Editing and Revisions by Umwell Burkitts
• Naming Your Main Characters by Taleia
• Ideas: Organizing and Rembering Them by ~Lindsey~
• Checklist for Short Stories submitted by Symbrinic Breeze
• Editor's Note
• Related Writing Resources

What Is Writer's Block?

You sit down in front of the computer, ready to get to work on your Novel-Poem-Storybook-Story. You open a blank document, put your fingers on the keyboard, and completely freeze up. You cannot think of anything to write, even though you may have had a bunch of great ideas just a few hours earlier. Your mind is as blank as the screen in front of you, and you start to wonder if you will ever be able to write again. This is writer's block and it happens to virtually all writers at some point. It may last a few hours or it may last a few months, and during that time, you will probably question your ability to write. You may also begin to avoid writing altogether. The longer writer's block continues and the more stress it causes, the harder it is to overcome. Let me tell you, it is very frustrating.

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What Causes it?

Probably the most common cause of writer's block is fear of failure. You are afraid that what you write won't be good enough so you avoid writing at all. You expect everything you write to be perfect but you cannot live up to those ideals so you quit trying. You can prevent this from happening by accepting one simple thing: Everything you write is not going to be absolutely perfect. For every good paragraph you write, ten others may be so-so or just terrible, and that is perfectly normal. The first draft of anything will be less than perfect. That's what editing and rewriting are for. By focusing on your writing instead of the finished product, you can avoid getting caught up in the quest for perfection.

Another cause is pushing yourself to do too much in too short of a time. Maybe you heard that your favorite author writes 10000 words per day or all your friends are entering writing contests and churning out story after story. You consider these people successful and attempt to adopt their writing habits in the hopes that you too will be a success. Unfortunately, it can cause the opposite effect. Setting unreasonable goals for yourself which you cannot meet will only discourage you and contribute to writer's block. If you get overwhelmed, you will have a difficult time writing. If you wish to set goals for yourself, make sure they are reasonable. If you can only write for 10 minutes, three times per day, that is OK. Forget what everyone else is doing, develop a schedule that works for you.

Sometimes it is necessary to write what we have to write, not what we want to write. We may really want to write fiction but for economic reasons, must write articles for various magazines. There is nothing wrong with writing purely for profit, as long as it doesn't start to affect your desire to write. If you think that your dislike of your current assignments may be contributing to your writer's block, put them aside and write something you enjoy. Work on a piece you haven't had time for in a while, or start something new. It doesn't even have to have a true plot, you can simply write about what you did over the summer. Whenever you get bogged down with boring writing assignments, don't forget to take some time now and then to do the kind of writing you love.

If instead of having trouble thinking of ideas in general, your writer's block is focused on one particular work, you may need to put it aside for a while and come back to it later. Occasionally, the cause of this problem is that you have worked so hard on a piece, it's importance has become exaggerated in your mind. You fear that it cannot possibly live up to your expectations and you can't think of any ideas which are "good enough." Put it aside, remember the first draft does not have to be perfect, and work on something else for a while. When you return to this work, if you still freeze up, it might be the idea itself.

You may have become bored with your central characters or do not have enough suspense or conflict within your plot. Maybe you paced the story too fast and you ran out of plot twists before the ending. Or, worst of all, maybe you have lost interest in your story. Look over what you've written and see if you can determine any problems which might have caused your block. If this is the case, simply fixing the relevant aspect of the story should help you get un-blocked.

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What Do I do About it?

The best way to overcome writer's block is to figure out what is causing it, and the figure out a way to solve that problem. If you are unable to determine the source of your writer's block, there are several other things you can do to overcome it and jump start your writing. The most obvious method is to force yourself to write. I don't mean to necessarily work on a real project, just free associate, write about a past event, or even write about having writer's block. You may also want to start keeping a journal or a dream diary to keep yourself in the habit of writing every day. Or try some writing exercises. Sometimes the act of writing, even if you aren't writing anything meaningful, is enough to get the ideas flowing again.

