I wrote this article a while ago for TSS Publishing. So long ago, I was still married to the ex I try hard to forget and mostly succeed. Since I wrote this piece, I’ve published a collection, won some competitions, was awarded some bursaries, was an editor for a couple of lit zines (still am for Variant Lit), and edited MOTEL a collection of 28 stories on the theme. Among other things.
I return to this 2018 article because even though I’ve grown as a writer and editor, the advice in it holds true. I’ve copied and pasted below as the formatting is off on the original webpage but I’ll share the link at the end.
It’s simple but not exhaustive advice. Maybe it will help you.
Link: TSS Publishing. The TSS Publishing website has a new look and is publishing new work. Why not show them your support? Rupert Dastur and team have been supporting the writing community for 10 years now.
Good advice.
Almost all ineffective writing makes those mistakes.
I think my biggest complaint is when writers arrange characters so they can have profound conversations about life and etc. Do people ever really do that? Also, extended backstory without purpose.
Writing is hard!
Now that I've done it a few times for Punk Noir Magazine, I'm convinced writers benefit from doing an editing stint. It makes you aware of mistakes/weaknesses that you won't catch in your own writing.