Writing: What Areas are You Strong In? Weak In?

Carolyn Howard-Johnson shares writers’ resources on her award-winning blog Sharing with Writers

 Contributed by Children’s Writer Karen Cioffi

Writing is different for every writer. 

Some find it easy to merge their chapters seamlessly. Others find it easy to craft that ‘just right ending.’ 

Other authors find it easy to jump right into a story, writing a grabbing beginning. 

No matter what aspect of the story, there will be some writers who can breeze through it effortlessly while others  struggle. That’s the nature of writing.

I find it pretty easy to start a story. I can create a beginning that jumps into the action, which is what most stories need, especially children’s stories. 

But… I can find it challenging to end my stories. I have no idea why. I can start it and bring it along toward an ending, but then I fizzle out. My endings can initially be weak.

I first noticed my weak spot when I submitted a chapter book to 4RV Publishing. I pitched the story to the publisher during an online writers’ conference. The publisher allowed me to submit a synopsis and the first three chapters of my manuscript. Unfortunately, my submission was also lacking, but that’s another story.

The editor who read the chapters and synopsis liked the storyline but was confused about my ending in the synopsis. As I mentioned earlier, I can struggle with my endings. In spite of that, the editor recommended that the publisher request the manuscript so they could look it over. They advised me to edit it first and work on the ending. I created an entirely new ending and sent it to a professional editor for review and editing.

It’s funny, but I think that at times, there are forms of inspiration that can take us where we don’t usually tread… that help us overcome our obstacles or mountains. 

In the case of my story, “Walking Through Walls,” I came up with a pretty good ending that tied everything together and provided a surprise. I worked on this story for around two years, and finally, when it counted, I found the right path for the story to take.

We writers must pay attention to our writing weak spots and work on them. I was fortunate that an editor and publisher looked beyond my weak points and gave me the opportunity to improve my story. This is not always the case.

So, what’s a writer to do?

Well, the very basics are simple:

1. Make sure you’re part of a critique group that includes both new and experienced writers. The critique members can help you overcome the hurdles. 

2. If you have to, write a few different scenarios in the section you’re having trouble with to help you open up. And if you’re still having trouble with your story, put it away for at least a week, preferably more, and then go back to it. It’s almost like magic; you’ll see it differently. And listen when inspiration comes knocking!

3. Read a lot of quality books in the genre you’re writing and even copy sections of them word-by-word. Make sure to include recently published books by top publishers. This is a trick to get your brain to think and write ‘good writing.’ Please note that this should only be done for practice purposes. Never, ever use someone’s work as your own.

4. Practice your writing—hone your craft. My endings have improved through working and practice. This is why there’s a saying, “practice makes perfect.” Well, if not perfect, at least much better!

5. If nothing else works, hire a developmental editor or ghostwriter to help rewrite the sections you’re having difficulty with.

So, the tips of the day: Pay attention to where your writing weak spots are and work on them. 

And listen when inspiration comes knocking!

Now, back to the title of the post: What’s your writing forte? 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, working ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach (picture and chapter books). If you need help with your story, visit Writingfor Children with Karen Cioffi.

You can check out Karen’s books HERE.

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MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including “The Frugal Book Promoter” (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and “The Frugal Editor” both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are “How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically,” and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, “Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers” (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and “Great First Impression Book Proposals” (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. “The Frugal Editor “(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is “A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques” (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing–grammar, formatting and more–at “The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor” (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.