I'm reading the Gotham Writers' Workshop Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide From New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School. What a title - it says it all!
Anyway, I was reading about Plot - what it is, what it isn't, plot vs story arch etc - when I realised how intimidating it must be for someone who wants to write, is insecure and lacks confidence and then buys themselves a 'how to write a book' book.
A piece of advice - don't do it! Just write!
All that other stuff comes with the editing. Plot is usually there if there's a story to tell. When you edit you get to think about all the other stuff because you start to think about how to make the story better.
If you just write and end up with 50,000 words, by the time you finish editing you'll have 80,000 words. Editing isn't all about getting rid of stuff - it's about making the stuff you have better.
So - just write!
Jennifer
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"I learned that you should feel when writing, not like Lord Byron on a mountain top, but like a child stringing beads in kindergarten--happy, absorbed and quietly putting one bead on after another." Brenda Ueland
Manuscript Assessment
If you're not sure that your self-editing has done the job, I'm happy to do a manuscript assessment. Email me at skills4writing@gmail.com
Mentoring
I've been mentoring other writers for several years. Email me at skills4writing@gmail.com if you're interested.
Testimonials
Jennifer has been my mentor during the writing and editing of my first novel. She has challenged my thinking and vastly improved my writing skills.
Her positive approach boosted my self esteem when I thought my writing was going nowhere.
Jennifer's enthusiastic attitude, her attentive eye and her systematic approach have worked wonders for me. Her own passion for writing is contagious. I strongly recommend her services.
-- Margaret Osborne, Townsville
Jennifer Barrett assisted me with reviewing and editing some of my creative non-fiction work while I was studying for my Graduate Diploma in Writing at James Cook University.
Jennifer’s ideas were very practical and constructive and assisted me to look at my work with ‘new eyes’. Her feedback enabled me to stand back and be more objective and think about alternative ways of conveying my story.
Some of her ideas really inspired me to recreate a more enticing piece of writing.
Jennifer was also enthusiastic with her assistance and expedient in helping me. Thank you Jennifer.
Her positive approach boosted my self esteem when I thought my writing was going nowhere.
Jennifer's enthusiastic attitude, her attentive eye and her systematic approach have worked wonders for me. Her own passion for writing is contagious. I strongly recommend her services.
-- Margaret Osborne, Townsville
Jennifer worked with me in 2006 and 2007 while I was developing my YA fantasy novel Beyond the Reef.
Her critiquing and editing skills were invaluable to help me polish my work to a high level. Jennifer’s attention to detail was excellent. She could easily identify inconsistencies and areas for improvement, which meant I developed a stronger manuscript.
Her manner was always respectful and encouraging. Whenever I had structural or plot issues, Jennifer would encourage me to talk through my ideas so I could make the best choice, without actually choosing it for me.
Her support and enthusiasm for my work inspired me to keep writing, even when I felt stuck.
When I sent the completed manuscript to a [large, southern] manuscript assessment agency, the report mentioned that my manuscript was ‘far better developed than the majority of manuscripts sent for assessment’ and the prose had been ‘polished until it sparkled.’
I believe Jennifer’s assistance helped me achieve this positive feedback. I would like to thank Jennifer for her editing skills, support, feedback and inspiration throughout my writing journey so far.
--Michelle Macwhirter, Gold Coast
As part of my ongoing study program for my Masters Degree in Writing, Jennifer has mentored and counselled me in literary technique and construction.
Her contribution has been invaluable, combining honest and incisive criticism with support and encouragement.
I believe her help has been in no small way responsible for my successes in having work published and for the ongoing progress in my studies.
I would unhesitantly recommend her to anyone requiring her services.
-- Brian Geach, SydneyJennifer Barrett assisted me with reviewing and editing some of my creative non-fiction work while I was studying for my Graduate Diploma in Writing at James Cook University.
Jennifer’s ideas were very practical and constructive and assisted me to look at my work with ‘new eyes’. Her feedback enabled me to stand back and be more objective and think about alternative ways of conveying my story.
Some of her ideas really inspired me to recreate a more enticing piece of writing.
Jennifer was also enthusiastic with her assistance and expedient in helping me. Thank you Jennifer.
-- Cath Napier, Byron Bay
I have been an aspiring writer for some time, but I didn't have the tools and confidence to begin writing significant works.
Jennifer has given me the confidence to start writing, and has backed it up with solid advice and guidance. I also appreciate that she's not afraid to be honest when necessary.
This has allowed me to rapidly gain the skills required to be competitive in today's literary world.
I have now completed a number of pieces I am proud of, and I am a third of the way through the first draft of my first novel! I thoroughly reccomend her to any writer who needs an honest and reliable mentor.
-- Troy Growden, Townsville
Followers
About Me
- Jennifer
- I graduated from James Cook University at 40yo with a Bachelor of Arts [English Literature] and am now working through a Masters in Writing. I am a voracious reader of Children's and YA books. In 2008 I was a winner in the highest paid short story competition in Australia. With the money I bought a new desk and filing cabinet and took my mother on a trip to Japan with me. I am using experiences from that trip to write some more.
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