I just received a very sweet email from Sophie S. (hi Sophie) who asked for 101 tips on being a writer.
It took more time (and headaches) than I thought, but here you go, Sophie!
I should point up right up front that anyone who tells you “this is how you write a bestselling novel” is lying to you. There is no magic wand or proven formula. There is only opinion.
What I share here is what I have learned and experienced—so far. Take what you like and leave the rest and remember that the only way to learn to write is by writing.
1. Write. I know this one should go without saying, but I’ve met a lot of “writers” who spend far more time talking about writing than they spend actually putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys). Seriously, folks. Being a writer isn’t about talking about it–it’s about doing it. So do.
2. Read. Read everything and anything, and when you figure out what you like to read, then that’s probably what you will like to write.
3. Don’t be afraid of ugly first drafts–even the great classics had a first draft. I promise.
4. Don’t worry about length–tell the story as well as it can be told and then figure out if it’s a novel (usually 50,000-80,000 words); a novella (shorter); a short story (even shorter); or a mammoth tome (100,000 words or more).
5. If you start your “novel” and figure out it’s only two pages…well…then it’s either a short story (and that’s okay), or you don’t have enough conflict present within your story, or you’re glossing over things that shouldn’t be glossed over. Go deeper.
6. I heard it said once that the first 100,000 words anybody will ever write will be bad words. I call those the “dirty water” words. (You know how when you turn on a garden hose, the stuff that comes out first is dirty water?) Well, the only way to get to the good stuff is to let the water run. So, back to #1 and #3–just WRITE!
7. Everything ties to character. Everything. Take THE WIZARD OF OZ for example. If Dorthy were a street-smart bully then that would be a very different story, would it not?
8. Write steadily. Now, I don’t necessarily prescribe to the “write every day” mantra (although that’s not bad advice if you’re up for it, I personally, need to take writing vacations from time to time). But I do think you need to write steadily. Don’t put it off by saying “I’ll start during spring break” or “I’ll write when we go to the beach” or whatever. Those are excuses. See #1–writers write.
9. Pick an idea that you love and then commit to writing it from start to finish–don’t let yourself give up in the middle. Middles ALWAYS look like the land of no return. Push through. (See rule #3–it’s okay if it’s terrible.) Just FINISHING a book/story/novella is a good process to go through. Just FINISH.
10. In order to pick your story idea–or to really get at the center of what your story is truly about–try filling in the blanks of the following sentence:
It’s about a _____________ who ________________s.
That’s it. That’s all a book/story/movie ever is–the story of a ___ who ____s.
Here are some examples. (For fun, let’s see if you guys can guess the novels/movies to which they refer.)
a. A student at a spy school who falls for a normal boy.
b. A girl who challenges the gender bias of her boarding school by secretly taking over an all male secret society.
c. A group of three friends who take a road trip to discover who they really are and what they really want.
d. A Southern Belle who refuses to be defeated by the Civil War.
e. A child prodigy who has been in love with 19 girls, all of whom were named Katherine.
(all the correct answers are in the comments of this post–good job, guys!)
–Ally
Sarah Y. says
February 29, 2012 at 9:57 pmI’m thirteen, and I write all the time (I’ve even written a fanfiction for your story) and I really have this great idea for a YA novel. Problem is, it would probably take like 2 years to finish, and no publisher wants to sponsor a 15 year old kid. Any advice?
Elijinxx says
March 10, 2012 at 10:05 amOh, I don’t think that would be very true. It doesn’t seem that the publisher wouldn’t want to sponsor you because your 15, but whether or not the book is any good. I honestly think that a publisher would care much more about how good your book is than your age. And just because it would take 2 years to finish isn’t a problem. Take me, for example. I started on a book when I was 11 and I finished it when I was 13. And then I rewrote it and I’m still working on it now. Books will take a really long time. If it begins to overwhelm you, then just take a break. No harm done. When you let yourself rest and let new ideas flood your head, then sit back down and write.
Writing, if your very passionate about it, is always fun. And if it is your dream and you’re really happy with your YA novel idea, then it shouldn’t matter how long it takes. What sure matter is whether or not you like the book and think a publisher will find it publish-able. And, again, the age shouldn’t matter. I’ve heard of a book (I can’t remember its name) that was written by a 15-year-old boy. Teenagers can be authors, and I honestly don’t think that a publisher is going to care how old you are. Like I said, it only matters how good your book is.
