Hey writers! 👋
My name is Arina, I'm a Ukrainian writer working under the pseudonym Erin Mont. I'm here with my MeWrite blog to share the tips & tricks about writing books that I've learned when creating stories.
I know writing novels can be tricky & exhausting, especially when you've just started.
Yet I'm here to support you on your every step and help you overcome all the issues that await you on the writing path.
Are you curious about how to structure your story? Or wondering how to create a main character that readers will love? What about writing dialogues that stun?
Join the MeWrite blog, and I'll help make writing a more pleasant and easy process for you. And of course, we'll have fun! ✨
My name is Arina, I'm a Ukrainian writer working under the pseudonym Erin Mont. I'm here with my MeWrite blog to share the tips & tricks about writing books that I've learned when creating stories.
I know writing novels can be tricky & exhausting, especially when you've just started.
Yet I'm here to support you on your every step and help you overcome all the issues that await you on the writing path.
Are you curious about how to structure your story? Or wondering how to create a main character that readers will love? What about writing dialogues that stun?
Join the MeWrite blog, and I'll help make writing a more pleasant and easy process for you. And of course, we'll have fun! ✨
❤5👍3
✍️ First Step. How hard it is to get started
"The hardest part is getting started, which must be why so many people who dream of becoming writers can never bring themselves to pick up a pen or sit down at the keyboard."
That's a quote I saw in Stephen King's "The Bazaar of Bad Dreams" book. And with this statement, I'm ready to argue.
In fact, the hardest thing is to see it through to the end, whether it's a book, a painting, a long-drawn-out renovation, or an outdated relationship. After all, all it takes to start is one impulse, one thought that will transform into action. Finishing it will require a donkey's stubbornness, a horse's endurance, and faith in oneself, like a complete jerk.
But let's go back to the beginning. Often the one shitty feeling that stands in the way of becoming a writer and creating your stories is insecurity. Why do thousands of people spend their lives in dead-end jobs, with jerks they don't like, in the box-sized apartment they hate?
It's simple — they're not sure they can find something better.
They're not sure they're worthy of more.
It's largely a matter of self-esteem, but other factors also matter here. Our world is full of people who have achieved success. Few people are inspired to create something by looking at them, their happy smiles, and hearing their motivational speeches. Most people start comparing themselves to them.
The worm of doubt in their hearts whispers, "You can never be the same... Stop foolishly tossing and turning and be happy with what you have." And that's where their story ends.
So how do you get past the doubts and make the damn first step? Visualizing the situation helps me.
I imagine that the new chapter is a closed door. I open the door and find myself in total darkness. There is only me in it, only the sound of my breathing can be heard. There is no sense of which way to go.
Then I close my eyes first. I imagine the smells wafting around me. The scent of freshly baked bread, wet grass, old books, or car exhaust. I listen to whether it is raining outside the window, whether the hum of voices can be heard, and whether the wind is whispering in the treetops. Or maybe a man is walking beside me, leading me?
When I hear and feel the invisible filling of this place, I open my eyes. Fuzzy silhouettes, shadows, a haze of ghostly outlines of the world open before me. It is not yet born, but in a few moments, it will breathe and spread its arms.
There is only one thing left to do. I go back to my laptop and type a few words. Just one sentence. And I hear the breath of the world on the other side of the monitor. I hear voices and sounds filling it as it takes in colors.
There is still a lot of work to be done to find in this world those with whom I will be on my way, whose face I should gaze into and forever imprint in words. But most importantly, the beginning has already been made.
The world already lives, whether I write about it or not, whether I observe it or do my chores. It exists, and it is up to us to pave the way from our world to the one we have created or forever forget the way there.
MeWrite • How to write a book
"The hardest part is getting started, which must be why so many people who dream of becoming writers can never bring themselves to pick up a pen or sit down at the keyboard."
That's a quote I saw in Stephen King's "The Bazaar of Bad Dreams" book. And with this statement, I'm ready to argue.
