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What writing strength do you want for Christmas?


Let’s pretend Santa could bring you a writing strength for Christmas. What would you ask for? And what author do you feel has that strength?

For me, it would be world building. Those of you that have followed my blog for a while know I struggle with this more than anything. I write fast-paced, tight stories. You’ll find fight scenes, high tension, kissing scenes, and etc. in my novels. Long drawn out bits of description? Not so much. I have to force myself to weave in all the little details during revision that strengthen my world. I wish it came more naturally, but I’m not that lucky.

As for the authors that do this well, for YA I think Suzanne Collins, Cassandra Clare, and Elizabeth C. Bunce are all wonderful world builders. And then, of course, Tolkien is the master.

What about you? What writing strength do you want for Christmas?



Comments

  1. Lo HughesDecember 8, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    I don't know if it's a strength, but I wish I could write faster! I have this problem where have to write sequentially. There is no point jumping ahead because I can't concentrate on future scenes while the current scene is still bothering me. Usually, I always have to go back instead. I have no idea how fast Meg Cabot writes, but she is pretty prolific in her publications so I assume she's a heck of a lot faster than me. As for kissing/romantic tension scenes, I definitely wish I could channel a bit of M.B. West :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Melissa WestDecember 8, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    It's funny how writing times vary writer to writer. I think John Green said he's yet to write one in less than a year. It takes me a couple of months.

    And LOL re: kissing scenes. You know I love them! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mirka BreenDecember 8, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    I would love to get rid of the typo-elf, and its cousin, the one who covers my eyes when I proof read. No matter how many times I re-read, typos abound. I'd love to be one of those clean-copy neat writers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Melissa WestDecember 9, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Oh, Mirka, I struggle with typos too. It's horrible! And I just sent my MS to my editor, all the while knowing I didn't catch them all. Ugh! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. adewvallDecember 9, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    My wish is for time. Lots and lots of it. It's hard enough to write a good novel as it is - let alone in 10-minute drips and drabs. Then, I'd ask for the gift of iron will and focus to allow me to weed out the distractions that are not truly essential. Like, maybe... commenting on blogs ; )

    Great topic!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Karen StrongDecember 9, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    I would love if Santa would give me some world-building skills. Like Laini Taylor. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Melissa WestDecember 12, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    Adewvall -- I hear you on time. I sooo wish I had more time.

    Karen -- We're the same on world-building. Such a painful process but so necessary.

    ReplyDelete

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