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Showing posts with label fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fiction. Show all posts

Monday, October 11, 2010

Stephen King: America's Favorite Author

I thought it was interesting to see who the top five authors were from the Harris Poll. While Stephen King sits at number one I was a little shocked that only one woman made the list. The survey was conducted online with over 2,700 participants and all reading categories were included.

The top five:

No. 1: Stephen King
No. 2: James Patterson
No. 3: John Grisham
No 4: Nora Roberts, who also writes as J.D. Robb
No. 5: Tom Clancy


I've read at least one book from every author on this list. I also own just about every book written by Nora Roberts. Stephen King's book "On Writing" should be on the bookshelves of every potential writer. The material is invaluable. The tip about adverbs will save you countless time on editing. 


On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King: On Writing




Among the top five fiction genres:

No. 1: Mystery, Thriller and Crime
No. 2: Science Fiction
No. 3: Literature
No 4: Romance
No. 5: Graphic Novels

Among the top five nonfiction genres:

No. 1: History
No. 2: Biographies
No. 3: Religious and Spirituality
No 4: Political
No. 5: Self-help

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Friday, September 3, 2010

Creativity tips for writing


As a writer I know that sometimes we're stuck in that rut about what to write next. Creativity is a big part of the writing process. I want to inflict a piece of me into everything I write, I also want to know that someone can relate to what they've read. I've read some books that I honestly didn't like and that was just downright boring. However, what happens to be is that once I start a book I want to finish. I want to go through and find out what it is about their book that I just didn't like. I also take notes on the book, it helps me to learn better what to stay away from when I write. It keeps me focused.

I read and write quite frequently. We learn as much from reading as we do writing. How can I write if I don't read? Well, I could but honestly it wouldn't be very good.

You have to find that spark or that special something about you and put it into your writing. Whether you're writing a blog, a book or anything that will find an audience creativity is the key. People read just about anything that catches their interest. You have to pull them in, and once they're there you have to keep them entertained or seeking that something that only you can tell.

Here are some tips:

1.     Smile through your writing, when you reread does it bring out any emotion?
2.     Ask a question. Depending on the type of writing, does it strike a debate?
3.     Spice it up. Make them curious about what's happening next.
4.     Good sentence structures, do your words flow together?
5.     Use humor at appropriate times.
6.     Start with a good first paragraph, every skilled writer will tell you that your first paragraph is the key to getting them to read more.