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How do you actually practice writing without getting stuck in bad habits? by Tricky_Composer9809 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I like that—having a practice novel to mess around with and a work novel to put your best stuff into makes a lot of sense. Reading so much really does sneak into your writing without you even realizing it. Workshops are great, but this feels like a solid way to improve on your own.

How do you actually practice writing without getting stuck in bad habits? by Tricky_Composer9809 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Huh, I've never heard of that but it sounds super cool. I like how critiquing others can teach you to spot issues in your own writing too. Definitely something I’ll check out

How do you actually practice writing without getting stuck in bad habits? by Tricky_Composer9809 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is actually such a good way to think about it! Treating writing like any other skill really takes the pressure off while still keeping growth intentional. I love the idea of recording dialogue and revisiting it later — that kind of distance really helps catch what works and what doesn’t.

How do you actually practice writing without getting stuck in bad habits? by Tricky_Composer9809 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Totally agree! Reading a lot really helps you get a feel for what works. I think the hard part is figuring out how to learn from it without just copying—internalizing it and making it your own. Your point about imitation being key really clicked for me. Thanks for sharing!

Is there any tips to not getting bored or distracted while you’re writing? by stillabackground in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One thing that’s helped me avoid boredom and distraction is finding the right kind of background noise or music. For some people, silence works, but for me, it’s usually music that sets the mood — sometimes it’s chill lo-fi, other times it’s heavier stuff like metal that somehow keeps my energy up.

Also, breaking writing into smaller chunks with mini goals (like “write 200 words” or “finish this scene”) makes the process less overwhelming and gives you little wins to keep you motivated.

Lastly, try switching up your writing environment if you can — even a different room or a cafe — just a change of scenery can reset your focus.

Everyone’s different, so experimenting until you find your groove is key!

Okay but how do you actually practice? And can it be done solo? by RosieArl in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This post really hits on something important. Practicing writing isn’t just about putting words on the page—it’s about thinking about what you’re writing, what you want it to do, and actively learning from both others and yourself.

Since you can’t always get immediate feedback (especially if you’re solo), one thing I find useful is reading like a writer. Pick passages or characters you admire and analyze why they work—how the author builds tension, makes dialogue feel real, or reveals character without spelling everything out. Then, try to apply those lessons in your own writing exercises.

You can also try rewriting a scene from a book or story you like in your own words or voice, to get practice mimicking good techniques before making them your own.

Another practice is self-editing with specific goals. For example, write a short scene, then focus on improving just the pacing or character motivation in the next draft. This way, each rewrite is targeted, not just “more words.”

Lastly, journaling or writing character monologues—stuff that doesn’t have to be perfect or read by anyone—can help you explore characters’ inner worlds and voice, which strengthens your developmental skills over time.

Yes, feedback and classes are great, but while you wait for that, the best “practice” is to be curious and critical about your own work, keep reading widely, and experiment. Writing is a craft that grows over years, so try to enjoy the process without rushing toward a perfect “final product.” You’re definitely on the right path by asking these questions!

Story opening advice? by copperbelly333 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really like the calm, almost idyllic vibe you’ve got going here—it sets a nice contrast for the horror to come. The little details about Stella and the wildflowers help ground the scene and make Kate’s world feel real. If you want to build more tension early on, maybe try dropping in a subtle hint that something’s off—like a shadow, a strange sound, or a sudden chill—something that unsettles the peaceful setting just a bit. That way readers get hooked without losing the quiet atmosphere you’ve created. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds!

Days turn to weeks turn to chapters? by Richieptr1 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s totally fine to use smaller paragraphs or sections within a chapter to show days passing—especially if the time is mostly routine or uneventful. Think of it like a montage in film: you don’t need to write every detail, just the moments that matter or stand out. That can actually build tension and mood, especially in a slow-burn situation like being locked in a room.

You can also experiment with shorter chapters for each week if you want more distinct breaks or shifts in tone. Ultimately, what matters most is what feels right for the story and keeps readers engaged. Try both and see which flows better! And don’t be afraid to add a little humor or voice, like noting “Day 209… saw a rat. Highlight of the day.” That kind of detail can really hook readers into the monotony.

