Writing Advice with Sue Fairchild
What is your favorite writing craft book?
That’s a hard one! There are so many out there and each is really geared toward different kinds of writers and/or different things you need to accomplish/work on. I highly recommend Steven James’ Story Trumps Structure—I have many, MANY little tabs on that one—and The 12 Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing by C.S. Lakin.
Which do you think is the most underrated writing craft book? Why?
Underrated … I’m not sure. I think different writers find help in different craft books. Unpopular opinion: The most OVERrated writing craft book is Stephen King’s On Writing. Although he has decent tips, it’s mostly basic stuff you can get elsewhere.
What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?
I’m on the board of the St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference, and it’s the one I’ve attended the most. I’ve cultivated such an eclectic and valued group of friends there … it’s like going to a family reunion each year. Although we’re from many different states, a lot of us make a point of getting together either online or in person at other times of the year simply because we’ve grown so close. The conference often gathers such a group of different people at all stages of their writing careers. We learn and grow from each other all the time.
What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?
Podcasts, for sure. I seek out various ones on my podcast player. Although I’m a Christian author and editor, I seek out mainstream ones too. I would recommend “The S*** No One Tells You About Writing.” (And yes, you must spell out the curse word.) They have a little segment at the beginning (I think of each podcast) where they dissect a book proposal / one sheet. It’s SO interesting to hear how they break things down and show you how publishers and agents think. Authors can really learn a lot, I think, from simply listening to their thought process. I’ve just started listening to “Your Best Writing Life” with Linda Goldfarb. Each one is relatively short and packed full of great info.
Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?
Anyone who works at their craft and shares their knowledge with others. And the Apostle Paul. Study his writings long enough and you’ll see what I mean.
What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Why was it bad?
You MUST use an outline. Just as not everyone learns the same, not everyone writes the same. An outline is helpful, but I rarely use one and feel restrained by them. If I was required to use an outline any time I wanted to write a book, it wouldn’t get written. I want to just sink into the characters and the story. Yes, my way often takes a lot of rewriting, but I like that honing process.
What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
When you don’t know what to write, write “I don’t know what to write” and then keep writing gibberish until something good comes. The stream of consciousness helps me break out of that “I must write something IMPORTANT!” brain freeze and just write. Eventually, good words come, and I can delete whatever I had to write to get the engine started. It’s like priming the pump. Also, another good bit of advice: go for a walk or take a shower or try to fall asleep. But keep a notebook handy because that’s when all the best ideas come.
What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?
See previous answer. 😊 Also, look for every opportunity to learn, take notes, and keep learning.
What is your best self-editing tip or advice?
Learn what crutch/weasel words you use most and do a find/replace for them in your writing. When you know you use that, just, suddenly, it—whatever word—too much, you can seek to rewrite without them. Your writing slowly begins to improve and becomes stronger. Soon you won’t use those words at all.
Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.
Every single writer started somewhere and had lots of rejections and bad advice given to them. The initial pitch for Harry Potter was rejected by twelve publishing houses before being accepted. Moby Dick was rejected several times. One publisher didn’t want the antagonist to be a whale. The Wind in the Willows was called “An irresponsible holiday story that will never sell.” Rudyard Kipling was told he didn’t know how to use the English language. And Louisa May Alcott was told to stick to teaching. If God placed it on your heart to write, keep pushing forward and stay true to what you feel is right. (Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use a good editor or try to tighten and hone your words, but if you know you’ve done everything you could and feel strongly about the story—don’t let others dissuade you.)
Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.
Changing Tides, a Christian contemporary novel, came out in March with Elk Lake Publishing Inc. Gabe is a widower who has lost his wife at a young age and now just wants to hide away from the world. He moves to the beach, trying to still connect to his wife and live out her dreams. But grief is persistent and doesn’t care where you are or how beautiful the scenery is. When Gabe struggles to make a new life for himself, God brings others into his life that help. As a follow-up to this story, Changing Seasons is scheduled to be released in October of this year. I’m working on the edits now. CS follows a secondary character from Changing Tides, Nora, as she travels back to her home in PA where she is dealing with her father who has dementia.
Sue A. Fairchild’s writing often explores the common themes of grief, trauma, and growth through Jesus Christ. Sue is also a well-respected Christian editor who specializes in women’s contemporary fiction. Several novels she has edited have gone on to win or place in major awards. For her resume, client testimonials, and writing samples see sueafairchild.wordpress.com.
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