Dear Writers

Dear Writers,

I know what you must be thinking, “ Who is this girl writing us with advice about writing?” Well, let me introduce myself, my name is Krystol. I’m 33 years old and I believe we have a few things in common. We love to write and probably read as well.  Our favorite thing to do on our spare time is to write and we feel weird when we are unable to. Am I right? So, I just wanted to give you some encouragement on this lonely journey that many of us take. You see, we are often misunderstood by our peers, family, and friends or just about anyone. I mean, most people think we can’t make a living at doing what we love. Eh, what do they know? But, what I know that YOU have a gift to share with the world. Okay, well maybe not the entire world at least not right away, but we have some things to get our chest.  I like to say that writing is the door to our heart. It’s where our stories lie and our words unite.  There are times when you don’t write a thing or life happens and our love is on the back burner. It’s okay, we are only human, born to make mistakes, (by the way that’s not my words, that is the group “ The Human League”, but you get my point. When we fall, because we will, we always do at some point in our lives, get back up and keep typing or writing ( if the notebook or journal is your thing).  No matter what way you prefer to write, continue to do it no matter what anyone says. If you are writing a novel, blog, or just something no one will ever read, don’t let other people stop you from putting the words down. Words are powerful when people tell us what not to pursue. But, you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone if they doubt you. We only get one life to live, so why not live it by doing what you love. I hope this can encourage you to keep writing following your dreams.

 

All The Best,

Krystol

Setting Priorities When It Comes To Your Dreams

Happy Sunday, Readers!

There comes a time in your life when you must say enough is enough. My grandmother used to always say, ” Eventually you will get tired.” She said that for a lot of things and I never knew what she meant. It seemed like that statement went with every reference of life from being unhappy, not liking to do certain tasks, etc. As I was driving today thinking about another motivational video I watched, it hit me. My grandmother meant that eventually I would be tired of not being my happiest or truest self whether it involves other people or not. It got me thinking about my topics as of like dreams, success and being your best self.  I have decided that I am tired of living for others. For example,  some people think you should live your life in a way is THEIR norm. Work a normal job, get paid a normal paycheck and live a normal life. But, makes your normal different from someone else’s? Your normal is probably totally different from mine. Some people are content and happy working with a company for 30+ years, owning their home and retiring. This is one way that society has taught us to live. But, for me, what’s normal to society isn’t for me. I get bored easily ( hence the many jobs I’ve had), but I feel like this I won’t know what I like or don’t like if I don’t explore and try new things.

I’ve come to the conclusion where I am tired of society’s opinion for my life through other people. I’ve said all week that I want to be a writer. I’m talented in it, it’s something I would do for free and still be happy with it. I enjoy writing in many different genres ,which not only keeps me out of a bubble, but I’m versatile as well. I learn to write in different areas so I can adapt to change as it comes with writing. When it comes to my life, I have to check myself and get MY priorities in order. The thoughts and opinions of other people no longer matter. I no longer seek advice from others who don’t have my same aspirations at heart. Why? They have no clue the drive and determination I have to really make it. You can have some of the best people in your life that you love and love you to an extent become your biggest downfall. We as people seek validation ( why I have no clue), but we do and we want others to tell us what’s right or wrong, or what would or wouldn’t they do. Fuck that shit! I can’t ask questions like that anymore because they aren’t me and I am not them. Our mindsets are totally different. My mother just told me today, ” If you listen to what people say, you will never go anywhere or do anything.” That advice was paramount because it was so on time for where I’m headed in life and where I am now on my new journey to being my best self and living my dreams. I know you must be asking, just what are these alleged priorities?

