1. I have been planning a book for about a month now but I keep getting stuck when it comes to the ending. I feel as if it's too cliché. How do I end the book the way I want to without it being cliché?
Sometimes cliché can be boring and expected. But sometimes, there are times when being cliché is the right way to go.
It is all about the direction your plot is going in. I'm glad that you have started planning out your plot at such an early stage. Your ending is a very important stage in your planning process because it gives you more direction when writing your chapters. The ending of a book is like the climax for most readers, it's what all your chapters lead up to and/or it indicates whether there will be a satisfying resolution or a sequel - it's HUGE.
Here's an idea that I think might work: Grab a page and in bullet form, write down what YOU want your ending to include. Then write a summary of four possible endings. Now think about the pros and cons of each option. Pick the best and edit it. By editing it, I mean emphasize on the initial structure, add in a few ideas and take out a few things. Once you happy with it ,read it over and try to fit in some key concepts in your other chapters that lead up to this ending. Does it work? If it's a no, try another option. If it's a yes, then congratulations you've got your ending.
Remember that this process is going to take time. It's not something that can be done overnight. Truly think about your options,ask for opinions and be honestly satisfied with it. At the end of the day, it's your book, this is your piece of art, they way it end should make you happy - whether it's slight cliché or not.
2. How do you keep inspired and motivated when writing a book but also in general? I have been feeling really down lately and I don't know how to pick myself back up.
I think we are very lucky to live in a time where social media exists. Media itself plays such an important role in our lives whether we like it or not.
I suggest you surround yourself with positive media and things that make you happy and uplift your mood. Simple changes can have such a huge impact. So for example, if blue is a colour that makes you feel slightly happier today, wear blue...or if Gossip Girl makes you feel less like a troll then watch the whole series!
Go through your social media and look through 'happy pictures'- these are pictures that make you feel a little more positive-or call a friend and speak about her/his week.
If you are a person who likes to see things physically in front of you, I highly recommend you create a mood board. Whether it's with pictures or actual objects, create a 'vibe' that makes you feel more inspired whether it's to write or just life in general. You can include images that make you think of your own story as a way to inspire you. Sometimes, a picture of a setting or someone that looks like one of your characters can help you a lot when it comes to writing your story. Once you get that idea in your head, the motivation will surely start to return.
Another good idea is to write down all the aspects of your life that you are grateful for. Whether you do this daily or just a few times a month, it honestly helps so much and it makes one realize how lucky we are to have what we have.
If it's specific problems that are making you unhappy, then solve them! I know that probably sounds like the worst advice ever but life is too short to hang on to problems that are making you sad. So sit down and find solutions for your problems, don't hold on to anything. If certain people are making you unhappy,let go of them.
Last but not least , overthinking hurts and complicates everything. We all have to learn the hard way that you can not overthink and gnaw on small aspects that negatively affect our lives. Positivity brings positivity.
3. How do you schedule updates without putting too much pressure on yourself while pleasing your readers?
Okay, so you need time to:
- Plan out your chapters (Optional)
- Write out your content
- Edit the content
- Publish your chapters
Now that you know what you need to have time for, get a monthly calendar and set out sessions where you can do the above.
Make sure the sessions are not cramped together. Once you roughly got an idea of how much time you need for each chapter, you can set aside one day of the week that you will update.
Remember that when you planning out your 'writing' sessions, you need more than one. One can not simply write an entire chapter in one sitting - take time and read it over. I also suggest that you have a basic idea of how long you want each chapter to be. When it comes to the editing stage, you can ask for advice from others too. This part of writing is usually thought to be not too important but is honestly a crucial stage. Readers need to understand what you are trying to project and relate to it. Remember to be as detailed as you can and always check your grammar.
Another huge tip is to not use too much slang or text language. This is because, firstly, not everyone understand what you trying to say and, secondly, it looks incomplete. Also, don't burn yourself out. It's important that you have free time and time for yourself!
4. Do you recommend I plan out my entire book before I start writing or plan it out chapter-by-chapter as I go?
There have been many times I have recommended people plan out their work or their schedules or just their lives in general. But there are times that being spontaneous works wonderfully.
I think that you should roughly plan out your book and your chapters. This just makes it simpler as you write. The content of your chapters can change a bit as you write the book but at least you'll have a general idea of where it's going. I completely understand if you want to just work with what you have. You don't have to plan out the entire thing! Maybe, you could just write down a short plan or a few ideas for the ending just so you have some kind of direction. It doesn't have to be the most detailed plan in the world, but sometimes having a bit of an idea of where your story's heading will provide clarity and help you write.
5. I binge read way too much on Wattpad and I usually forget that I have homework to do or I stay up until 3am and I'm completely drained the next day. How do I avoid this?
This is such a common problem! Luckily, there are many solutions. Firstly, you can switch everything off until your homework is done. That way, you can focus solely on completing your work before doing anything else. School work should definitely be a priority and it'll also be a much more relaxing reading experience knowing that you're not avoiding something and all your work is done. In regards to staying up late, try setting an alarm on your phone to remind you when to go to bed so you know your time's up.
You can also develop a rewards system for a certain amount of homework or study done. Eg: Allowing yourself to read on Wattpad for +\- 15 minutes once you've done a certain amount of work.
Another alternative is leaving your phone at about 20% at night so that it will die sooner and you will have to put it in charge and do something else i.e your work. Low battery can surprisingly work well as a timer! Once it runs out, you'll have no choice but to get some work done.
Do you have a writing/reading/Wattpad question? Comment it below and Yash might answer it in a future issue!
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