In fact, the hardest thing is to see it through to the end, whether it's a book, a painting, a long-drawn-out renovation, or an outdated relationship. After all, all it takes to start is one impulse, one thought that will transform into action. Finishing it will require a donkey's stubbornness, a horse's endurance, and faith in oneself, like a complete jerk.
But let's go back to the beginning. Often the one shitty feeling that stands in the way of becoming a writer and creating your stories is insecurity. Why do thousands of people spend their lives in dead-end jobs, with jerks they don't like, in the box-sized apartment they hate?
It's simple — they're not sure they can find something better.
They're not sure they're worthy of more.
It's largely a matter of self-esteem, but other factors also matter here. Our world is full of people who have achieved success. Few people are inspired to create something by looking at them, their happy smiles, and hearing their motivational speeches. Most people start comparing themselves to them.
The worm of doubt in their hearts whispers, "You can never be the same... Stop foolishly tossing and turning and be happy with what you have." And that's where their story ends.
So how do you get past the doubts and make the damn first step? Visualizing the situation helps me.
I imagine that the new chapter is a closed door. I open the door and find myself in total darkness. There is only me in it, only the sound of my breathing can be heard. There is no sense of which way to go.
Then I close my eyes first. I imagine the smells wafting around me. The scent of freshly baked bread, wet grass, old books, or car exhaust. I listen to whether it is raining outside the window, whether the hum of voices can be heard, and whether the wind is whispering in the treetops. Or maybe a man is walking beside me, leading me?
When I hear and feel the invisible filling of this place, I open my eyes. Fuzzy silhouettes, shadows, a haze of ghostly outlines of the world open before me. It is not yet born, but in a few moments, it will breathe and spread its arms.
There is only one thing left to do. I go back to my laptop and type a few words. Just one sentence. And I hear the breath of the world on the other side of the monitor. I hear voices and sounds filling it as it takes in colors.
There is still a lot of work to be done to find in this world those with whom I will be on my way, whose face I should gaze into and forever imprint in words. But most importantly, the beginning has already been made.
The world already lives, whether I write about it or not, whether I observe it or do my chores. It exists, and it is up to us to pave the way from our world to the one we have created or forever forget the way there.
MeWrite • How to write a book
❤6
The Agony of Choice. What to Write About?
After overcoming uncertainty and doubt, any beginner approaches the next obstacle in their path. What to write about when you first open an empty file? It is important to remember that we all have something to share with others.
Whether it be childhood stories, grandma's recipes, or funny party incidents, you can write about anything in the world. The important thing is to feel that you want to share this story with others. That it's important for your story to be seen by the world. Otherwise, there is no point in writing it.
To be more specific, there are many genres for you to express your thoughts. If you love to expand your thoughts, describe details, and delve into the characters' personalities, then write a novel. If you want to tell a short episode, conveying one poignant thought or idea, then a short story would be best.
When rhyming comes easily and there is a sense of rhythm, you can transform your story into a poem or ballad. Genres can be combined, making the text unique and original.
Once you have decided on a genre, it is time to decide what to write about. And the advice here is extremely simple.
Don't write about what is currently trendy.
Don't write for money.
Don't write for popularity.
Don't write to show up your rivals.
Materialism kills the world that is born in your imagination. The desire for gain forces the writer to cut their work back and forth. And as a result, you may create a good text. But will there be soul in it?
Write about what makes your heart ache.
Write about what makes you cry.
Write what you would like to read yourself.
Write the way you would like others to write.
Let it be a small story about an autumn thunderstorm, a sketch about a fight between your friends, or a poem about a crowd on a bus. Just write vividly! Toss in epithets and metaphors like branches into the fire and fan the flames to warm the reader. So that their heart beats faster from your words.