If you cannot make yourself write, take a break. It can be a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks. Before you begin, set a date and time at which you will start writing again. During that time, do not write or worry about not being able to return to writing. Read books, do things you enjoy, focus on other things in your life. You may find that once you return to writing with a fresh perspective, your writer's block has disappeared. When you are unable to even think of an idea to write about, instead of staring at a blank page, do things which may spark new ideas. Go to the park, the mall, or another public place and watch people. Take a notebook and write down your observations as well as anything else that comes to mind. When you see a person or family that interests you, imagine what their "story" is. Who are they? Why are they there? What kind of past do they have? You might trigger a character or story idea.

Another way to come up with character ideas is to buy a book or visit a website of baby names. Reading the meanings of names might spark an idea, or you can pick a name at random and brainstorm with it. You may also want to read articles on story ideas or try an idea generator.

The most important thing when experiencing writer's block is to relax. Remember, you are not alone and you will get past it. If you get uptight about it, it will get worse. Try some of the above suggestions, meditate, and/or talk with other writers to learn their experiences and strategies. Almost every writer gets writer's block- what's important is how you handle it. Don't let writer's block control you. Instead, take charge and overcome it. You can do it.

Paolo

The initial rush of writing a story or poem is over. After recovering from a self-satisfied stupor (or sleep, if you were writing during the night), you reread your work. Unless you are one or both of two things (conceited or a genius—probably conceited), you probably realize that, well, there are some things that need to be changed. It’s almost a fact of life, and most certainly a fact of writing; the eminence of things that are one day wonderful can be dimmed most always upon a second viewing.

Let’s face it, nothing is ever perfect. But a single misplaced word or one incorrect sentence can tarnish the face of a beautiful piece of writing. It’s as Confucius once said (and he actually did say this), "Beware of allowing a tactless word, a rebuttal, a rejection to obliterate the whole sky." And that’s just what you must do—beware. Of course, being wary of mistakes is just a part, albeit major, of the sometimes-tedious job of rereading, editing, rewriting, and starting the whole process over. It’s like it says on the shampoo bottle, "Lather, rinse, repeat as needed." You must reread, edit, and rewrite as needed. That can take a long time, but it’s certainly worth it (unless, of course, your subject matter is geometry, in which case you must stop and reevaluate your life).

Rereading is very easy; pick up your piece of work and read it.

Many people, whose otherwise objective vision is blurred by thick glasses made of pride, conceit, who’s-mama’s-wonderful-little-boy statements, ignorance, single-mindedness, and/or the simple need of a second opinion, choose to (WOW!) actually get the second opinion. Often, this person (or people), known by the ever-so-dignified term of endearment "Editor" (this could be "Editors," depending on how many people want or are bullied into helping you), can give fresh opinions and help you to see things about your story or poem that could use work. The Editor provides guidance, help, laughter, and inspiration where needed, or as prescribed by a certified physician. Honestly, though, these sub-forms of homo sapiens that know infinite numbers of grammar rules are quite useful.

If you’ve decided to be a diehard independent, or are just a private person, and want to edit your writing yourself (which is a good idea anyway), the best way to start is with a pen in hand, far away from the computer. Sit in a quiet place (or have music playing softly, whichever is more relaxing) where you won’t be interrupted. If anything strikes you as being weak, silly, redundant, or the like, cross it off and wallow in frustration until a solution comes to you. Often, this type of editing is best, simply because you’re away from your word processor and the incredible desire to just click, drag, erase, and randomly fill in. You have to think to replace your words or situations—and thinking is a good thing, not just in writing, but in life.

After you, and perhaps your Editor(s), give your brain(s) some much-needed exercise, the rest is solely on you. You must rewrite, which generally takes place nearer to the computer (hopefully in keyboard-touching vicinity). While rewriting, take into consideration the changes you want and the changes the all-powerful E(s) recommend(s). Now is the time to use your click and drag skills—revising should occur after you know what exactly you want to alter in your piece. Of course, you may notice other things while you revise that you didn’t notice while editing. As a solution to this problem, I propose taking a deep breath, thinking, and remembering to breathe again after your brain has had its workout. Then, hopefully, you shall have the answer to your trouble.

