Thursday's Thought: Do You Prefer Character-Driven or Plot-Driven Stories?

Every story should have a plot, and every protagonist should have a character arc. So what, exactly, are character-driven and plot-driven stories? I believe that a character-driven novel is one that mostly centers around a character's inner journey (example: The Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn). In a plot-driven novel, the story focuses more on the series of events (example: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins). This doesn't mean that a character-driven stories lack a plot, or that plot-driven stories lack character arcs. I've noticed that character-driven stories are a bit more relaxing to read than a plot-driven story, which seem to be a bit more page-turning.

However, I have heard that there is no such thing as character-driven or plot-driven stories. I don't necessarily agree with this. Of course, every book should have a mixture of both. Plot and character are the elements that create a story; they should never be separated. A story is not a story unless there is a plot that involves the protagonist striving to reach his/her inner and outer goals, and growing during the process. I personally prefer to read/write character-driven stories. I love relating to characters and going on a journey with them--especially an inner journey--as they learn throughout their struggles and have ultimately changed by the end of the story.

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What do you think? Do you prefer to read/write character-driven or plot-driven stories? 

Thursday's Thought: When Should Someone Attend Their First Conference?

Writing conferences give a writer the opportunity to learn more about the craft, meet other writers, make connections, and pitch your project(s) to agents and editors. It's the best place to start for any person who is hoping to get their feet wet in the industry. I have been to four so far; each one of them has been an incredible experience and stepping stone for my writing career.

However, I have heard that it is best to wait  until you have a project to pitch before attending your first conference. While I might agree on some levels--especially since money is definitely a factor--I would never discourage anyone who would like to attend a conference and may not have a finished manuscript quite yet. I have been to conferences a few times when I did not bring anything to pitch, yet I was still able to gain much from each individual experience.

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What do you think? When should someone attend their first writing conference?

Thursday's Thought: Do You Prefer to Write Fast or Write Slow?

Many authors are able to write their books fairly quickly; especially since they're on a deadline. There are some—such as bestselling author Karen Kingsbury—who can write an entire novel within a two week period. This is very beneficial for those who would like to keep coming out with new books for their readers. I've also heard that writing fast can help a writer to stay in the "flow" of the story. It can also help those who may become distracted easily, or those who seem to never complete their books once they start.

Personally, I have never tried to write a book fast. I've found many benefits to writing slow as well—such as having time to brainstorm, coming up with new plot elements, and not becoming burned-out from writing so much. Usually, when I do go through a period of time when I am able to get a lot of writing done, I feel drained afterwards. I am often left with no inspiration to work on the story for a while. And while it is important that writers learn how to write even when the inspiration is not there, I have found that I can think a lot more clearly when I take my time on a story. However, I hope to—some day—become one of those authors who is able to write multiple books in one year.

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What about you? Do you write fast or slow? Do you think one is more beneficial than the other?

Thursday's Thought: Do You Listen To Music While You Write?

You will hardily ever find me without headphones in my ears or my Pandora station playing while I'm writing. For me, music and writing seem to mesh together perfectly. Not only does listening to music as I write help to block out the outside world--when I have my headphones in, I am even more determined to concentrate on the words that I'm writing. Obviously music is a great tool that filmmakers use to infuse emotion into a scene, so why can't writers as well? I also consider music to be very inspiring, and I often come up with a completely new story or scene idea just by listening to one song.

However, there are many writers who prefer to write in complete silence. Often, when the words just aren't coming as easily for me, I do find it helpful to put my music on pause and focus on the words I'm writing rather than the lyrics I'm listening to.

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What about you? Do you listen to music as you write? Do you find it helpful or distracting?

Thursday's Thought: Blog Tours or Book Signings?

In this day in age, blog tours are becoming more popular than book signings/book tours—especially for the authors who may not be well-known. Blog tours are a great way to build buzz about your book, and an author is able to hold one without ever leaving the comfort of his/her own home. 

However, there is no way to tell which one generates more sales. I personally love to attend  a book signing, even if I have never heard of the author before. From an author's perspective, being able to meet readers and sign their books can be far more personable than a blog tour. On the other hand, blog tours can be just as exciting, and are generally able to spread more word about your book than a book signing.

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What are your thoughts about blog tours vs. book signings, and which do you prefer? 

PS: I am currently planning the blog tour for my debut YA Christian fiction novel, Purple Moon. If you would like to be apart of this blog tour, please send me an email at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!

Thursday's Thought: Should Every Writer Own a Blog?

This month marks the third year anniversary for the launch of my blog. I personally have really enjoyed owning a blog—having a place to post devotions, writing tips, book reviews, etc.—as well as meeting all of you guys. Before my blog days, I didn't really have an outlet to share with others the things that God has shown me, neither was I able to discuss writing with anyone without boring them to death. I have noticed that blogging consistently can be great practice for writing, and it is also a great way to share and publish your work. One advantage that aspiring authors can gain through blogging is building a readership. I have met several new authors through blogging, and I know that it will be a great tool for promoting my debut novel when it releases this spring. 

However, many authors—as well as aspiring authors—do not own a blog for several reasons. One, they may not have time. This is understandable, especially since blogging can be quite time-consuming and often just becomes procrastination-practice rather than writing-practice. Some authors do not see any use in owning a blog and do not believe that their books' sales would increase if they did own one. This can be true, especially since the majority of an author's readers do not come through blogs but rather through word-of-mouth or by reading reviews online. You can always gain a readership through social media outlets as well, such as Twitter and Facebook. Many authors—including best-selling authors—are doing just fine selling their novels without having to own a blog. Although I personally believe that writers should own a blog and that it can help bring buzz to your books, it may just not be for every writer.

