Welcome to Writing Tip Wednesday! This week I've invited Ty Langston to share her advice. I met Ty, along with several other wonderful writers, last year at Lori Foster's Reader Author Get Together in Cincinnati. Unfortunately, she isn't able to attend this year, but I'll be there and signing books on Friday, June 5, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Stop by if you're in the area!
Welcome, Ty!
I love writing. To tell a story, create three-dimensional characters that we all can relate to is fun for me. It is the reason why I became an author.
I get inspiration from watching people. I observe them talking, reading, doing everyday activities. I can be in a parking lot listening to a couple argue about something as small as a grocery store item to watching a young newlywed couple make up after an argument.
Everyday life these days seems to be the force that drives me. I love paranormal and have written it for a couple of years now. But recently, I find that writing about everyday struggles we all experience is not only satisfying but a challenge to write.
Do I write everyday? I did up until last year. I’ve always told people to try and write something, even if it’s a sentence. But as we know, life’s challenges can at times get in the way. My advice now to new and aspiring authors is if you can’t write daily, write when you can. In the end, it’s about what ends up on the page, good or bad. At least, with the more you write, you’re improving.
I guess is what I’m saying is quality over quantity works for me now.
I write with some kind of music. I tend to write in the afternoon or in the evening. The music soundtrack of my stories tends to vary depending on what I’m working on.
Since I’m currently writing a contemporary series about three brothers whose stories center on a nightclub they own, currently there’s a lot of R&B, pop, and hip hop remixes on my Spotify playlists. When I write my paranormal Crave series about a rock band full of shifters, there’s a lot of 80’s and 90’s rock bands like Great White, Bon Jovi, and Motley Crue that are on my list.
Should you write what you know? Yes and No. I say both, because sometimes the fun is in the challenge. If you want to try a new genre, read about it, learn about it, talk to others who have some experience in a genre you are interested in. When you feel ready to jump in, go for it. There is nothing wrong with writing what you know, but it never hurts to break out of your comfort zone, either.
So my advice to all of you is to learn, watch, but most of all, live life. When you are able and ready to write about it, write as much as you can. Your stories and you will ultimately be better for it.
Bio:
As a child, bestselling author, Ty Langston loved to read about dragons and knights so much that one day, her grandmother told her to "just write about them."
So she did.
From that day forward, she never left home without her pen, a notebook, and some kind of music playing in the background. Her love of reading expanded from fantasy into science fiction, and eventually into paranormal romance and erotica.
She enjoys different works from George Martin, Anne McCaffrey, Stephen King, and Jackie Collins. But some of Ty's favorite writers are from the world of TV and film: namely, Tudors creator Michael Hirst, and the late John Hughes.
Ty has a certificate in Broadcast Journalism along with a degree in Business Administration.
She's also the co-host of The Indy Geek, a weekly podcast on pop culture on Thursdays at 8 pm EST on Spreaker, itunes, Stitcher, and more.
Website: http://www.tylangston.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bedofroses2001
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ty-Langston/167107416642591
Life does get in the way of writing sometimes, doesn't it? Thanks so much for visiting, Ty! Hope to see you next year at RAGT!
Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!
This sounds right. No matter how important writing is to us, we need to remember writing and living aren't necessarily synonymous!
ReplyDelete