Writing Tips from Michael Thomas Ford

We are lucky enough to have two authors coming in to speak about writing. Gillian Shields, author of Betrayal, will join us on inkpop forum events at 5 p.m. EST on Thursday August 19th to discuss what it takes to weave fantasy and reality together
On that same note, Michael Thomas Ford, author of Z, also has some practical thoughts on writing. Check out his tips below or join the Z Writing Challenge on inkpop!

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Michael Thomas Ford inktips
1. Don’t try to copy someone else’s style. It’s tempting to want to write just like your favorite author, but you need to find your own voice. Trying too hard to sound like someone else will make your writing unbelievable.

2. Remember that the plot is not what the story is about. A story is about how your characters are changed by what happens to them. The plot is what causes these changes.

3. If you get stuck, don’t stop. When you find yourself not knowing where the story should go, just pick a possibility and go with it. You can always change things later if it doesn’t work out.

4. Write the story you would want to read. If you would enjoy it, chances are readers will too.

5. Writing is not magic. It’s work. The words won’t appear just because you want them to. You have to write them down.

6. Don’t wait for inspiration. Write every day, even when you don’t feel like it. This will train your brain to go into writing mode when you need it to.

7. Don’t think that you have nothing to say. Writing is about capturing experiences. What is it like to be you? How do you see the world? Tell that story.