Andi says
November 24, 2012 at 10:31 pmAge doesn’t matter. Did you know that the author of Eragon was only 16,17 years old when he published his first book of the series? I’m writing a book that I am fully commited to. I am turning 14 in about a month and I want to publish my book (if someone takes it) when I can. Show those people that we can do anything no matter what age we are, ESPECIALY publishing a book! ;P
Abi P. says
March 3, 2012 at 1:13 pmHey! I have read all of the G.G. books more then once and I am even trying to write a book but I am an honor roll student so I don’t have all that much time to ever work on it. Plus, typing and revising it all on my own seems to take forever. Any advice?
Niki says
March 16, 2012 at 9:58 pmI am also a writer and I’m fourteen, so I have that same exact problem. What do we do if we’re so busy???
Well, for one thing, it really helps if you LOVE writing. Writing a book takes a lot of work and patience (I just finished one that I’ll spend time editing, and once I feel it’s perfect I’m going to start submitting queries). It shouldn’t be something you do just to get famous or make money. You should do it because you love it. That said, I hope your writing process goes well for you! Here are some of my tips:
1) As far as the revising goes, for me it helps to read a chapter after I’ve written it and get a good chunk of revising done. Then once you finish the book, go back and read through it again (several times-don’t rush) and figure out what you want to see more of in your book. Also, it has helped me immensely by having a few very trustworthy people read my book and telling me what they liked, didn’t understand, and thought I should change.
2) OUTLINE! I can’t tell you how important this is. Now, keep in mind that some people work well with outlining a lot (I am one of those people) and others don’t need to. But in my opinion, you should know where your story is going to end before you get too deep into the writing process. Otherwise, you’ll get bored (something I learned after looking through all my half-written stories in my computer) and your story will not be as interesting or developed.
3) Finding time can be difficult. I should know because I’m in the exact same boat as you’re in. But I’ve been able to squeeze in writing time here or there, mostly on the weekends, vacations, and after school if I have finished all my work and extra-curriculars. Plus, it has motivated me not to procrastinate and get my work done so that I can write. Another thing, take your time to make your work the best it can be. But at the same time, don’t say, “Oh, I’ll work on it in a few weeks or something…” That will only lead to you forgetting about it.
4) WRITE DOWN ALL OF YOUR IDEAS SO YOU DON’T FORGET THEM. I forget mine all the time, so I have a little composition book just for that. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is when you have a brilliant idea and… poof! It’s gone.
5) Read through all of Ally’s posts on writing because they’re awesome, and you should also check out some other author’s sites as well. Some will even tell you about their agent and what they like to see in possible clients. (I have found several posts on websites about this, which has helped me so much in selecting agents to query.)
I hope this helps and I’m sorry this is so long! Good luck writing and have fun!
Anna (Bookworm) says
March 8, 2012 at 6:23 pmYeah! I’m not the only one who comments on four year old posts! Thanks for all the advice Ally. I’m right now in the middle of my story and it IS hard. I pretty much wait until I have some true inspiration before I write. Is that a good thing? (It usually takes from two to four days for my dose of inspiration to appear.)
Summer says
June 1, 2012 at 5:55 pmHa, yes, I’m even later than you are! I was wondering….does ANYONE know where the answers are to her examples above? I know some, but she says the answers are in the comments. And I don’t see anything. This is ridiculous!
Kate says
November 29, 2012 at 6:19 amIm a unicorn
Maysoon Khan says
March 12, 2012 at 6:37 pmTheres a writing website for writers of all sorts to write. You get views, votes, comments, EVERYTHING! It’s great for starters and I use it alot.
it’s called wattpad.com
Check it out, it’s really addictive!
u can also read on it too 🙂
Madeleine the Chameleon says
March 31, 2012 at 6:07 pmHi! I, like most people on this website, love writing. I don’t usually finish my stories, but I’ve started writing a brief idea of what will happen in each chapter, and now I’m doing good. I would just like to know if it’s allowed to write another chapter for an already made book. Not to get published, or anything like that. I’d be the only one reading it, but I’d love to do it. Is that allowed or is it illegal because it’s copyright? From the Chameleon
Loraine Clarence says
April 3, 2012 at 4:13 pmhey ‘chameleon’, about your question wondering if its alright to write a chapter from anothers book… technically, its not illegal unless you use under your own name while getting published. its perfectly fine writing it just for yourself, and its actually helpful because you can experiment with your writing style and the kind of things you like to write. I have a whole journal full of story scenes that will never see the light of day because their not my own characters. But its good, because it gets your thoughts flowing and inspires you to write your own, unique stories. as long as your not publishing or entering it into any contests or anything, you’re ok.
