C is For...

I bet you thought today’s post would be about characters. Naw. We’re gonna talk about customs. I don’t know about you, but I’m an armchair adventurer who’s been to many places. When I pick up a book, one of the things that appeals to me is the setting. I want to see, smell, and experience the writer’s world. One way of doing that is taking me inside the traditions of the town, state or country. We become so familiar with our settings that we sometimes don’t realize that readers can’t visualize our backdrop unless we draw them in with pictures painted by our words.

It is said that familiarity breeds contempt and sometimes we take our characters and setting so much for granted that we don’t see the value in what might be a source of fascination for readers. I used to be surprized when critique partners wanted to know more about life in Jamaica and commented that I’d left out the character of the island. This interest from readers helped me grow as a writer since I was forced to stretch myself through observation.

What are the things that set Christmas celebrations in Jamaica apart from other countries? How is the school system different? How do the police operate? How is the justice system unique? How are family problems handled? What are the challenges commonly faced by people in a small community/country?

These are questions I answer in each novel, but in ways that are specific to each story. We humans are creatures of habit and over time we tend to take repetitive action, which become customs. It is the similarities and differences among us that make appreciate each other as world citizens. And it is these same quirks that become a source of interest for people who live diverse lifestyles.

For example, in the past (when there was no electricity to preserve bodies) people used to have a ‘set-up’ the night before a burial. Neighbours would come to sympathize with the family, eat, drink, sing and read the Bible. Then nine nights after the person’s death, there would be a ‘nine night’, that took the same form as the ‘set-up’. Nowadays, there is a ‘set-up’ every night, where people come to visit the family, expecting hospitality on each trip. Don’t ask me how people keep up with the expense of feeding a flock each evening, but this custom doesn't show any sign of dying any time soon.

Are there any customs in your community/state that other people would find remarkable?

BOOKS On Writing

When I started my first novel back in 1984, I didn't give the craft of writing much thought. I figured I'd just write the dang thing then get it published. Okay, laugh if you must, but I was young. Thankfully, I've learned a few things since then.

Reading books on the craft of fiction writing is part of the journey to learning your craft. The same way we study recipes and test them on unsuspecting subjects: our kids and spouses.

I won't bore you with why I think you should read the books below. Would it help if I promised you'll get published if you do? How about: Read the books below and I guarantee you'll become a better writer. You'll definitely be inspired.

In alphabetic order: (read them in any order you like)

1. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
2. Character, Emotion, & Viewpoint by Nancy Kress
3. Elements of Fiction Writing by Orson Scott Card
4. On Writing by Stephen King
5. Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell
6. Scene & Structure by Jack Bickham
7. Stein on Writing by Sol Stein
8. Techniques of the Selling Author by Dwight V. Swain
9. The Elements of Style
10. Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass

A to Z Challenge

Applying Yourself as a Writer

Here at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, we will be taking part in the April A-Z Challenge. We will be posting short writing tips Mondays to Saturdays corresponding to the letter of the alphabet. If you’d like to see the list of participants or join in on the fun, click HERE.

As writers, we need to Apply ourselves to be able to run the distance required for successful publication—whether it’s traditional publication or self-publication. It doesn’t just happen. While there may be a small element of luck, 99.9% will be made up of hard work and dedication to the craft of writing.

Applying yourself means:

• Writing when you don’t feel inspired;
• Giving yourself achievable goals;
• If you like structure, then setting up workable schedules to write. If you don’t, then aiming to write every day;
• Training your family so they know not to disturb you during your precious writing time;
• Sticking to those goals, schedules and self-made deadlines;
• Not putting your writing last on your already long list of commitments;
• Championing your stories;
• Learning the craft, and continuing to learn the craft;
• Pushing yourself to do better;
• Attending conferences, meeting other writers;
• Sharing your work with critique partners;
• Sending your work to editors/agents/publishers;
• Looking after yourself, which includes eating properly and exercising regularly;
• Continuing to write despite the doubts, rejections and other setbacks;
• Never giving up.

What do you do to apply yourself as a writer?

The IWSG Facebook Group during the A-Z: If you are taking part in the A-Z Challenge and are a member of the IWSG Facebook group, then we'd love you to share your A-Z post there. Just link it in the daily thread we will make available for each letter during the month. We just ask you don’t link any A-Z posts outside the threads provided. We're looking forward to seeing you there.

Lynda R Young
@LyndaRYoung