Expert Writing Advice I’m Glad I Followed

Author Heather Grace Stewart
Love Again Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DYF8YKD?searchxofy=true&binding=kindle_edition&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tkin&qid=1643837124&sr=8-1

From my high school English teacher to Oscar winner Aaron Sorkin, these conversations with writers have helped me succeed

I’ve received a lot of valuable writing advice over the years, and it was all free. Yup. Free! These kind people graciously gave of their time and expertise to help this Canadian writer from small-town-Ontario get to where she is now. Where am I again?

But I jest. I’m grateful to have Amazon bestselling novels, audiobooks and scripts after 26 years of working as a professional writer, and I have these and other writers to thank. Unless I’ve added quotes because I got the advice in writing, these are memories from our conversations—some of which took place 35 years ago! and not direct quotes.

Sally Smith, former editor of The Kanata Kourier and my first writing mentor (I was 15!)

Write with your heart, edit with your mind.

Frances Connolly, my amazing high school English and creative writing teacher

Don’t forget to add in taste as a description. We often read about the sense: vision, sound, even feel, sometimes we get scents, but authors often forget to describe flavours. Cover the whole spectrum of senses for maximum emotional impact in your reader.

Aaron Sorkin, Oscar-winning Screenwriter, Playwright and Film Director (The West Wing, The Social Network, Being the Ricardos)

I asked him what to do when a sub-character won’t shut up:

“Strictly speaking if you’re writing page after page that doesn’t have anything to do with your story, you might be writing a different story than you think. Intention and obstacle. Forward motion. You have to make your words do something.”

I asked him his thoughts on recycling our own material:

“Some things are just always sexy, and some things are just always funny.”

When I pressed him: what’s always funny? I got “Cheese.” Me: “But not Gouda! That’s smelly.” Him: “Not actual cheese. The word cheese.”

You might notice I make a reference to cheese in nearly every single work I’ve written since 2010. I always will. Maybe it’s not funny anymore, but you can all look for this Easter egg in my work and smile now, knowing where it came from, and that it’s my way of saying thanks.

Michael J. Weithorn, award-winning writer-producer-director (King of Queen’s, A Little Help, The Sidekick, Weird Loners)

You can always increase the tension. Tear your character’s world apart dramatically. It makes for the falling back together at the end more powerful. 

 Ken Cuthbertson, award-winning author and former editor, Queen’s Alumni Review magazine

Every time you write, make sure you teach the reader something. When they’re finished the article, they should always have new information and hopefully a new perspective.

We’re a helpful bunch, because we know the struggle is real.

The moral of my story is: if you don’t ask, you don’t get! So, don’t be shy. Ask a writer you admire a question. Maybe you can find them on social media, or if you’re lucky, in line at registration at a writers conference. But buy them a book, not a drink. Times have changed.

Writers are usually willing to help those who remind them of where they started. I know I am -but please let’s pretend I’m still 26.

No Room for Excuses.

I reached 10,000 words in my WIP today, guys! I’m so excited. It’s going well, and that’s all I can say about that. Since I had a repetitive strain injury from too much typing in July, I am thankful that my wrists and back feel great, and that it’s going so well.

I’m also thankful that both Kindle and paperback sales have been up since early August, and that so many people worldwide are beginning to discover my poetry books, as well as my romance books. Thanks for reading.

We (or should I be honest and say, HE, my fabulous husband, who has been working at this around the clock since late August) are painting the house, and there are plastic drop sheets everywhere and items where they don’t belong, which drives me kinda crazy. This morning, before my coffee, I was looking around and I thought, ‘there’s no way I can write with the state this house is in,” but then I remembered my mantra for the next few months: No excuses regarding getting writing done each day, and no excuses when it comes to exercise. A little bit every day except weekends. That’s the plan, and so far, since Sept. 1, I’ve been good!

I’ve been enjoying many cups of hot tea again while writing (can’t believe it’s already too cool for iced tea), especially my favourite Buddha’s Blend. Tomorrow night is splurge night: Friday nights mean dessert and a glass of wine! I’m looking forward to going out with some girlfriends to celebrate a long-awaited birthday.

I also have news for my friend and reader Susan Bailey: your signed books for your event are on the way! I’m shipping them tomorrow. And for reader Jasmin Lewis in the UK, I’ve made bookplates to sign and ship for the four books you bought. I’ll add in some The Ticket bookmarks and possibly another small surprise. I’m going to use the remaining bookplates for other readers who request signed books.

Don’t forget to join my Readers Club at http://atomic-temporary-2589064.wpcomstaging.com/ (just click on the red Yes! Sign Me Up! button on the front page) so that you can be entered in my monthly $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD DRAW, get my first ebook free, and learn about various ebook bundle giveaways.

Have a wonderful weekend!

xox Heather

Jennifer Bogart: Create a Community of Author Friends

 

Today I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to feature author Jennifer Bogart as my guest blogger. Jennifer became my friend while editing two of my novels. Besides being a fantastic storyteller and cheerleader for other authors, Jennifer is the mother of four boys. Before you leave this page, be sure to click on the Rafflecopter box at the bottom, That will take you to her blog, where you can enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card! 

First, thanks to Heather for letting me use her virtual space to talk about Remember Newvember, writing, and finding inspiration. The world is a remarkably great place. Since starting the journey to publication, I’ve met some strangely, incredibly good writer friends, and Heather is at the top of the list. Without the constant support and encouragement, life wouldn’t be the same.

