Get in touch with MJ at MJWarner313@authormjwarner.com
MJ Warner
~author~
Welcome Writers
&
Curious Visitors
The Full Story
The written word connects storytellers across generations.
Some writers document our historical truths in hopes of preventing the recurrence of past mistakes—write with integrity.
Others aim to heal from their past while making positive changes in the present to create a better future—write with intention.
All writers share a piece of themselves—write with your heart.
Micro, Flash, Short, Novel, Series, AHHHH!
Genres, Sub-Genres, Cross-Genres
Where Do I Begin?
Ideas & Themes, Setting,
POV, Voice, Tone, Style, Dialogue
Exposition/Rising Action, Inciting incidents, Conflict, Climax/Falling Action, & Resolution,
Protagonists & Antagonists,
Plots, Narrative Arc, Character Arc
OH, MY!
Use an outline, converse with characters, write your jacket copy... just start writing!
Writer's Block?
Yes, it happens. Plotters plan (think outline). Pantsers fly by the seat of their pants (think sit & write... whatever happens, happens), or the combo of the two (balance is good).
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Daily writing, even if it's garbage.
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Prompt writing, to get the juices flowing.
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Exercise, shower, read, watch a movie, or find a routine that your brain accepts.
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My routine: listening to Sarah McLachlan's music, an herb and citrus candle or my focus essential oil blend,
Beginnings, Middles, & Endings
Begin in Media Res, Inciting Incidents early on, and Hook the reader!
We're all waiting! No pressure... don't skip the important middle, but keep that reader intrigued... get them to the climax!
An ending is really just a new beginning.
So... wrap it up!
You're not done!
Now, Revise & Edit
Nope, you're not done.
But a breather may be the key to your success. It's been a lot. Set it & forget it. Come back with a fresh set of eyes & get to work!
Know that letting go saves your story, so if it doesn't serve it, set it free.
Make editing the last thing you do!
LINKS TO RESOURCES OR ARTICLES ACCESSED THROUGHOUT MY WRITING PROCESS. Just a few to begin:
Jane Friedman (https://janefriedman.com/resources/),
Reedsy (https://reedsy.com/learning/courses),
On Writing by Stephen King
Troubleshooting Your Novel by Steven James
New Pages
(https://www.newpages.com/guide-submission-opportunities/big-list-of-writing-contests/)
Resources
Gone are the days of endless searching for the best "how-to" book in you local bookstore. Writing resources are everywhere now! This is a list of some of my favorites. They will change, so keep an eye out!
Knock, Knock!
Believe that the right opportunities will come your way at the right time.
Don't be unprepared or underprepared—start writing now!
Head to a writer's conference!
Submit work for a contest!
Have your pitch and synopsis ready!