But you must remember, even as you settle into a blissfully sedentary I’m-finally-finished state, that no piece of writing is ever done. Now, let’s repeat our mantra, class, "Reread, edit, and rewrite as needed. Reread, edit, and rewrite as needed. Reread, edit, and rewrite as needed...."

Well, as it’s almost half past midnight and I still haven’t done my homework, I’d best finish this article. Maybe I’ve helped you; I know, I know, I probably haven’t helped at all. However, I hope you will remember that, with hard work, you can fix most of your writing problems. As for the rest, I leave you with a quote.

"One who makes no mistakes never makes anything."
--Source Unknown

P. S. Feel free to be my Editor(s) and harass me with all the grammatical problems that this article has.
P. P. S. I was joking.

Umwell

Naming your main character(s) is one of the most important things you can do. The name you select will create a picture as vivid as any description you can give. It will affect how you and your readers relate to your character. It will also affect his or her personality, and although Shakespeare's words of wisdom concerning names and roses is true to some extent, your character will never be the same without that perfect name that fits him or her, and thus helps to confirm who they are.

The way you write, or even what you write about will affect how you choose a name. If you write fiction or historical fiction, your names might already be chosen for you. For instance, you cannot change the name of Abraham Lincoln! However, if you write fiction, you have some space to breathe. A terrific tool is a book of names. Hospitals give these to new mothers to aid the name-giving process. I am not sure if you could aquire them on request or not. However, in libraries, you can find big books filled with names and their meanings. Some hints for finding the name:

1. Sound: If you're like me, you have some idea what the name should sound like or what letter it begins with, just because it feels right. Names in books are arranged in alphabetical order. Just turn to that section and pick something you like.
   
2. Variations: Rachelle and Yasmine are variations on three common names, Rachel, Michelle, and Jasmine, yet they paint a different sound picture. If you like a common name, yet it sounds a little too common, try changing the first letter.
   
3. Meaning: My sister wrote a book in which one of the main characters was named Martin. Why did she choose that name? "Martin means 'warrior', and in the story Martin is training to be a warrior and is feeling very depressed. When he finds out what his name means, it gives him resolve to finish his training." His name played an important part in his story, and that was, ultimately, the goal. (btw, all you readers out there, her story, A Warrior's Path, is worth reading--I get to say this as payment for the article!).

Try looking up a name that suits your character's personality. On the same note, here are some great tips I've heard mentioned:

1. Try finding an adjective that describes him/her and spelling it backwards. Or, you could turn an ordinary name backwards. Teresa becomes Aseret, Marie becomes Eiram, and Sarah becomes Haras.
   
2. Word-Scrambles: One of my favorite names, Erx, was found on the back of a cereal box in a word scramble game. This is a terrific tool.
   
3. Above all, avoid name clichés: Have you ever realized that in every "fast-food" book (Green Valley Twins, for instance, or whatever they're called), the plot always involves a stuck-up girl named Lila? It's true! Lila seems to be the standard name for snobbiness. Avoid overused names!
   
4. Use plain and simple accordingly: Imagine a fashionable Victorian lady named Kyle Rothmoore. It sounds correct, right? Imagine the same lady named Lizzie. Um, not quite the same image! If you're writing a story set back several generations, old-fashioned names like Lizzie, Tom, and Agnes are suitable. Although I'm not so keen on Cher, Whitney, and Brant (to name a few), when in Rome (or writing in the prairie or victorian age!) do as the Romans did (e.g. Gaius, Cornelius, Cornelia, Marius).
   
5. Other tips: Check the initials before you use them, to make sure they don't spell anything wacko. Short names, like Beth, go well with longer names like Patterson, and vice versa. If you like a nickname like Mike better than the longer version, such as Michael, use it!

Now, if you write sci-fi or fantasy, you can be creative. Use you imagination! Names such as Xena, Unicrnluvver, and Laeorn, to name a few I've seen as pen names on TYWC, are not seen out in the "real world", but oh, how fitting they are for the proper characters!