1. Keep God First
2. Take every job position as a learning experience, which will prepare me for my writing job
3. Continue to study the craft of writing and READ as many books, articles, and blogs as I can
4. Continue applying for ALL writing jobs until the perfect one happens.
5. Remain Humble. I have to carry the crown before I wear it by paying my dues and starting from the bottom if I have to.
6. Write everyday no matter what.
7. Become 2 Corinthians 13

To Thine Own Self Be True 

Outlining Your Novel 2.0

Outlining Your Novel

Like any writer, this is a step in the process where it gets real. By this times character profiles should have been done, the plot sketched out on many different post it notes or a notebook. This is the part where your desk or writing area looks a mess with so many different ideas and levels to your story. Writers outline in many ways. Some do not use an outline at all. Whatever way you fancy, outlining or sorting your ideas is a must. Depending on what of novel you are writing, research is very important and some research can take months or even years to sort through. For example, imagine writing a crime fiction novel. You may have old case files, have suspects to figure out, and more.

 

When it comes to outlining, think of it as telling a story from the beginning, middle and the end. Or for screenwriters this Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3, but take things step by step. Ask yourself these questions: How do I want the story to start? What will the main character do in the beginning of the story? Is he/she being dramatic? Is the character going to talk in a narrative tone or third person? Check out this example of how an outline can go.

1. Main Character

• Who is it? ( Give me a full fabricated name)
• Zodiac Sign
• Mannerisms ( is he/she shy? Smooth and charismatic? A Jerk?)
• Where does his story start? (High school, middle school, College?)
• What made him the main character the way he/she is? (Pain, addiction, broken heart)
• Add other characters, friends, parents, situations and incidents. Give them names, descriptions, complexions, mannerisms and characteristic. Be specific.

2. Family Life

• Does the main character have siblings?
• What was his household like? Day to day routine?
• Parents accepting of he/she? Did he feel like the black sheep? Got along with everyone?
• Talk about parents were they good parents? Bad parents?

3. Personality of Main Character

• Did he get along with his peers?
• Have a best friend?
• Popular/Unpopular
• What did he like to do for fun?

4. Plot

• What happens that shifts the main characters life/lifestyle? What made it hard?
• Explain in detail, how he was feeling while his life was changing
• What makes the transition of a innocent child to an adult?
• Is the main character married? Have kids? What is that structure like while he’s going through what he is?

5. Final Result Or Ending

• What is the main character taking away from this?
• How has he/she learned?
• Does the good outweigh the bad depending on the situation?
• What would you like to see for an ending?

 

 

I’ve attached some blog posts that will help you get starting with the writing process once you are ready. Included are other example outlines and more notes as well. I’ve put them in order of the writing when you get started. I hope this article and the other examples I have provided help you go far with your writing! NanowriMo is coming soon ( National Novel Writing Month) and I hope you guys that are writers will participate.

 

 

 

1. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/03/15/back-to-basics-character-profile/

 

2. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/06/05/the-power-of-the-plot/

 

3. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/08/04/why-is-it-so-hard-to-choose-names-for-your-characters/

 

4. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/08/03/is-it-okay-to-use-a-pseudonym/

 

 

5. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/i-want-to-turn-my-book-into-a-movie-how-should-i-do-that/

 

6. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/07/25/my-gift-to-you-signatory-agent-list-for-writers/

 

 

7. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/creating-the-ending-of-your-story/

 

8. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/07/07/are-word-counts-really-that-important/

 

9. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/06/21/my-book-is-completed-now-what/

 

10. https://writingsbykrystol.wordpress.com/2014/06/21/my-book-is-completed-now-what/

 

 

 

Writing Prompt

Happy Sunday! Grab your hot beverage and get ready to experience something great with me. I know you maybe saying, ” Krystol, what are you up to now?” I smile devilishly and fold my hands together. Okay, it is not too crazy, but I want all of my writers that are subscribed to my channel, to participate in a writing prompt with me. Let’s get started!

Writing goals to me are checklists of things that you plan on doing in a current story or with other writing avenues. I have many writing goals and I have to learn to take them one goal at a time instead of trying to do everything at once. This is no bueno! Do not attempt to achieve goals that way. I am still a work in progress. But, with that being said, let us write out our goals. If you are comfortable, write yours in the comments or you can even do it in a journal. I have a writing journal that is specifically for writing ideas and books.

