Is your writing real? --- A post by Patricia Rane

Hi! It's Patricia, here. I'm gonna start out just like Emilie did. (No, I am not copyrighting it, Emmie...). I am 13 *grins at Emilie*. I am not a published author, but I am an author.

My experiences have been very numerous.

I've had writers block before... I've had character development problems before.... I've had the how-do-I-twist-this-plot problem. I've experienced it all. Been there, done that, as my dear cousin likes to say. (Wait, did I just say that outloud? Ok, fine, Emilie. You're dear to me.... you happy, now?)

But the largest problem that I have run in to, is making the scene 'real'. Now, obviously, your writing is real to you. But is it real, or will it be real to your audience? Well... often times, if you're being honest, no. Usually, I let Emilie read my writing. Or I read it to a friend. And, if all else fails, your siblings are there. So, here are a few tips and questions that you can ask yourself to help in making your writing come alive.

1. Are the gestures that you are putting with the characters correct for the mood or moment? Even if it's a casual scene, you should make it as real, as you can. Maybe it's friends trying to break the ice of an awkward moment. A cheesy grin. A quick wink. Even if it's just a facial expression like scrunching eyebrows.... add it. Add as many things you can to your writing. Because, trust me. If you can't succeed, in convincing your older brother. You're doing something wrong. If you can't convince your mom or dad. You're really doing something wrong. If you can't convince your friends, cousins, and fellow authors? You, are in desperate need of help.
2. What about the tone of your character's voice? Is he or she angry? Then give their voice tone a twist. And if you can't describe their voice, just talk about the volume. If they are experiencing REALLY, REALLYstrong emotion, try adding the word 'shouted' to it, and your audience is, pretty much convinced.
3. The appearance. Is your character tired? Than say how they look. Maybe they have dark circles under their eyes. Do they seem depressed? Explain, and describe how they look, and act. What are they wearing? Is one of your characters more gangter-punkish than the rest? Say that. (Julie looked quite out of place at the wedding ceremony. It seemed that everyone was wearing a suit, or a prom dress. She felt a little bit silly wearing her skinny jeans and hoodie.)

And, just like Emilie said in her previous post. If you are suffering from writer's block, and literally tearing your brain to shreads over this..... delete what you wrote in that sitting.... it's pointless. Take a break. Turn your computer off, for the day, and read a book.
If your eyes are going bonkers from writing, and you can't seem to focus on your reading, catch up on something else. Email, perhaps. Or maybe your youtube channel, and fans have waited too long for the next video to come out.
JUST TAKE A BREAK.
And, if, after tryingto convince: siblings, parents, and fellow authors, but it's not working? You need to change something in your character...

Good luck!

Keep writing!

~

Patricia Rane <3