Ask the Author: Annabelle McCormack
Answered Questions (6)
Annabelle McCormack
Happy to! This is my advice for young writers:
1) Take some time to learn the craft of writing. Writing that looks effortless is usually some of the most finely tuned—and if you have knowledge about craft, it will go a long way to support your ideas. Find good books or workshops or webinars on topics like structure, plot, and character and be a sponge for knowledge about the craft of writing. It will help set your writing apart.
2) Write what you love. There’s a lot of advice out there about writing to market or people who want to transform your stories into something they aren't. Personally, I think passion translates not only to the enthusiasm we have for promoting our ideas but also can sustain you when you’re dealing with some of the hard parts about writing (like writer’s block or the difficulties of publishing).
3)Be humble and willing to accept critique from valuable critics. Not everyone is equipped to offer you writing advice but when someone who really knows their stuff gives you advice, listen. It’s rare that a qualified person gives a critique with the intention to hurt your feelings or doesn’t care about seeing you succeed. Sometimes you just have to get out of your own way.
4)Be persistent.
5)There are many different, wonderful paths to publication. Don't get so caught up in the what that you forget the why: to share your stories with others. No matter what path you take, all of it is a long game so be patient.
Good luck!!
1) Take some time to learn the craft of writing. Writing that looks effortless is usually some of the most finely tuned—and if you have knowledge about craft, it will go a long way to support your ideas. Find good books or workshops or webinars on topics like structure, plot, and character and be a sponge for knowledge about the craft of writing. It will help set your writing apart.
2) Write what you love. There’s a lot of advice out there about writing to market or people who want to transform your stories into something they aren't. Personally, I think passion translates not only to the enthusiasm we have for promoting our ideas but also can sustain you when you’re dealing with some of the hard parts about writing (like writer’s block or the difficulties of publishing).
3)Be humble and willing to accept critique from valuable critics. Not everyone is equipped to offer you writing advice but when someone who really knows their stuff gives you advice, listen. It’s rare that a qualified person gives a critique with the intention to hurt your feelings or doesn’t care about seeing you succeed. Sometimes you just have to get out of your own way.
4)Be persistent.
5)There are many different, wonderful paths to publication. Don't get so caught up in the what that you forget the why: to share your stories with others. No matter what path you take, all of it is a long game so be patient.
Good luck!!
Annabelle McCormack
Being able to write! :) Writing is the most fun thing about writing for me.
Annabelle McCormack
Writer's block, for me, is usually a plot problem I need to solve, rather than just not being able to write. My 3 favorite ways to solve a plot problem are: 1) take a shower 2) take a long drive with some favorite music and 3) take a hike. If those don't work, I grab a yellow legal pad and do some free writing or scribbling until I get the thoughts flowing.
Annabelle McCormack
Annabelle McCormack discovered she could no longer eat bread and cheese.
(whomp whomp. But seriously, don't ask me to give them up.)
(whomp whomp. But seriously, don't ask me to give them up.)
Annabelle McCormack
Oh, this is such a hard one because there are so many places I wold love to see! But I think exploring Hogwarts would be incredible. :)
Annabelle McCormack
I've actually had a friend (and awesome bookstagrammer) challenge me to read the entire Elizabeth Peter's Amelia Peabody series! It's one of the few series I've come across that deals with Egypt and the Middle Eastern theater of war in WWI--just like my series.
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