1. Obtain a full-time writing job – This one may not seem out of the ordinary since I talk about this often on my blog. I want to write full-time for a living whether it is with a company, Magazine, Journalism, or even a TV show. I would even write screenplays for a living if the pay was right. Now, I know that writers mostly get the short end of the stick when it comes to payment whether you are a freelance writer or writing full-time with a company. My advice, stand your ground and try and to get almost what you deserve.
2. New Your Times Best Sellers List – This has always been a dream of mine. I mean, who does not want NYTBS at the end of their name. I still want to write as many books as I can in order to make that happen.
3. Agent – I NEED an agent like yesterday! My writing is so diverse ranging from books, screenplays, TV pilots and more. The sky is the limit for what I to do with my writing. I want to get a book deal and sign with a great agent. This will happen.
4. Big Screen – I want to see my name on the big screen of something that the entire world will see. Just to see written by ” Krystol Diggs” on a major platform is such an honor to me. I can not wait until that goal is achieved. I hope that it happens before I am thirty five years old. Time is ticking.
5. Coach – I would love to be a writing coach for new writers. This means setting up their goals for themselves, giving advice, and even counseling them to excel with their writing.

I ask all the writers who are reading this and not just liking this blog, what are your writing goals?

Why Is Developing Your Story Hard?

Writers, if this picture above is you when developing a story, I totally get it! It does not matter if you have an outline, are going by Act’s or just writing from an idea, the development can always be a tricky. But, there are somethings to consider when getting into the ” meat” of your story.

1. Stretching It Out  –  Often times we are writers are so good with showing our story instead of telling. When you show or just explain what it going on, that makes it hard for the reader to really visualize what you are saying. For example, ” Mike went to the store and got us a milkshake. I told him to get me a strawberry milkshake and he got a chocolate one while I waited for him.” This is an example of telling. Now, let’s tell that same story.

Mike and I sat at the booth before he headed up  to the counter. There were other families and couples enjoying their food, milkshakes and ice-creams.

” Sam, what kind of milkshake do you want?”  Mike asked.

Still looking back and forth and the menu, I finally decided.

” Mm, I think that I am going to have the strawberry milkshake.”

Mike smiles.

” That sounds good, Sam, but I am going to get a chocolate one.”

Mike looks at the long line as he turns around and stares at the crowd.

” I am going to wait until the line dies down, okay?”

” Whatever works.”

Waiting for the line to go down, Mike and I still talked about our classes as we sipped on ice water that was brought to us.

Okay, now do you see the different between showing and telling? This has been stretched out and embellished. We are able to see exactly what is going on ( well at least we can picture it.”  This also gives you a longer word count as well!

2. Character Development  – This is a problem area for some writers. When it comes to developing your characters, you really have to make them a real person. Check out my blog on character profiles. In my opinion when writing any book, I feel that all main characters need to have a background story. Where did they come from? What was their childhood like? How were their parents? Sometimes you can even take it a step further and tap into their parents background. This can give the reader some justification as to how or why main character is the way that he/she is. This can be come by doing a ” flashback”  or having another person’s point of view come present and they are telling their side.

3.  Lastly, another reason that your story can be hard when it comes to development is because it is all over the place. You have so many characters and everyone is doing their own thing. Whether you have an outline to look at or not, you can just be writing to write. This is called freelancing. Just jotting things down and not have a place for them to call home. When this happens, take a step back and get some clarity. Ask yourself, ” What story am I really trying to tell?” Your story can be so good that it starts to tell itself and shift in directions that it is not on an outline. This is why I do not use an outline. I let the story speak for itself. But, I know that there are some writers who MUST  have a guide or something to look off of. Even if your mind is going a mile a minute, just remember that every story has a beginning, middle and an end.

Thanks so much for taking the time out to read this blog for today. I hope that it helps you with your development of your story. Now, GO WRITE! That is an order.

 

Writing Update

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday! I wanted to take the time to tell you guys how my writing has been. I must say that I am LOVING it! This new book is a great one and I am really enjoying the writing process for this book. The pace of my writing is slow and steady, but I am getting my daily word count in which is amazing. As stated in yesterday’s blog, this book will really put me on the map. I strongly believe that.

