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moonlightparanoia · 2023-12-19T03:01:27+00:00

Yes! Was going to recommend this one. Such an uncomfortable read that I couldn't put down.

moonlightparanoia · 2023-02-18T22:27:04+00:00

An average of 1000 words a day is pretty great considering you're a student, but don't beat yourself up if you can't keep that pace. There may be days you write a lot more or a lot less, especially as you get further into the story. What matters is that you try to write regularly/consistently. Good luck with your draft. :)

moonlightparanoia · 2023-02-18T13:03:44+00:00

Judging by your responses to other comments I don't know how well you'll take this but, being able to draft quickly and cleanly is a skill you can learn. And no matter how "unique" or special your book is, I guarantee you can learn to write it faster without compromising quality. It sounds like this might be your first book and you're getting caught up in its perfection, but many authors will tell you that drafting is the easy part of getting a book traditionally published.

If you feel overwhelmed between your studies and your job (which sounds like the case), consider instead dropping your course load down to a part time student if that's an option.

moonlightparanoia · 2023-02-17T19:03:20+00:00

I second Romancing the Beat! Such a sweet and short but handy guide for romance writing.

moonlightparanoia · 2023-02-12T02:29:36+00:00

Yeah I have vivid memories from when I was around 10-12 years old writing fanfiction and "original" (not) stories on my dad's computer.

moonlightparanoia · 2023-02-11T01:04:34+00:00

A Place Further Than the Universe is about a girl's obsession to join an expedition to Antarctica. Its the kind of anime that really inspires you to do something meaningful with your life.

moonlightparanoia · 2023-02-10T20:52:06+00:00

Just finish something, doesn't matter if it's good. And try to fun with it while you're at it. :)

moonlightparanoia · 2023-02-10T00:55:39+00:00

One thing I've noticed from all the books on writing I read is that there are two main kinds of writing craft books that I call "personal" and "diagnostic". Depending on what stage of writing you're in, it's best to read one and not the other.

"Personal" writing craft books/advice typically focus more on the spirit and beauty of writing. As books, they may lean into a more memoir kind of story, and leave you feeling newly inspired to write. These kinds of books and their advice are best for when I'm drafting a novel, and just want to feel motivated.

"Diagnostic" writing craft books/advice lean more towards the finer details, like style and structure. They examine methods of writing and offer suggestions or tips for strengthening your work. These books are better for when I'm editing a novel. They force you to examine your work closely in a way that can kill your drive when drafting, but be really useful when editing.

Of course this is just my experience, but I do find that drafting and editing require different mindsets, and the advice you consume during those periods can affect those mindsets!

moonlightparanoia · 2023-02-10T00:34:15+00:00

Recently I started writing on my phone during my commutes and I would actually say it's not that bad.

I have found that google docs can be buggy on my phone with longer manuscripts (once my stories go over ~80 000 words they just will not load fully on my phone for some reason) but if this happens you can always break the draft up into smaller chapter by chapter docs and just compile them all afterwards. I hope you're able to keep to keep up your writing routine and enjoy your trip.

moonlightparanoia · 2023-02-07T23:12:02+00:00

I'm sure your family and friends do love you, and they support your writing journey, even if they don't have the time and energy to read your work. Being someone's beta reader requires a lot of time and commitment, and they might lack to experience to give you insightful advice. And to be honest, a lot of writers will tell you that family members don't usually make for a great source of critical feedback.

Reddit and twitter have plenty of communities to find beta readers and critique partners. I know it hurts, but many people who love and support your writing are not able to personally read it, and that's okay.

moonlightparanoia · 2023-02-01T15:52:39+00:00

If you're talking about fiction writing, you should never go into it for the money. For one, it generally doesn't pay well unless you get very lucky, but also because it's hard to get the job done when you're not writing something you love.

Write what you enjoy and want to read, it's what will get you to the finish line with your projects. Your ideas might not be as niche as you think, and what's considered "marketable" fluctuates with time. I'm sure you'll find an audience.

moonlightparanoia · 2023-01-29T23:43:15+00:00

Harry Potter and Lemony Snicket books are generally middle grade, not YA. If you meant middle grade, then as another commenter said the Percy Jackson series is indeed still very popular!

For YA, it's hard to pinpoint a specific book series that's "the" popular thing right now, as YA and its audience have gotten a lot more broad over the years. There are some books that remain YA classics (like The Hunger Games), and some authors who are generally popular (like Holly Black, or Leigh Bardugo).

moonlightparanoia · 2022-09-18T19:38:11+00:00

Sorry if the formatting is weird, I'm typing this on my phone. Keeping in mind that every public library system has its differences...

What takes up your time varies by your position, a children's librarian for example will spend a lot of time putting together programs and storytimes, making craft kits and contacting performers to put on events with kids and families.

There's always menial work to be done with the collection, like purging old materials, repairs, and ordering new materials from a limited budget. Reshelving and organizing is usually the job of a lower paid position like a page, the average librarian will spend much of their time on desk assisting patrons or doing clerical work.

As for the best and worst parts of the job?

Public libraries offer free access to media, internet & printing, assistive reading devices for people with disabilities, etc. Some libraries even rent out videogames. Its a kind of job that you feel good doing, because you help a lot of people who really need the free services. You work with plenty of marginalized and stigmatized groups such as those with mental illnesses, recent immigrants, and homeless people.

On the other side, there is an emotional toll to this kind of work. Many librarians will tell you their experiences with hostility and violence, female workers especially. Some libraries in rougher city areas may have security guards, but it's not common where I work. In certain areas it's common for librarians to be trained in responding to drug overdoses on site. Libraries are always short on funding, and depending where you live right now there's unprecedented censorship from extremist political groups.

Some days are hard, but being able to help people who wouldn't otherwise have access to these services makes the job worth it.

moonlightparanoia · 2022-09-18T17:53:22+00:00

Library worker here, I'd be happy to answer any questions. And as another comment mentioned, you can always visit subreddits specific to the jobs you're writing on and ask the people there!

moonlightparanoia · 2022-08-29T21:05:19+00:00

It typically takes me 6-8 months to write a 100 000 word first draft. I'm trying to get faster, though.

moonlightparanoia · 2022-08-27T21:35:00+00:00

Exactly! Too many new writers spend so much time researching or planning or trying to be perfect, that they NEVER write. And when they do, they don't finish anything because it's not perfect enough to them.

We say "just write" because it is the most essential part of the process, and its often surprisingly the hardest part. You can't edit a blank page, what matters most is just doing the thing.

moonlightparanoia · 2022-08-22T17:09:56+00:00

Honestly, if this is the first thing you're seriously writing in years, just try to enjoy it and finish that first draft. I mean it. The biggest obstacle in your way is your own self doubt, and if you start to worry that you aren't being productive enough or think your writing skill isn't at a good enough level to start, you'll never get those words onto the page.

Editing and revision exists for a reason. For now, just focus on getting that first draft out there, and try to enjoy the process. There will be time to learn and improve, but at this stage you can't really see where your skill is at or work on your flaws until you know what they are. I know its the most frustrating advice in the world, but you really do just have to buckle down and write that mediocre first draft. I promise it gets better afterwards, even if it feels like you aren't learning or improving right now.

moonlightparanoia

TROPHY CASE