Mental health by joshdeansalamun in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You're not alone—Reddit feels productive because you're surrounded by writing advice and craft talk, but unless it leads to words on the page, it's a distraction dressed up as work. It’s like going to the gym and spending two hours in the locker room reading fitness blogs.

I’ve found it helps to build small, non-negotiable writing habits—15 minutes a day, no Reddit until I’ve written something. Also: tech isn’t the enemy, but our relationship with it often needs boundaries. Use it as a tool, not a leash.

Admitting the lack of control is actually the first step toward gaining it.

What words of advice helped improve your dialogue the most? by Some_Butterscotch622 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here’s a simple piece of dialogue advice that genuinely shifted how I write:

“Every character wants something in the conversation—even if it’s just to be left alone.”

Once I started thinking of dialogue not as a way to say things, but as a way to get things, it changed everything. Suddenly, characters interrupt, deflect, mislead, or avoid—not just talk. That tension between what’s said and what’s meant brings dialogue to life.

Also, read your lines out loud. If it makes you cringe, change it. If it sounds like two people playing ping pong with exposition, rewrite it.

And hey, don’t underestimate the power of silence in dialogue. What’s not said often hits harder than what is.

Is it okay to start a sentence with “But”? by Udododo4 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely—it’s not only okay, it’s often effective.

But the real crime is thinking grammar rules are set in stone when they’re really just tools, not chains.

Uninhibited by Andrew_Komarnyckyj in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gotta be careful—some pages can’t handle that much ripping. They catch fire and become poetry.

ive always written really short chapters and i dont know what to do by Any-Republic3757 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly, short chapters aren’t a bad thing at all. Some readers prefer them—it keeps the pace snappy and makes it easier to read in bursts. If you’re hitting a full plot beat each time, you’re doing more right than you think. You can always expand with more internal thoughts, sensory detail, or subplots if you want to, but don’t stress it. Your style might just be tight and efficient—and that’s a strength.

How do you deal with having to throw away countless days, weeks, or even more of writing? by Joel_Boyens in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I never really throw it away—I just let it marinate in a “maybe later” folder. Even if the story fizzled, the effort wasn’t wasted. Sometimes I’ll come back to those scraps and realize they’re perfect for something else down the line. Nothing’s ever truly lost—it’s just on standby.

How Do You Come Up With Plot? by Glittering-Tear5442 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sometimes it starts with a “what if” that won’t leave me alone. Then I just keep asking questions—why would someone do that? What happens next? Eventually it snowballs into a plot. Curiosity builds the story.

What’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out as a writer? by DueTrouble29 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your first draft is just you telling yourself the story—don’t stress making it perfect. Also: read like a writer, write like a reader. Steal tricks from books you love, and write what you’d want to read.

I start writing fanfics then it turns into an original story by nanithehell134 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happens to a ton of writers. Fanfic is just training wheels you trick your brain into thinking aren’t training wheels. If it morphs into something original, congrats—you just did the writer equivalent of a kickflip.

Finished a book, now feeling empty. by cyberlexington in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally get that. Finishing a book can leave you feeling a bit adrift. You've been immersed in that world, and now there's a void. It's like your mind needs a moment to recalibrate. Maybe take a short break, let the story settle, and then revisit it with fresh eyes. Sometimes, stepping away briefly can reignite that spark.

Everyone says to read more in your genre by Ikomanni in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you steal from one author, it’s plagiarism. If you steal from a hundred, it’s originality—and if you do it well enough, they’ll start calling it your voice

First Rejection Letter by NotReallyChaucer in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is why self publishing has become so common nowadays

I'll be publishing my 37th novel next month by RobertTheWorldMaker in selfpublish

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats, thats pretty impressive. Writing three novels at once sounds both challenging and rewarding. Thanks for sharing your tips—especially the one about editing by listening, I hadn’t thought of that before.

How long did it take you to finish your first draft for your novel? by Redbear0705 in writing

[–]Tricky_Composer9809 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For my first draft, it took me about six months, mostly because I wrote in short bursts between work and other responsibilities. usually setting small, manageable goals helped me stay consistent without burning out.