Try combining sounds to create something pretty. X's and Z's sound mystical and fantasical. Try adding a consonant to the beginning or end of a real name. My main character's name (and my penname), Taleia, was formed by adding Ta to the beginning of Leia. The result suited her.

Combining names are fun, too. Breff is a combination of Brian and Jeff. Or slightly change a common one. Some names I've come up with: Nsamale (pronounced Nus-uh-ma-lee), Poinff, Grendel, and Arron.

Finally, nicknames! Almost everyone has one, for one reason or another, and that reason is very important! Ask "how did he get it? Who gave it to him? Why? What does he think of it?"

I hope you have benefited from my little article. Happy naming!

'leia

Ideas… Where do they come from? The neat and tidy file-cabinet on the right side of your brain, or the scattered, unorganized, left side? I’d go with choice B; the scattered, and unorganized side, because that’s how ideas are- scattered and unorganized, until placed where fit. I’m sure everyone has about a billion things racing through there imaginations; whether it be the perfect ending to a tall-tale, the wonderful rhyme for a poem, or just a hilarious joke you’ve thought up to tell your friends. But how many times out of 100 have you actually remembered an idea, or liked it, as much or as clear as you had when first thinking about it?

That’s where these simple tricks come in, which will help you organize and remember those scatter-brained ideas. I’ll start with the Big #1, “From this day on, always carry a pencil and small notebook, or piece of paper in your back pocket!” Though it’s hard to remember to keep a piece of paper and pencil handy, it’s a very helpful trick – whenever a good idea pops up, even if you’re in the center aisle of the Super Market, pull out the pencil and paper, and scribble it down. It never fails! As long as you have your notebook and pencil with you, you’ll be able to keep track of all your ideas!

That’s where #2 comes in – I mean, not everyone wants a fat little notebook sticking out of their back pocket! Rule # 2 isn’t for on the stop ideas – It’s more for, the ‘organization’ part. Always, always, always web out your ideas in some format, before writing the actual story! I know it’s usually considered ‘extra work’ but it can seriously help! If you just rush into a story or poem, chances are you’ll get halfway through, and realize it’s really not what you expected. Webs can help it become that! Those are just two simple ways to help you remember, and organize your brilliant ideas!

Lindsey

1. Is the introduction grabbing?
2. Is the rising action developed with descriptive detail? Is the climactic moment developed with descriptive detail?
3. Are the dialogue tags varied?
4. Is the dialogue balanced with some narrative?
5. Have you shown, rather than told the story?
6. Is there an appropriate or suitable conclusion?
7. Is the story line original or unique?
8. Is there an interesting and suitable title?
9. Is there a theme which emerges?
10. Have you incorporated some mature techniques like: irony, satire, contrast, etc.?
11. Is there enough suspense built up?
12. Does the plot progress smoothly and logically? Are there abrupt transitions?
13. Is the plot realistic?
14. Which perspective is the story told from? Is the perspective consistent throughout, or does it change? Does it make sense and is it suitable?
15. Do the characters speak, react and behave naturally or realistically?
16. Do we have a good sense of the protagonist's character/personality?
17. Do the characters behave consistently with personalities?

Nadine

• Inkspot- Inkspot provides articles by proffesionals in the writing business. It also includes a kids page and a newsletter, which is sent out monthly.
• Quill- The Quill Society is similiar to that of TYWC as it aims toward a younger auidence. Instead of using a database for members stories/poems, members can post their works on a message board.
• Human Beams- "Human Beams is an international news and discussion e-zine with a mission. We are comprised of people from all over the world who are determined to live in a world without borders."
• Elements of Style by William Strunk- The Elements of Style is an excellent book concerning grammar. It is very highly suggested as a book that everybody should read.
• Short Story Prose- "This is a writer/reader driven, interactive site that gives authors the oppurtunity to get published in a premiere online publication"
• WritingTree.com- "WritingTree.com is dedicated to helping writers of all interests and skill levels to gain a greater sense of fulfillment from their writing. Based on the principle that one of a writer?s greatest joys is sharing with others, WritingTree.com manages a free Internet publishing community that allows people to publish their original writing online and receive recognition and feedback from readers worldwide.