writing tips – Jordyn Saelor

(this book right here) Early in the summer, I got the chance to work with the “Bootcamp Mentors” program on Wattpad, where experienced writers provide lots of one-on-one feedback to selected mentees. The feedback I got from my mentor majorly boosted my confidence in my writing and storytelling skills. So of course I submitted GraveyardContinue reading “This Book Won’t be Winning a Watty”

So…Exciting News…

My book, Graveyard of Lullabies, was chosen for the Bootcamp Mentoring Program on Wattpad in preparation for the 2023 Watty awards. Why is this exciting? Well, for the next several weeks, an award winning writer is dedicated to giving feedback on my story! I have faced many frustrations while trying to find feedback for myContinue reading “So…Exciting News…”

Naming Book Characters

As a writer, baby name websites are your best friend. They’re great for helping you find a name for your protagonist that thematically ties in with, say, their struggle with guilt and self-forgiveness. Or maybe it ties into their origin as a seafarer. Or their name’s a clue to their true nature (see: Darth Vader,Continue reading “Naming Book Characters”

Chekhov’s Gun: How I figured out a backwards concept

The basic principle of Chekhov’s gun: if you show a gun hanging above a fireplace in the first act, it sure better get used by the conclusion of the story. It’s a clear illustration of foreshadowing, and using all elements of a story for a precise purpose, and not giving false promises to the reader.Continue reading “Chekhov’s Gun: How I figured out a backwards concept”

hi younger me/be are am is was ing

“be” verbs. The basic bane of writing. Some good writing advice: you should change “be” verbs, because of how weak they make your writing. (Seriously, use a word that means something more specific than “exists.”) Nowadays, I’ve apparently spent long enough revising stories and cleaning up “be” verbs in my writing, that every time aContinue reading “hi younger me/be are am is was ing”

Under the skin

Today, in How I Revise a Story(TM), I felt inspired by filter words. Let’s learn about filter words, shall we? To start, here’s an…intentionally styled scene. *** She saw the shadow block out the sun. “Oh shoot,” she muttered, feeling her heart pound within her. Daisy heard the creature shriek, feeling the sonic boom toContinue reading “Under the skin”

What do these all have in common?

Lately in my revising, I’ve spotted a tendency in my writing that I’m not a fan of. Here are some examples: Then came another fire blast as Dante spun. Reptilian-skinned soldiers in pale armor chuckled as Victor passed them, then exploded into laughter at the beady-eyed one’s story. Freezing in place, Victor could do nothingContinue reading “What do these all have in common?”