EllaT says
April 3, 2012 at 6:40 pmWriting is harder than it looks. I’ve tried so many times to finish a story. this time I’m going to go through the story I’m working on without stopping.
Gabbi Canzano says
April 16, 2012 at 6:21 pmHeyy! I’m stuck…. I have a book going, but the name is still iffy….. I don’t know what to do….. it seems like the name fits, yet it also doesn’t…… I don’t know what to do! Any advice?????
Eleanor says
April 21, 2012 at 11:34 amHey! I am currently editing the book I have written but it is only 33,000 words long. Any tips on how to make it any longer and to fill it out a bit.
Thanks, xxx
Jordypaige says
July 13, 2012 at 8:15 amIf you are finding that its not long enough you can try to make each chapter longer, but going through and editing and maybe put some more description, this is just a random example haha
eg. I walked in the park…. you could change this to….. I strolled through the park on a sunny afternoon, my feet crunching softley on the leaves that lay on the path in front of me
bad example i know haha but i hope that helps 🙂
Isabel says
June 22, 2012 at 9:06 pmI’m reading through the comments, and I see a lot of people in the same position as I’m in. At least now it’s summer. I’ve been writing a book for almost a year and restarted writing it recently. The problem is, between everything going on, my time for writing is being taken away.
I’ve written before and even have two finished stories almost 20 ages long, but now I’m stuck because I’m trying to write something that’s the length of a book that might be on shelves someday. Any tips?
Becca says
July 24, 2012 at 1:00 amAlly,
The number 1 tip in your list was to write. Can you give us any ideas of good practice scenarios to write about? (Sort of like prompts.)
Thanks!!!
Nicole Clarks says
August 1, 2012 at 8:09 pmOk so I am also writeing a book, but I am unsertian about my use of the words so, ok, but, and then. I think I might overuse these words, but these are (unfortionatily) my god given filler words. You can ask anyone who knows me or has even just had a conversation with me, I obuse these words. What I need advise on is what words I can use insteed. Also I have only shown my work to my best freind and older cousin, and my best freind happens to be very opionated. First she said it was to girly (but it wasn’t), and then she said it was to vilent (and it DEFFINTLY wasn’t). She has not yet seen my previous work and I am now starting to dought it. So what do I do intill she does see it, and what do if she gets to opionated?
Sorry I can’t spell!!! Funny a writer that can’t spell!!!
Halle (like 'valley' but with an 'h') says
October 7, 2012 at 7:54 pmI have the unrealistic dream of writing a novel. That’s not so bad, but I’m only 13, so my schedule often conflicts with writing and reading time. I love to sit with my laptop and get lost in my head, but soccer and studying dominate my time. The age thing also conflicts in another way. My attention never stays focused on the topic for long. There always seems to be a better, trendier book out there waiting to be written. So that double-whammy makes trying at all seem.. impossible. I could always wait until I’m older to write, but I’m afraid I’ll simply not want to. I’ve been told it’s just a phase. I’ll sneer at the thought that I’d ever been naive enough to think I could do it, but this has lasted for a year. I’m an optimist and dreamer. I also want to be a film director. The tips are extremely helpful, so thank you, Sophie, for suggesting them.
Halle (like 'valley' but with an 'h') says
October 7, 2012 at 7:56 pmI also agree writing prompts would be brilliant. Four for you, Becca. You go, Becca.
Hannah K.M. Watt says
November 15, 2012 at 11:24 pmI don’t have time problems like most people(home schooled). I am(not telling my age I am paranoid like that)ANYWAY, I am writing a book but just decided randomly in the middle of the night last night that I wasn’t going to publish it.
1.) I am a kid so I need to learn more stuff about writing before you know I fail.
2.) I don’t want to be *cough* plagiarizing because as I read my story it sounds a lot like books I have read.
3.)Just because…:)
so ya………….:|
Love your work Ally!!!!!!!!!!!
~H/Gallagher Girl
Madison says
December 2, 2012 at 1:04 pmI’m writing a book right now! Thanks for the awesome advice Ally!