Here Is My Daily Process

I have a desk in my living room, but everything else is on it. Papers, binders, books, you name it. Right now, my bedroom has made the best desk as of late. It is comfortable and I love being in the relaxed state when it is time to write. So, since starting Camp NanoWriMo, I have been writing my best words at night between 9-10pm all the way until 11pm. My eyes start to get heavy and it is time to turn the keys off. My average a day has been between 2-3k. My goal is to write at least 3,500 words a day to finish on time. I started a week late. My goal is to write 70,000 words. To some this may not be a lot, but for me, this is the LONGEST book that I have written in my writing career. My music choices are Evanescence, Bruno Mars, R. Kelly and DeBarge. I do take breaks to eat and get some snacks.  My snack choices are Veggie straws, water and Gatorade. Who knew? Today, I am trying something new and will attempt to write all day today. Wish me luck!

 Tips That Will Help You Along The Way

1. Time Management – Whether you are writing during the day or night, make sure you have a scheduled time of when you can write. If you can a write an hour a day go for it. If you are feeling the story and write longer than that, that is great too.
2. Writing Partner – If you have a writer friend to write with you during your time, it will make things more exciting, especially on days when you feel that you can not write anything. This are called writing sprints. There are many Facebook writing groups who do sprints daily for an hour or two hours.
3. Writing Goals – Always set a word count goal for the times that you are writing. When you have uninterrupted time ( meaning no scrolling through Facebook or YouTube, just straight writing), you will be able to calculate how many words you can write in that time span.
4. Writing Mentor – It may be hard to find this. A writing mentor is someone who will guide you and always give you the inspiration to write. My mentor  Deatri 5 Crafty Top Writing Books ( see her book, ” How To Become A Successful Author). She always encourages me to write in a way that it is beneficial to me. Deatri has over 15 titles out and has tapped into TV and Screenwriting with my assistance :).
5. Outline – I know this is weird for outline to be number five, but ” read” me out, lol. Have an outline for where you want your current project to go. What do I mean? Well, make an outline of your writing progress once the book is completed. So you may have editing, ( depending on what kind you choose whether it is line edit, developmental edit, etc), querying letters, proof reading and more. Make a plan on what you plan to do once the writing portion is completed. After all, writing the book is the easy part. It is what comes next that is a challenging, yet rewarding task.

Can You Be Your Own Support System?

Happy Thursday!

We go through many things in our life where we need and desire support from others. But, when we are able to gain that support from our friends and loved ones, are we able to seek it in ourselves? Yes! It is called determination and motivation. Now, with my writing career, I am sure that there are MANY people who disapprove of my career path. In turn that is okay, but when you have people like that, it is time to rid of toxic waste.  In my opinion being a writer is a lonely world until your readers support your work. In my time as a writer, I have seen some great reviews and even some bad ones. I took a step back and re-assessed the bad reviews. I take into consideration what the readers have to say. My work may look great in my eyes, but the readers are the real judges.

With that being said, I motivate myself often to make the next book or writing endeavor better than the last one. I wanted to make sure that my words were relatable and valid for anyone who even cracked a page or clicked to see my work. My motivation and determination for myself has to be strong because everyone does not see my dream the way that I do. Sure, you will get discouraged when rejection happens, but use that rejection for fuel to continue to work on your craft and be the best writer that you can be. One of my goals this year was to keep my blog updated and relevant. There were times where I did not wrote for months and I saw the change in that versus now to me writing on a daily basis. I appreciate your support with my blog.  You liking my blog posts makes me feel good about the posts that I will continue to have.  A year ago, I did a vision board with my previous position and I look at it every day now just to motivate and remind myself that I am destined for greatness. Now, I feel like I have to keep my work to myself in a way and not tell everyone my dreams because I will not get the support that I give myself.

I do have a journal with goals in it. I never look at it. In my mind, I know what I achieve to do. Every time I achieve a new thing, I go back to my goals journal and see how close or far I came to achieving them. Thus far, I am on track because I am motivating myself. Currently, I am motivated and determined to finish this novel for NanoWriMo way before the end of the July. I really believe that this book is going to put me on the map. Never allow anyone to tell you that you can not or deter you from your dreams.