Inspiration for Newvember came from my everyday life. Stuck in routine, happy to exist within a clearly defined space, I struggled – and often still do – to break out of the comfort of familiarity. I discovered that writing is hard work… but not writing is even more difficult. Without the release writing provides, too many chaotic emotions well up and bubble over as suds of insanity. Writing keeps me focused, gives me peace, and provides balance. Most days, I exist somewhere between imagination and reality, since a large portion of my time is spent working on my own writing or editing for others. The hardest part of being a writer is letting others in, taking advice, and recognizing that the work begins after the story is complete.

Marketing, however, is a different beast entirely, and this is where the real work begins. Lately, I’ve tried to make marketing an extension of my creative process. Writing blogs and guest posts, creating worthwhile content and connecting with readers, writers, and other creatives are essential activities because in the end, we have to support each other to achieve success. We’re in this together, for better or worse, and I’m striving to make it for the better. Having author friends, both virtual and in person, transforms the solitary act of writing into one of solidarity. No one understands the depth and passion of the creative mind quite like another artist.

One of the themes that runs through Newvember is friendship – specifically, the different kinds of relationships we need. Not everyone can provide the write right kind of support and encouragement, so it’s important to connect with those who can. Thankfully, I’ve met authors like Heather, who are open, giving, and honest about what is truly involved in the writing process. Sharing resources makes the writing world a smaller, friendlier space.

This post was supposed to be about revisiting Newvember, but it turned into something better… it’s about revisiting friendship – especially the ones that you need most to hold onto your sanity, create a sense of community, and provide inspiration to keep pushing forward in a world that doesn’t always understand what an artist needs.

Jennifer Bogart’s three women’s fiction novels are Remember Newvember, Reflections and Money, Masks & Madness. She has also written two romantic short stories (Under the Stars and Seven Seconds), one serialized novel (Sunny with a Twist of Olive), and one YA fantasy (Liminal Lights published by Morning Rain Publishing).

Visit Jennifer’s  blog

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She’s someone you want in your author community!

Everybody Loves Boobies, Kindle Unlimited, How to Help Authors & More

This week’s Live From My Home Office video Q&A on my Facebook Page was such fun, and I wouldn’t want you to miss it, so here it is again!

I read Everybody Loves Boobies, answered questions about Kindle Unlimited, how you can help an author you like, the books I’m reading lately, how I got inspired to write my latest novel, and more. Plus, the usual ridiculous dancing, chair swiveling, and other laughs.

I’m hoping to do these live Q&A’s weekly, on Wednesdays at 2 EST. You are becoming the highlight of my week!

My Live Q&A

I also posted a shorter clip of just me reading “Everybody Loves Boobies” on Youtube CHECK IT OUT HERE.

 

xo Heather

Top 10 Awkward Moments At My Bookstore Signing

Yesterday was a fantastic day, meeting & greeting loyal and new readers of Strangely, Incredibly Good & Remarkably Great.

However, if you think being an author is all glam and perks like sipping free lattes while you sign your books, I have proof of the exact opposite right here in my Top 10 Awkward Moments At My Bookstore Signing List:

10 Heard in one of the busiest bookstores in North America (Chapters Indigo Pointe Claire Quebec)
Me: Are you here for a particular book or could I interest you in mine?

Several customers: Nope. I’m not much of a reader.

9 There were gorgeous, soft, faux fur mittens being sold behind me. People were trying them on all day behind me, and even asking me what I thought. Authors, beware: you’ll spend three years sweating over creating your book series, and end up selling mittens at a high-traffic bookstore.

8 “OMG! It’s Heather Grace Stewart!” My friend screamed this every time she re-entered the store, which she did several times, and ran up to me, arms waving madly in the air. People stopped and stared. I do think it sold a few books, though.

7 My table was decorated in a read-your-book-in-the-bath theme. To the kid who ate my soap: You owe me $2.50.

6 To the guy who took my photo-business-card and then told his buddy, right in front of me, “I’m going to *use* this later tonight.” Ew. Just, ew. I told you to “Just go,” and pointed you to the door, but I wish I’d thrown hardcover books at you. Or my latte down your pants.

5 Facebook Mentions has an option to try Live Video. Facebook, you should call it Can’t Get A Complete Sentence Out Video Because The Connection Is Too Weak. Neat that 2,000 people liked me saying next to nothing while riding an escalator.

4 No, I don’t know where the washrooms are! Well, I do, but I’m sick of telling people because I DON’T WORK HERE!

3 Heard while a line-up formed late afternoon for me to sign box-sets:

Lady at back of line: Is she famous?

Other lady in line: She’s locally famous.

Me: Huh. So now I’m locally famous. Like cheese. Or a small deli. I’m right up there with cheese and smoked meat.

2 I sold out! I sold out! 33 books in three hours! I sold out!

Except, someone who assured me they wanted a signed box set left it unsigned, in Starbucks. Okay, I *almost* sold out.

1 Two female fans licked my face for a photo opp with me.

Yes. Licked. My. Face. Okay, they happen to be wonderful friends as well as fans, so maybe it wasn’t as creepy as it sounds.

Just plain weird.

If this is what being “locally famous” is going to bring, I’m not sure I’m up for it…but I do love cheese. Mmm, cheese.

Heather 🙂