Vicky B says
January 23, 2013 at 8:28 amThank you Ally! Wow I’m writing this a bit late (ahh 2013). Anyways, I love writing, and many people tell me my writing is really good. I have started a few books before, but I can never seem to finish it. I’ve recently (my new year resolution), decided that its enough, and I have to finish a book, no matter how short. I’d be happy to at least finish half, since by that time ill probably have my brain juice flowing. You Ally, are the reason why I became obsessed with spying, and made me want to have a job at the CIA (not as a spy, that would probably kill me). You are also the reason I started to write. Thank you for making me realize that I have a talent for this. If I ever get a book published, I’m thanking you in my acknowledgements. You are truly awesome!
Lillian says
February 12, 2013 at 3:55 pmI am writing a book, er I finsihed righting it, but now am in the process of editing it, and it’s onky fourty pages long, I am working on the second one, and will probably put them together, but both are rough drafts. Any tips on how to get publishers to like it when it’s done? I’m only twelve so I don’t think they’ll want to publish it
Ashley says
May 8, 2013 at 2:08 amAs I was reading a bunch of these comments, I was thinking, “Hey I am not the only one who likes to write.” But, I have a problem. I use the same word to many times, and every time I use a thesaurus I can never find the word I am looking for. Plus my teacher says my grammar is not great. (OK, so maybe not in my stories, but still. And grammar at my school involves how many times we use the same word.) If anyone could give me any help I would really appreciate it.
SeleniaGreen says
July 15, 2013 at 12:37 amHey! I’m a writer like most of you other post-ers and these posts are giving me great advice and great ideas.Thanks for that. When I was in fourth grade{about 9 years old} I got the idea for a book,thanks to my grammar-freak teacher. I started writing{what can I say? I’ve always had a passion for writing:) } I got aggravated and stopped but then I started again towards the end of fifth grade b/c my aunt told me that I shouldn’t give up. I finally finished it, middle of sixth grade. I re-read it and I HATED it! It stunk! I think I got my 100,000 “dirty water words”{as our good friend/ great author, Ally calls them} out in that one book! I’ve kind of tossed that book aside in my head. Although my parents keep it b/c it was the first book I wrote all by myself for the fun of it.Now I have tons of other book ideas and have already begun some books. I continue to find, though, that with most of my book ideas I’ll have the juicy, scary, most frightening, most tense moment of the book all planned and etched out in my head but I have no idea how to get to that part in my book or how to even START my book! Advice on that would be great! Anyways…….. great posts and great ideas. Thanks but can any one give my the answers to Ally’s question about seeing if we could guess what novels/movies her examples were from? I got the first one, I think, but if you can but that in there too that would be great 🙂 You can just write it something like this:
a.)~~~~~~~~
b.)~~~~~~~~
c.)~~~~~~~~
d.)~~~~~~~~
etc.
Thank you fellow post-ers and thanks Ally Cater for the amazing books! Can’t wait till the 6th GG book but I don’t want the series to end! 🙁 Anyways, THANKS!! 🙂
Ella says
September 8, 2013 at 2:25 amHi!
thank you so much Ms. Carter for posting this, your books and this website have inspired me to also write! I’m only 14 , but most of the time id rather be writing than messing around with phones or laptops like other girls my age! If anyone else also has any good tips for writing please let me know (because quite frankly i do need some tips on how to keep a specific mind set 😛 ) thank you again Ms. Carter!
rriahnlyn says
January 13, 2017 at 10:44 amHi Ally! Your books made me a full time reader and now an aspiring writer. I started writing at the age of 13 and I’ve already written 4 uncompleted stories and I’m now 15. I feel like I only write when I get inspired but the thing is I’m afraid I can’t finish writing a book without starting a new one and it irritates me because I haven’t finish any of my pending works. I write scenes from my head that would probably make a great scene in a novel but then I don’t know how to start writing it, I feel like there’s something more to that scene before it actually happens but I can’t think of something to go before it. If I do then I’m stuck with that particular scene and I wouldn’t know what to write next. Is this normal? lol I really really want to be a published author someday but I’m afraid I can’t because it takes me years to actually finish something. I’m also more comfortable in writing in English but it’s not really my first language and grammar intimidates me. I feel like I’m writing something wrong because English is not my mother tongue. I’m a Filipino by the way. I love reading your books. Love from the Philippines!