When Your Writing Shifts

Happy Friday, readers! I am SO glad that this day is here. Thus far, my day has not been a very productive one, but I am changing that RIGHT now. I wanted to talk about writing today. When we are writing sometimes the words take us to a different place. It is almost as if the story goes against the outline that you wrote.

How can this happen?

Trust me, it’s crazy, but it can happen. When it does let it. The story may get even better and more descriptive. This is that ” inner word” that we writers have when things happen. This is how you know you are writing something that has to be told. Ever read a book and hear the voice when you read it? I know this may sound silly, but it really does happen. For instance, I am hearing a voice read this blog as I type it, lol. When something doesn’t make sense in our writing, we often question it. Usually it is our right to question our writing, but go with what your characters are telling you. Give it a try. You never know it maybe the best thing happening in your story. For me this often happens in the middle of the story. I am fine with my outline at first, then it just changes up. New people develop and things change, sometimes even genres. But, I say don’t let it sway away from your story too much or you will start to have a different story altogether.  Writing is all about taking chances and seeing what works. Don’t worry about messing up or things not fitting, that is what the delete button is for.

What Helped Me Get Started With Writing

Hey fellow writers and readers! I am asked this question ALL the time about what got me started with writing. For me, I always enjoyed watching movies. Seeing the way that stories were told fascinated me. I wanted to tell my own stories. Before I started film school, I was writing. Here is what I did.

1. Writing Utensils: Now, this may sound silly, but I had to figure out what was comfortable for me. Typing on a computer, writing in a notebook, or writing with pen and pencil. At first, it was writing with a pencil. I could always erase the mistakes. As I got older, I went from pen to computer. Now, for you it maybe different, you may want to write everything first in a notebook and then convert to a computer. They even still sell typewriters as well. Figure out what your best writing utensil is.
2. What to Write: Deciding what to write can be easy for some, but hard to others. You have so many ideas going on in your head. This is totally fine! Write them all down. Get a journal is that just for ideas and ideas alone. I have a small one and let me tell you, it works wonders especially if I am out and about and something just ” pops” in my head.
3. From Ideas to Story: This part will be the most rewarding yet challenging part. Breathe. Don’t panic. Take it slow. Make an outline or jot notes of what your story is going to be about. This can take a few days up to a couple of weeks. You have to have as much information as possible without going into too much detail. For example check out my character profile blog that will help you.
4. Once I made the character profile, I was ready to write. The words came to me. It won’t for everyone, so don’t try to rush the process of writing. What worked for me when I got started was a chapter a week. I would re-read over and over and made changes until it was perfect. Don’t do this! You will have time to edit and change things when the story is done. Just write until the story is finish no matter what you think it’s crap or not.
5. Read. Whether you have been writing for a long time or not, reading will help you. It categorizes the genre you think you want to write in and brings newness all around it. Now, I don’t mean read books and then mimic the same story. What I mean is to read to get perspective. See how other authors write and produce page turners. I love to write fiction in different genres such as contemporary, romance, literature, psychological thrillers, horror and young adult genres. I am ALWAYS reading books.  But, read books on writing as well. I recommend On Writing by Stephen King. He talks about his writing style and how he got started. It is so inspiring.

Check Out These Other Writing Books

 

 

The Writing Struggle

Good afternoon, readers! I have to keep telling myself that life is beautiful. It is because I am alive and well. But lately, I have been wondering what has been holding me back with writing? Then it dawned on me, I am not focused on writing. I have so many stories that I want to tell that I can not focus. I have been all over the place with everything else like job hunting, contributing more to my youtube channel and trying to figure out my life. Yea, I know. I would think by now since I am 31 that I would have my life together, but I don’t.

My life coach has been helping me a great deal of keeping my mindset focused, but as they say, ” the proof is in the pudding”.  It is time for me to get the fingers on the keyboards and make magic. So, in order to give myself more motivation, this is what I am working on.

I need some help from my great readers! Please post motivation and words of encouragement so I can finish writing this book, lol. Knowing that people are excited about my work helps me keep going. After all I am a writer. Writing is what I am going to be doing!