If you are stuck and your head refuses to generate new ideas, you can cheat. On the internet, you can find tons of online helpers and compilations of ideas for new texts. For example, this writing prompt generator has 1000+ different topics for writing. Personally, I do not like such things because they turn texts into semi-finished products. But in writing, as in war, all means are good.
It is believed that only people with a rich life experience become writers. This is complete nonsense. The world is ready to listen to anyone who can tell something interesting. So be that person. And it doesn't matter if you're 60 or 16. Ignore the conventions and stereotypes that have been tripping us up for centuries.
Task: Write down the topics you like and those that you absolutely cannot stand. Choose one of them and write a few sentences on the chosen topics.
How much harder is it to write about something that is not close to you?
MeWrite • How to write a book
After overcoming uncertainty and doubt, any beginner approaches the next obstacle in their path. What to write about when you first open an empty file? It is important to remember that we all have something to share with others.
Whether it be childhood stories, grandma's recipes, or funny party incidents, you can write about anything in the world. The important thing is to feel that you want to share this story with others. That it's important for your story to be seen by the world. Otherwise, there is no point in writing it.
To be more specific, there are many genres for you to express your thoughts. If you love to expand your thoughts, describe details, and delve into the characters' personalities, then write a novel. If you want to tell a short episode, conveying one poignant thought or idea, then a short story would be best.
When rhyming comes easily and there is a sense of rhythm, you can transform your story into a poem or ballad. Genres can be combined, making the text unique and original.
Once you have decided on a genre, it is time to decide what to write about. And the advice here is extremely simple.
Don't write about what is currently trendy.
Don't write for money.
Don't write for popularity.
Don't write to show up your rivals.
Materialism kills the world that is born in your imagination. The desire for gain forces the writer to cut their work back and forth. And as a result, you may create a good text. But will there be soul in it?
Write about what makes your heart ache.
Write about what makes you cry.
Write what you would like to read yourself.
Write the way you would like others to write.
Let it be a small story about an autumn thunderstorm, a sketch about a fight between your friends, or a poem about a crowd on a bus. Just write vividly! Toss in epithets and metaphors like branches into the fire and fan the flames to warm the reader. So that their heart beats faster from your words.
If you are stuck and your head refuses to generate new ideas, you can cheat. On the internet, you can find tons of online helpers and compilations of ideas for new texts. For example, this writing prompt generator has 1000+ different topics for writing. Personally, I do not like such things because they turn texts into semi-finished products. But in writing, as in war, all means are good.
It is believed that only people with a rich life experience become writers. This is complete nonsense. The world is ready to listen to anyone who can tell something interesting. So be that person. And it doesn't matter if you're 60 or 16. Ignore the conventions and stereotypes that have been tripping us up for centuries.
Task: Write down the topics you like and those that you absolutely cannot stand. Choose one of them and write a few sentences on the chosen topics.
How much harder is it to write about something that is not close to you?
MeWrite • How to write a book
❤4👍1
Writers' obstacles. What challenges lie ahead?
Some people think that being a writer is perfect. You sit at home, scribble a book here and there, get a bag of greens for it, and don't stress out. Others believe that writers are prestigious beggars. Everyone knows, respects, and loves you, but you have no money, and you never will. Both points of view contain a grain of truth. However, it is worth understanding the pitfalls that await future writers.
📌 Fighting oneself
You'll have to face the scourge of all freelancers, remote workers, and bloggers. You need to regularly force yourself to work. You can't write from time to time, from inspiration to inspiration. Office workers have it much easier in this business - they will be fired if they don't work effectively.
But if a writer doesn't work, they won't be able to make a name for themselves, and the world won't see their creativity. And let them say to themselves, "Well, I can always go work in a factory." Many do just that, failing to gather the strength and finish what they started. But we won't stop, will we?
Remember, a novice writer is both the boss and the subordinate. It's like a role-playing game, but you have to play all the roles yourself. Scold yourself for procrastination, praise yourself for productive work, and reward yourself with small pleasures for your effort. Sounds insane? Well, every writer is a little crazy.
