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- ~5 minutes reading time
This blog post was adapted from the text by Benedict Wells "A look into the workshop - about writing and the path to Diogenes" inspired. Originally written for DU magazine in 2017, it explores writing and the writer's beginnings at Diogenes. Wells gives insights into his own writing practice and his path to success.
We have compiled these valuable tips exclusively for you so that you can benefit from his personal experiences and working methods in the Writing process and take your own writing practice to a new level. Be inspired by Wells' passion for writing and become a writing pro!
Overview
1. search for the right words
Search for the right wordsWriting stories is not just about putting scenes on paper, but also about finding the "right words" to make the story as captivating for the reader as it is for the author. This often requires a year-long process of immersion until the story finally appears on paper as it has long existed in the author's most colorful and wordless thoughts.
Did you know? Bestselling author Benedict Wells offers its own course for 3 months.
2. do not look back (too often)
Don't look back (too often)because "the most precious resource in writing is enthusiasm," says Benedict Wells. Many embark on the journey of a novel with enthusiasm, but at some point they lose the thread and instead read the beginning again and again, only to realize that it is not as great as they had hoped. After numerous attempts to improve it, your motivation eventually fades and the project is forgotten.
3. get rid of perfectionism
Get rid of perfectionismas it can cause you to concentrate too much on details and lose focus on the overall process and creativity. It can also lead to anxiety and insecurity and slow down or even halt the writing process.
"...for me, a rough draft is not about writing something great at the first attempt, that would be almost impossible anyway. It's more important not to give up along the way and to gather insights for future versions."
4. obtain feedback
Get feedback: Feedback on the book from trusted people is important as they can give an honest and constructive view of the work, point out mistakes or weaknesses and provide valuable insights into the story and characters.
"My best "mechanics" are my strict editor, my incorruptible agent, my critical old German teacher who, for professional reasons, can't help but scribble nasty comments in the margins. A permanent team of five or six people whose opinion is extremely important to me when writing."
5. read, read and read
Read, read and readBy reading, you can familiarize yourself with different topics, writing styles and perspectives. You can pick up ideas and techniques from other writers and apply them to your own texts. You can also learn how to build stories, develop characters and write dialog.
"Every author is inspired by other authors and artists and looks for their sources. And especially at the beginning, you should drink from them like a man dying of thirst and read, read, read."
6. faith and happiness are important
Peoplewho believe in you and Portion of luck are indispensable fortorwerden, "... because, especially at the beginning, there are never many friends, acquaintances or relatives who set out with you and actively support you in such an unrealistic dream."
7. write a captivating synopsis
Write a captivating Exposéthat gets to the heart of the story but doesn't foreshadow the ending - and you can't usually go wrong with the first 20-30 pages of a manuscript.
"Perhaps also line spacing: two, font: Times New Roman, size: 12."
8. search for scholarships and competitions
Search Scholarships and competitions for unpublished authors.
9th book recommendation: Handbook for authors
Last but not least Book recommendation: Uschtrin, Sandra. (2015). Handbook for authors (8th edition). Uschtrin publishing house.
Do you want to improve your creative writing skills and learn from the best of the best?
Then we have the perfect offer for you: our online courses with experienced mentors who will teach you everything from the basics of writing to book marketing! Sign up now and discover how you can improve your writing skills with authors such as Benedict Wells, Adriana Popescu, Boris Koch, Theresa Prammer, Anne Freytag to the next level!
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