WRITING TIPS

iv. what NOT to do

In a lot of books, specifically writing tip books, almost everyone has this or one similar to it. It's your typical "What Not to Do When Writing" chapter. So, being the boring person I can be, I decided to hop on the wagon and do my own version! Granted some of what I say might be reiterated versions of tips already given or simple repeats, so I apologize. 

01.  ' . ( I'm calling all of us out right now.) All right, so that title might be slightly confusing and passive-aggressive, but it's supposed to be. I feel like, as a collective mindest, we as writers tend to create these more perfect versions of ourselves in our stories. Whether they're portrayed as the main character or secondary character, they exist, and it's obvious when there's a perfect character in a story. Not only is it obvious, but it's also annoying and we need to stop. 

Perfection and perfect are simply words that represent toxic ideologies that we, as individuals, have when it comes to who or what perceives to be perfect and right. No one is perfect, you and I both know that, yet we still conjure up these fictional persons' that "prove" that it isn't the case. Is that realistic? No. So, why do we include them in our stories? Because fictional worlds are better than our own and we want those who inhabit those worlds to be better than us as well. 

I will have an entire dedicated to perfect characters in the future, but I wanted to mention it here.

02. ' . Cliche storylines are awful and nobody I know likes them. Nobody likes to watch the same movie with the same plot over and over again every time they turn on the TV. We are constantly searching for something new and different, especially under the current climate of our world where everyday lives are blurring together into the same cluster of repetitive events. So, write something new, not old. 

03.  ' . I am so, so freaking tired of seeing and reading this cliche. It's bland, boring, predictable, and unrealistic. You don't fall in love with someone just because of their appearance, a slight brush of their hands, or because they do a kind gesture for you. You fall in love with someone that is; the good, the bad, the ugly. Not the outer shell. Please stop using this cliche and avoid it. It doesn't make an engaging or interesting story. 

04.  , , ' . Don't couples, friends, or families break up the stories just because they have a fight or disagree on a topic. That's not what happens in "real life," and it takes much more than an argument to ruin a relationship. People fight for one another, they don't usually give up until the wit-end. So, if you want that to happen use reasoning that is compelling, realistic, and understandable. Make it believable and that if the reader was in the character's place, they wouldn't want to stay in a relationship, family, or friendship. 

05. - ' . Just because you have a little drop of drama and conflict in your storyline doesn't mean that it's immaculate or outstanding. Especially if the drama is petty or ridiculous. For example, don't create an entire dramatic storyline or scene because Mary doesn't like Tiffany and tells people at school that her outfits are ugly and remind her of a toddler. That is stupid and boring. Additionally, don't have to over-exaggerated scenes over small events. If it's going to be a dramatic scene, make it something that will actually have people shook. Give a good reason and solid conflict. 

I hope this helps! This is super short, but these are just some of my What Not to Do's when writing. Hope you enjoy *hops on a train away to fairyland*