writing – Page 2 – Andrew Sharp Fantasy Author

Want to stand out?

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it’s a no-win position. Even if you succeed, you’ll be indistinguishable from all the other mimics out there. Develop your own style, whether that is as a writer or an artist. When you craft and create, find yourself. However, there is no magical tip, idea, trick, orContinue reading “Want to stand out?”

Writers have to write everyday

Many famous writers give this advice, but it’s wrong. However, writing regularly and improving your writing skills is a good habit to form. I need to write several times a week, otherwise I might lose the flow of my book. I have a life outside my writing and so cannot commit to every day, butContinue reading “Writers have to write everyday”

Simplify your writing

“If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.” – Albert Einstein. Verbosity is not the key, but neither is simple, dumb writing. Your voice needs to read easily, but influence and convey the meaning. But not in every detail, as you need to let the reader’s own mind fill inContinue reading “Simplify your writing”

Writing and art – talent Vs skill

Most thoughts are that if you are not a genius or gifted at writing or art, then you will never be successful. Stephen King started practicing his craft before he was ten years old. Pablo Picasso started painting when he was seven. They practiced and did the doing. The more you write and create, theContinue reading “Writing and art – talent Vs skill”

Good writing

It’s not enough to have a good story to tell to be a successful writer. You must relate to your readers. Each reader is different, as each person is different, but we can find things in common that help us relate to each other. This relationship is where you find your market, as not everyoneContinue reading “Good writing”

Embrace failure as a writer and/or artist

One thing I agree with, that nearly all the successful writers say, is that you must learn to handle criticism, and face rejection and failure. Whether you’re rejected by an agent, fail to get a publishing deal, or have your stories, pitches, art, or poems rejected by publications, you must remember that failure is anContinue reading “Embrace failure as a writer and/or artist”

Show, don’t tell – mostly

Show, don’t tell is a narrative technique to allow the reader to experience the story through actions, words, thoughts, and senses, rather than through the author’s exposition, and description. It avoids adjectives describing the author’s analysis and instead describes the scene in such a way that readers can draw their own conclusions. But there areContinue reading “Show, don’t tell – mostly”

Traditional writing rules

Many famous authors tell us how to write, what rules to use, the do’s and don’ts to be a successful author and writer and we follow blindly. But always remember many famous authors broke many, many, of those rules and created a unique voice for themselves. Writing should be an art and not a formulaContinue reading “Traditional writing rules”