u/Kakokamo

While there are many things that improve one's writing, two things will always stand out as the most important:

1. Read more.
2. Write more.

I've been revising my first and only novel for a long time. Though it has its merits, at the end of the day it is a first novel. While I've built a lot of skills editing, I'm starting to get the sense that, if I truly want to grow as a writer, starting a new book will help me learn more.

In the process of writing this post I seem to have convinced myself to start another book. But nonetheless, I pose the question for anyone else that may share it.

When does it make sense to start a second book? When have you made that choice? What things did you consider?

First time novel writer, three drafts in, asking for your best creative writing resources. I have no training in creative writing, so anything helps.

In particular, would love resources on plot structure, character arcs, and getting the reader to resonate with your story.

I'm looking for the most impactful resources you've found in your writing career, NOT the endless heap of bot-assisted "Top 10 writing tips" that appear in a google search.

Thank you very much

Whenever I do an editing pass, I make sure to have a small list of things to focus on. But as I get further along, some of those focuses have become kinda funny and unexpected.

For example, one aspect of my book that I'm trying to improve is "indirect communication". There are scenes and dialogues where my characters express their feelings and goals quite directly. While that works, I personally prefer dialogue that doesn't wear its purpose on its sleeve.

What about you? What's something odd or specific that you've dedicated time to improving during editing?

Whether it's a habit in how you write dialogue or a particular way you outline, I'd love to hear it.

Perhaps it's not that unique, but I strive for my characters to always be morally grey, never quite good or evil. It certainly makes some aspects of plot design more difficult, but I just like it that way.

What about you?