How do you organize all of your story information, and how do you respond to negative reviews?
Today we have author Gail Kittleson on Wisdom Wednesday to share her favorite writing tips for authors and new writers.
Thanks for joining us, Gail!
Name: Gail Kittleson
Genre: Historical Romance
Latest Release: Kiss Me Once Again
Writing Tip for Authors:
Pay no attention to negative reviews unless your publisher brings up a concern. Why read them and expend all that emotional energy, when there are POSITIVE ones to focus on?
I think you bring up a good point that unless there’s something that we can learn from them and do better, there’s no reason to focus on those negative reviews. What you write won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay! You will find readers who love your genre and will enjoy your writing.
If you’re a character-driven writer, the plot may evolve in snitches and snatches as you do your research. It really helps to keep a little notebook with sections for each character. For me, it’s difficult to remember dates and connections that might come in handy later, as the story develops.
“Alice’s family sailed from Germany on the PROVOST the first time, when she was eight. Sea was wild.”
“Next trip was on the Heinrich, and the main thing she remembers is the food. Her youngest brother got sick, and she had to care for him. This was when she determined to become a nurse.” (That younger brother became a medic in WWII…)
Without notes like this, I tend to get the trips or the brothers mixed up. These jottings can also be very helpful in writing a flashback later.
No one ever accused Glenora Carson of being a breathtaking beauty. Her tall, gangly figure and angular face are more solid midwestern stock than Hollywood glamour. But Joe liked her. He even told her, “You’re the one for me.” He gave her a locket with his picture inside, to remind her of him while he was away, serving his country on the U.S.S. Arizona. After December 7, 1941, Glenora shelves her dreams of attending college on the scholarship she was offered by Iowa State University, locks her heart away, and focuses on holding down the home front by helping out the family business – Carson’s Garage. The grease-stained overalls didn’t do much to compliment her female figure, but they cover her female heart well enough. That is, until Hank Anderson, a wounded warrior back from battle, walks into the garage and into Glenora’s life. Is an old maid’s future Glenora’s fate, or will Cupid throw a wrench in her plans?
Gail writes from northern Iowa. She and her husband enjoy their grandchildren and exploring WWII sites.
The writing bug bit Gail later in life, along with a love for the World War II era. She’s hopelessly addicted. Her historical fiction honors Greatest Generation women who made a difference despite great odds. Her second love, teaching, leads to facilitating writing workshops and retreats, where she loves cheering others on.
Gail’s Social Media:
www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthor
Thank you for joining us today for Wisdom Wednesday. Don’t forget to check out Gail’s book, Kiss Me Once Again and connect with her on social media. Do you have an organization tip or how to deal with negative reviews? Share it with us in the comment section!
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