Why I wrote Gut Feeling & why I keep writingDyslexia can be a challenging disability for a creative writer, as the vocabulary in one's mind may not align with spelling abilities. This discrepancy often leads to substituting words on paper, inadvertently diminishing the impact of the writing on the reader. However, with determination and resilience, one can navigate this journey and discover their true potential. At the age of twenty, I found myself exploring various genres and writing styles, delving into erotica poetry and general philosophy. Reflecting on this phase, I now see the natural creative path I was carving for myself. Similar to an artist experimenting with different mediums, I was seeking my unique voice in the realm of writing. Realizing that I needed assistance, I sought help at twenty-four to overcome my spelling challenges. It was during this journey that I also discovered a weakness in my short-term memory, where information would easily slip away. Working with a therapist, I focused on developing my memory skills, going back to the basics to teach myself spelling. During my therapy program, my therapist encouraged me to write a diary as a means to enhance my reading and writing abilities. Reluctant to write diaries, I shared some romantic scenes I had written instead. In response, my therapist suggested building a beginning and an end around one of those scenes. And so, Gut Feeling, my first book, was born. Behind my writing journey lies a powerful "why." A teacher once told my parents that I wouldn't achieve much, and for a long time, I believed that prophecy. However, upon leaving school, I began to embrace the positive encouragement from my parents and grew to believe that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. I write to remember my achievements, the commitment it took, and to defy the limitations others imposed on me. My "why" is simply, why not? Existing as a dyslexic writer exposes one to potential criticism, but my advice to fellow dyslexic writers is to never be embarrassed by your abilities; instead, be proud of them. Never give up and keep teaching yourself, continuously learning and growing. Remember, you are amazing. Dyslexia presents challenges for creative writers, but it also offers opportunities for growth and resilience. Embracing dyslexia and harnessing its unique perspective can lead to remarkable achievements. To all dyslexic writers, hold your abilities with pride, never be discouraged, and keep pursuing your passion. Your journey as a creative writer is truly remarkable. Have you been harboring book ideas in your mind for years? Perhaps you've even started putting them on paper, but the process feels overwhelming. You're not alone. However, it's essential not to remain stuck in this cycle. Don't become the person who tells stories of unrealized ideas to future generations. Instead, let me share my process from idea to print, in the hopes of inspiring you to write your own story, regardless of how long it takes or whether you choose to publish it. Idea Generation: When an idea strikes, I first explore it in my mind. I contemplate the main focal points, potential twists, and what makes it unique. Staying within my thoughts, I develop a rough plotline, envisioning how the story will unfold. Transferring Ideas to Paper: To bring my ideas to life, I personally prefer using a word document, but you may choose pen and paper or whiteboard brainstorming. At this stage, I jot down the story's parts, not yet focusing on chapters. I aim to transfer the story from my mind to paper, refining it in the process. Sometimes the story may not work on paper, and that's okay—it might end there. Creating a Plot Draft: Next, I transform the story parts into rough chapter ideas. I make basic notes on the events I want to take place in each chapter, organizing the sequence and considering timelines. This stage involves several drafts, with breaks of a day between each one, allowing the story to breathe and gain clarity. Letting It Breathe: Taking breaks between drafts is crucial for the story's growth and clarity. By allowing a day or two to pass, you can approach the story with fresh eyes, often gaining new insights and perspectives. "Sleeping on it" proves beneficial in the creative process. Finalizing the Plot: Once my story reaches a stage I consider a final plot, I know I'm ready to proceed. By this point, I have spent four to six days immersing myself in the story, constantly refining the plotlines. If I'm not eager to start writing at this stage, then perhaps the book isn't worth pursuing anyway. Beginning with the First Chapter: With the final plot in hand, I'm eager to start writing. I use the plot as a guide to keep me on track. Before diving into each chapter, I review my plot draft, understanding the goals I want to achieve. Adding details and descriptions becomes easier with the guidance of the plot. Writing the Manuscript: Knowing what I'm writing, I establish a writing plan. Whether you're a full-time writer or have limited time due to other commitments, finding dedicated time for writing is crucial. Even short daily sessions can yield significant progress. The key is to prioritize and invest the available time. First Draft Manuscript: Upon completing the first draft, it's time to let it breathe again. Celebrate your accomplishment and prepare for a read-through. Starting from the beginning, go through the manuscript, making any necessary changes and improvements. At this stage, the manuscript is ready for editor critiques. Critiquing: Seeking feedback from an editor is essential. They will pinpoint inconsistencies, rushed sections, character development, story pacing, and overall tone. Incorporate their suggestions and send the revised manuscript back for further critiques if needed. Editing: Once the critiques are complete, the manuscript returns to the editor for editing and proofreading. This step involves correcting grammar, spelling, typos, and sentence structure. As a self-published author, you may not have access to extensive resources like big publishing houses, but thorough self-proofreading is vital. Final Manuscript: With the edited manuscript in hand, it's time to |
AuthorHello, my name is Victoria I am an author. I would like to share with you my opinion & experiences and I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Archives
February 2019
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