📌 Pressure from society
Disapproval among loved ones often ruins aspiring writers. It is critical that those close to the creator support them during the creative process. After all, any creativity is a manifestation of deep and intimate impulses. In it, a person exposes their soul. Therefore, support becomes crucial in the fate of the creator.
Remember, each of us has had a moment when we began to be passionate about something radically new. Someone wrote poetry, someone kept a diary, others drew, played musical instruments. By creating something, we wanted to share it with our loved ones.
And there were two options. Either they listened carefully and at the end said with burning eyes that you're doing great and you should continue in the same spirit. Or they sneered at you, saying "if it doesn't work out, don't bother," "did you copy that from the internet?" or just shrugged it off. How many of us gave up our hobbies forever after those bitter words, even though we could have reached incredible heights in them?
Deciding to become a writer, remember that first and foremost, your creativity is only needed by you. Only you are capable of understanding all its subtleties, distinguishing all the grains of your soul that you have invested in it. But on your way, you will undoubtedly encounter various obstacles, and they say "when the going gets tough, the tough get going."
Let your relatives look at you sideways and remind you about joining an IT academy, let your friends laugh at your attempts to publish your work on the Internet.
Keep going, and one day you will meet someone who will read your book and ask you to keep writing. And then another one. And another. Soon there will be so many of them that you won't be able to personally get to know each one. But they will be there.
The main thing to remember - never give up once you face the obstacle. You're stronger than any of them.
MeWrite • How to write a book
Some people think that being a writer is perfect. You sit at home, scribble a book here and there, get a bag of greens for it, and don't stress out. Others believe that writers are prestigious beggars. Everyone knows, respects, and loves you, but you have no money, and you never will. Both points of view contain a grain of truth. However, it is worth understanding the pitfalls that await future writers.
📌 Fighting oneself
You'll have to face the scourge of all freelancers, remote workers, and bloggers. You need to regularly force yourself to work. You can't write from time to time, from inspiration to inspiration. Office workers have it much easier in this business - they will be fired if they don't work effectively.
But if a writer doesn't work, they won't be able to make a name for themselves, and the world won't see their creativity. And let them say to themselves, "Well, I can always go work in a factory." Many do just that, failing to gather the strength and finish what they started. But we won't stop, will we?
Remember, a novice writer is both the boss and the subordinate. It's like a role-playing game, but you have to play all the roles yourself. Scold yourself for procrastination, praise yourself for productive work, and reward yourself with small pleasures for your effort. Sounds insane? Well, every writer is a little crazy.
📌 Pressure from society
Disapproval among loved ones often ruins aspiring writers. It is critical that those close to the creator support them during the creative process. After all, any creativity is a manifestation of deep and intimate impulses. In it, a person exposes their soul. Therefore, support becomes crucial in the fate of the creator.
Remember, each of us has had a moment when we began to be passionate about something radically new. Someone wrote poetry, someone kept a diary, others drew, played musical instruments. By creating something, we wanted to share it with our loved ones.
And there were two options. Either they listened carefully and at the end said with burning eyes that you're doing great and you should continue in the same spirit. Or they sneered at you, saying "if it doesn't work out, don't bother," "did you copy that from the internet?" or just shrugged it off. How many of us gave up our hobbies forever after those bitter words, even though we could have reached incredible heights in them?
Deciding to become a writer, remember that first and foremost, your creativity is only needed by you. Only you are capable of understanding all its subtleties, distinguishing all the grains of your soul that you have invested in it. But on your way, you will undoubtedly encounter various obstacles, and they say "when the going gets tough, the tough get going."
Let your relatives look at you sideways and remind you about joining an IT academy, let your friends laugh at your attempts to publish your work on the Internet.
Keep going, and one day you will meet someone who will read your book and ask you to keep writing. And then another one. And another. Soon there will be so many of them that you won't be able to personally get to know each one. But they will be there.
