On Writing 
Build your Toolbox
Structure
Sentences
Words
Vocabulary
Be natural
Grammar
Only change the word if it's not appropriate for context
Minimum
Set of rules
Vary length
Larger isn't alway better
No need to show off
Types
Passive
Active
Avoid
Subject of sentence is doing something
Timid
The subject is doing
Verb
Noun
Expected
Easier for reader to read
Easier for reader to follow
Large words can be harder for the reader to understand
Don't be afraid of large words
Break the readers flow
Weak
Avoid adverbs
Words ending in "ly"
Example:
The rope was thrown by the writer
Example:
The writer throw the rope
Often redundant
Adverbs meaning be inferred from context
Weeds
Prefer active verbs
Can cling to them when you're lost
Paragraphs
Indication of reading difficulty
Structure
Starts with topic sentence
Followed by support sentences
Avoid wandering
Go with the first word that pops into your head
Breaking
Can create a dramatic effe
Follow conversation patterns
Omit needless words
Vary length
Keep it tight
Easier to scan
Don't be afraid to use colloquialisms
'Is the beat of the story"
Length
Long enough for the reader to fall into
Write as much as you want
Easier to understand/follow
Writing
How to get better?
Keeps the word closer to your idea
KISS
Write without fear
Read a lot, write a lot
Reading
Learn from others
From bad writing
From good writing
Refine your style
Mimic others
Discover your own style
Focus
Remember what you didn't like
Treat it like a job
Understand what it means to be swept away
Remember someone got paid for this
Writing
Set goals
Keep the story fresh
Write every day
Think of the characters as people
Mindset
Examples
Pages per day
Stop when you meet it
"One word at a time"
Should be inspired play
Close door
Cut out distractions
Spend 4-6 hours a day on it
Enjoy it
Don't share too soon
Keep a schedule
Words per day
Take note of the structure
Let your muse find you by being predictable
TV
Social media
Waking creative sleep state
Routine
Write about...
What you love
What you know
Stay honest
People love to read about what they know
But don't be afraid to stray but not too far
What you know, is unique to you
Know your characters
Don't second guess word selection
Structure
Narration
Description
Dialogue
Getting from A to Z
Creates sensory reality
Brings the characters to life
Ignore a defined plot
Our lives don't have plots
Stops spontaneity
Not honest with reader
Stories should be allowed to grow
Not the same as having a basic idea of when you are going with the story
Story
Base it off a "What if"
If it's fresh for you, it's fresh for the reader
Allow the story unfold
What do you want the reader to experience?
Places
Don't describe too much
Reader will fill the gaps
Places
Only describe what is important
Too much description slows the pace
People
Actions
Avoid
Avoid cliches
Avoid adverbs
KISS
Be honest
Avoids needing too much narration
Shows who the character is
Intelligence
Prejudices
Opinions
Does it sound right?
Stay honest to that character
Don't be afraid of offending
Watch other people
No-one is all-good or all-bad
On-one see themself as the villain
Editing
2nd Draft
Get Deleting
Have an ideal reader
Edit with them in mind
Symbolism
"Murder your darlings"
Wait for 6 weeks before re-reading
Theme
Ties the story together
Acts as a de-blocker
What's the message of the story?
An actual person
Fossil to be dug up
As yourself: "Is this coherent?"
Reinforce meaning
Symbolism/Theme
A nice treat
Adds depth
Interesting to you
A question you want to answer
Allows distance
Switch on to something else
Can see it again fresh
Remove pronouns and adverbs
Keeps story on message
Expose it further
What will the reader take from this?
Share after 3rd draft
Listen to opinions
If the same issue comes up - it's a sign for change
Ignore isolated issues
Choose a range of trust readers
Through their eyes
Would they understand this?
Watch them
When do they put the book down
How do they react to certain parts
Not all opinions carry the same weight
Control the pace
Is it quick enough?
Cut to speed up the story
Backstory
How did we get here?
Don't break the forward momentum of the story to tell it
Show rather than tell
Dialogue is a natural way to introduce it
Tell only enough to move forward
Acts as a focusing device
Commentary of society
Look out for plot holes
Would they like this?
Research
Helps to ground a story in reality
Satisfies some readers need to be learn
Secondary to story
Write first for yourself first and others later
2nd draft should be 10% smaller
Write with a closed door
Write with an ideal reader in mind (not in body)