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What do you think? Should every aspiring author own a blog? What are some advantages you've gained through owning a blog as a writer?

Thursday's Thought: What's Your Opinion On Critique Groups?

Joining a critique group can be a big step in a writer's life. It forces you to step out of your writing den, ready to receive feedback on your manuscript from people other than your loved ones. By doing this, you as a writer are honing your craft while helping to strengthen the writing flaws of others as well.

I have yet to join a critique group myself, but I think critique groups are a great way to step out of your comfort zone, meet other writers, etc. By editing other manuscripts, you'll be able to look at your own manuscript with a critical eye also. The only con that I have been warned about isthat of 'critique group dependency'. By depending on your critique group too much, you are in risk of losing your voice and possibly the essence of the entire story. There is also possible danger when a writer is told wrong advice from a member of the critique group -the blind leading the blind. However, I believe that critique groups can be very beneficial and fun if a writer is aware of the cons and careful about which advice they will accept.

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What is your opinion of critique groups?

Have you ever joined one, or are you currently a part of one?

What are your favorite things and least favorite things about critique groups?

Thursday's Thought: Writing What You Do Know or Don't Know?

"Write what you know" is a saying for writers that means we should write what we already have knowledge about or have experienced. For example, someone who may have had to put their child up for adoption before obviously could write about the topic, since they have lived through the emotions themselves. Or if you have a degree in history, then the historical fiction genre would probably best suit you.

I believe writing what you know is not a bad idea. That's what I am doing by writing fiction in the young adult genre, since I'm able to see clearly from the perspective of a teen today (because, well, I am one). But what about the freedom of writing to learn - not just writing from experienced situations, but writing to learn about a certain topic or situation? Writing is an adventure - you can explore places you have never been before, learn about things you've never quite understood, and put yourselves in someone else's shoes for a change.

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What is your opinion of the advice "write what you know"?

Do you write to explore, or write to share what you already know?

Do you think fiction seems more real if the author writes what he/she has experienced?

Thursday's Thought: What Did You Think About NaNoWriMo?

During the month of November, writers everywhere shelter themselves inside their houses (or Starbucks) and do not come up for air until 50,000 words have been written for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). They must do everything they can, even if that means shutting off the "real word" in order to focus on their imaginary one so that their goal can be met by the end of the month.

Since I have yet to participate in NaNoWriMo, I am not able to give an opinion of this based on personal experience. It does seem exciting, though - having an excuse to drink coffee and write until your fingers bleed. This is also a pretty tough challenge, because it forces writers not to procrastinate and gives them a deadline to meet. However, I am still not sure if it would be worth risking the essence of my novel by participating in the NaNoWriMo race.

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What is your opinion of NaNoWriMo?

Did you participate in it this year, or any other year?

If you did, do you think that you would have been able to write better if you had spent more time with it?

Thursday's Thought: Are Writing Softwares Useful?

There are several writing softwares that many authors, screenwriters, and comic book writers use to construct their stories. Popular ones include Scrivener, yWriter, and NewNovelist. Although these softwares have fairly good reviews, is it worth the cost when you can use Microsoft Word to write your novel for free?

Recently I downloaded the free trial of Scrivener, and so far I like it for many reasons - one reason is because it helps with organizing your thoughts. You can separate your chapters, scenes, outlines, etc. into different folders and sections along the side of the screen. I also love how you can maximize the software, which gives you the entire screen to write your novel. This is a great advantage, since Microsoft Word doesn't allow you to maximize it on the Mac. Overall, I believe that if you are an unorganized writer (like myself), buying one of these softwares may not be a bad idea.

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What do you think?

Have you used a writing software before?

Which one is your favorite, and do they really make writing easier?

Thursday's Thought: Do Giveaways Bring More Traffic To Your Blog?

Now that the holiday season is approaching, many blogs are offering Christmas giveaways. Some of these include Christmas books, movies, music, various gifts, as well as festive decorations for the house. I've heard that holding giveaways can increase your blog traffic since people love entering them - however, is it worth the time, effort and expense that's put into it?

I've never held one of my own before, only because it seems a difficult task. I'm sure that it's not too bad, though. Besides, many of the blogs that do hold giveaways seem to be more popular than those that don't.

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What do you think?
Have you held giveaways before, and were they worth it?
Is it a good idea to hold a holiday giveaway?

Thursday's Thought: Should We Prepare Before Writing?

Many writers have to take about an half hour of "preparation" before actually putting ink on paper (or fingers on keys). This may involve reading a book, listening to inspirational music, or writing prompts.

For me, I love "getting into the zone" before beginning my writing for the day - but I also tend to get a little distracted during this time. However, reading a book (or even a writing self-help book) does help clear my mind when it's time to write, and the words seem to flow more naturally.

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What do you think? Is "preparing" before writing necessary? Or do you think we sometimes use it as procrastination before getting to the real thing?

Thursday's Thought: Are Character Charts Useful?

Character charts are a tool that fiction writers use to help develop their characters. Authors fill out detailed questions such as the character's DOB, strengths, weaknesses, etc. on this chart and refer back to it as they write their story. Click here for an example of one of these forms.

Some people, however, believe that these charts are unnecessary and would rather develop their characters organically. I have used these charts myself before, but sometimes a character changes on their own and I find that filling out the charts took longer than than it was worth in these cases.

What do you think? Do you use character charts? Are they beneficial to the writing process, or just an unnecessary use of your writing time?