The main thing to remember - never give up once you face the obstacle. You're stronger than any of them.
MeWrite • How to write a book
❤7👍5
📝✨ Writers' obstacles: Part 2
Thought that was the end of the road? Not quite. Every day in the life of a budding writer feels like opening a new Pandora's box - you never know which nerve-wracking challenge or trouble the day ahead will bring. It's not as dreadful as it sounds, but there's a nugget of truth in there. Brace yourself, for each day becomes a battle with oneself. So, what's the first thing to conquer?
📌 Fear of Obscurity
Let's be real. From the moment you jot down that first word until your creation sees the light of day, years may pass. It's one of the toughest trials every creator faces. Crossing the threshold of uncertainty and fears is already a feat, but doing it without knowing the outcome can be daunting.
Stieg Larsson, the author of the globally popular Millennium Trilogy, passed away before his books hit the shelves, though he had already inked a deal with the publisher. Edgar Allan Poe lived a life of poverty, and his tales brought him meager returns. Oscar Wilde died in exile, penniless. Yet, their works live on, inspiring others, carrying the souls of the authors and their thoughts. Simultaneously lyrical and chilling, isn't it?
But fear not the craft of writing. Larsson smoked 60 cigarettes a day, Poe battled alcoholism, and Wilde lived in a time unsuitable for his romantic preferences. So, the profession is unlikely to be your downfall. Your fate won't necessarily mirror theirs. Write authentically, write abundantly, refine your art, write as if there's no concept of money and needs, driven solely by intuition, and you will be noticed. Don't hesitate to share your creativity with others; they will hear you.
📌 Financial Struggles
Now, back to reality. If your calling is writing, you'll be dedicating a lion's share of your time to it. But how do you earn a living? How do you feed the kids and the cats when you're planning a 1500-page novel?
This is where loved ones can come to the rescue. Their support, both financial and moral, prevents you from falling into despair and tossing that "damn novel" to return to the office. It won't be easy for them or for you. You might feel the shame of toiling day and night without financial returns. They might secretly get annoyed, wishing you had chosen to be a lawyer.
However, when your novel is completed, sent to publishers, and one of them responds, all your struggles will be repaid. The quiet joy in the shining eyes of your loved ones will be the ultimate reward for your efforts.
MeWrite • How to write a book
Thought that was the end of the road? Not quite. Every day in the life of a budding writer feels like opening a new Pandora's box - you never know which nerve-wracking challenge or trouble the day ahead will bring. It's not as dreadful as it sounds, but there's a nugget of truth in there. Brace yourself, for each day becomes a battle with oneself. So, what's the first thing to conquer?
📌 Fear of Obscurity
Let's be real. From the moment you jot down that first word until your creation sees the light of day, years may pass. It's one of the toughest trials every creator faces. Crossing the threshold of uncertainty and fears is already a feat, but doing it without knowing the outcome can be daunting.
Stieg Larsson, the author of the globally popular Millennium Trilogy, passed away before his books hit the shelves, though he had already inked a deal with the publisher. Edgar Allan Poe lived a life of poverty, and his tales brought him meager returns. Oscar Wilde died in exile, penniless. Yet, their works live on, inspiring others, carrying the souls of the authors and their thoughts. Simultaneously lyrical and chilling, isn't it?
But fear not the craft of writing. Larsson smoked 60 cigarettes a day, Poe battled alcoholism, and Wilde lived in a time unsuitable for his romantic preferences. So, the profession is unlikely to be your downfall. Your fate won't necessarily mirror theirs. Write authentically, write abundantly, refine your art, write as if there's no concept of money and needs, driven solely by intuition, and you will be noticed. Don't hesitate to share your creativity with others; they will hear you.
📌 Financial Struggles
Now, back to reality. If your calling is writing, you'll be dedicating a lion's share of your time to it. But how do you earn a living? How do you feed the kids and the cats when you're planning a 1500-page novel?
This is where loved ones can come to the rescue. Their support, both financial and moral, prevents you from falling into despair and tossing that "damn novel" to return to the office. It won't be easy for them or for you. You might feel the shame of toiling day and night without financial returns. They might secretly get annoyed, wishing you had chosen to be a lawyer.
However, when your novel is completed, sent to publishers, and one of them responds, all your struggles will be repaid. The quiet joy in the shining eyes of your loved ones will be the ultimate reward for your efforts.
MeWrite • How to write a book
❤7👍2
📚✨ How to create believable stories
Telling a story is like walking a tightrope; the balance between believability and emotional connection is crucial. Let's explore some practical steps to achieve this delicate equilibrium.
🌟 Cut to the Chase
Avoid plot holes like a detective on a case. For instance, if your character miraculously recovers from a fatal injury without explanation, it breaks the believability. Instead, introduce a plausible recovery process or consequences to maintain authenticity.
💔 Tug at the Heartstrings
Consider the character arc of Harry Potter in the "Harry Potter" series. His journey, marked by personal loss, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity, deeply resonates with readers. By crafting transformative arcs like this for your characters, you can create an emotional investment that genuinely makes readers care about their fate.
🤝 Relatability
Think about the relatable struggles in "Little Miss Sunshine." The dysfunctional yet endearing Hoover family mirrors real-life challenges, making the audience empathize. Incorporate relatable situations into your narrative, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a personal level.
🔄 Twists and Turns
Take a page from Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express." The unexpected revelation at the end keeps readers engaged. Yet it feels natural since the author planted hints since the very beginning of the film, that seem unimportant until the end. Introduce unexpected plot twists to surprise your audience, ensuring they remain invested in the story's unfolding mysteries.
🤔 Food for Thought
Consider the philosophical depth in "The Matrix." The exploration of reality and consciousness lingers in the audience's mind. Introduce thought-provoking elements, encouraging readers to reflect on broader themes within your narrative.
In the craft of storytelling, practical implementation is key. By addressing plot inconsistencies, crafting transformative character arcs, incorporating relatable struggles, introducing unexpected twists, and provoking thought, your narrative becomes not just a story but a captivating experience that resonates emotionally and remains believable.
MeWrite • How to write a book
Telling a story is like walking a tightrope; the balance between believability and emotional connection is crucial. Let's explore some practical steps to achieve this delicate equilibrium.
🌟 Cut to the Chase
Avoid plot holes like a detective on a case. For instance, if your character miraculously recovers from a fatal injury without explanation, it breaks the believability. Instead, introduce a plausible recovery process or consequences to maintain authenticity.
💔 Tug at the Heartstrings
Consider the character arc of Harry Potter in the "Harry Potter" series. His journey, marked by personal loss, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity, deeply resonates with readers. By crafting transformative arcs like this for your characters, you can create an emotional investment that genuinely makes readers care about their fate.
🤝 Relatability
Think about the relatable struggles in "Little Miss Sunshine." The dysfunctional yet endearing Hoover family mirrors real-life challenges, making the audience empathize. Incorporate relatable situations into your narrative, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a personal level.
🔄 Twists and Turns
Take a page from Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express." The unexpected revelation at the end keeps readers engaged. Yet it feels natural since the author planted hints since the very beginning of the film, that seem unimportant until the end. Introduce unexpected plot twists to surprise your audience, ensuring they remain invested in the story's unfolding mysteries.
🤔 Food for Thought
Consider the philosophical depth in "The Matrix." The exploration of reality and consciousness lingers in the audience's mind. Introduce thought-provoking elements, encouraging readers to reflect on broader themes within your narrative.
In the craft of storytelling, practical implementation is key. By addressing plot inconsistencies, crafting transformative character arcs, incorporating relatable struggles, introducing unexpected twists, and provoking thought, your narrative becomes not just a story but a captivating experience that resonates emotionally and remains believable.
MeWrite • How to write a book
❤9👍4