The Guardian's Quill

Tip: Vary Your Chapter Lengths

2009-12-26T19:21:00.003-05:00

I'm currently working on Book 2 of my YA fantasy trilogy, and I just finished drafting a particularly long chapter. The tip that I wanted to share today is tied to that. When drafting your story, try not to have several long chapters back to back. It's easy for the reader to get bored or frustrated if your chapters are consistently lengthy. It makes it hard to find a good place to stop when the reader looks to finish reading, and it can make the plot drag.

As both a writer and a reader, I find that it's best to structure stories with an interesting mix of long, short, and mid-length chapters. I make an effort not to follow a long chapter with a bunch more long ones if I can avoid it, and I do the same with short chapters. It keeps things more interesting and unpredictable if you provide your reader with chapters of varying lengths. Every story is different of course, so depending on your genre, target audience, etc., you want to go with what works for your particular story. Just always work to keep your readers on their toes.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Decide on a Deadline and Stick to It

2009-12-22T20:35:00.000-05:00

If your publisher allows you to set your own deadlines (or if you're self-published), you still have to make a logical plan to fit your goals. This usually entails creating a deadline of when you want your story to be finished. You could make yourself a final deadline of when you want to send the final book off to the publisher, or a series of smaller dates by which you want to finish your first draft, complete your editing, do the final revisions, etc.

I find that making both small and big deadlines helps me stay on track. Writing is unlike other professions in that there are no set hours and no one standing over you to make sure your work gets done on time. If you're someone who's easily distracted, I highly suggest giving yourself a deadline. You should trick yourself into believing that you must complete your work by that date or an angry editor will be calling you night and day demanding the book.

Setting deadlines is a superb idea for all writers, particularly those prone to writer's block and subject to the endless distractions of daily life. So invent your deadline and write it down on something you see every day. It especially helps if you have a calendar in front of you and can write the deadline in giant letters. Having that date staring you in the face each morning can be a great motivator. Don't let it intimidate you though. Remember, as the writer, you are the boss. Just bear in mind your responsibility to your work.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Give Your Hero a Strong Supporting Cast

2009-12-19T20:21:00.003-05:00

Every protagonist needs to have a support system - individuals who stay on their side when everything's coming against them. Your hero should have family, friends, associates, etc. who stick by them and help the hero get out of trying situations. When you're writing about your protagonist's allies, work on thoroughly developing their character traits, quirks, and beliefs. A common problem new writers encounter is focusing so much on the main character's development that they don't pay enough attention to building on their supporting characters. As a result, the other primary characters, as well as the secondary characters, lack depth.

To avoid this scenario, a good suggestion would be to create a chart for each character that documents their characteristics, likes and dislikes, favorite things, and other aspects that make them unique. This is common practice for creating protagonists, and the same should be done for all of the other characters too. Take the time and effort to bring them to life. Flat characters can destroy otherwise well-written pieces. Put as much thought into their individuality as you do your hero, and you will have a lively story.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Don't Lose Sight of Your Protagonist's Goal

2009-12-16T14:16:00.001-05:00

As you draft your story, you should always be thinking (whether consciously or subconsciously) about how your protagonist is going to get to where he or she needs to be by the last page of your work. Your main character should grow and develop throughout their journey. They should have experiences that will ultimately help shape them into the person that they are at the end of the story.

There's nothing interesting about a character who stays the same and doesn't achieve anything. Determine your protagonist's goal early on, and make sure that each chapter brings them closer to that goal. This doesn't mean that you should make it easy for your character though. Give them plenty of challenges, and allow them to grow from those. What at first seemed like a setback can later be seen as an advance toward the goal. So remember, as your story progresses, so should your protagonist.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Trust Your Instincts

2009-12-13T11:58:00.001-05:00

Many in the writing industry suggest writers join critique groups to get feedback on their work. This is a perfectly good idea, and if you want to do that for your own writing, I would tell you to go for it.

However, I want to emphasize that while it's great to receive input on your work, you need to trust your own writing instincts when it comes time to edit your story. Others' suggestions are often valid, and you can learn a lot by listening to fellow writers' opinions, but you also must listen to your inner voice. You know your story and your characters better than anyone else, and you need to trust yourself to make the best decisions for your work.

Go with your gut. If something doesn't feel right, fix it. Likewise, if you reach the end of your editing and revising with a sense of completion and the confidence that you've done everything you can to make your story wonderful, give yourself a pat on the back. You did it, and you should be immensely proud of yourself.

Always trust your instincts. They will never steer you wrong.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Leave Your Reader Wanting More

2009-12-09T19:46:00.002-05:00

As you work on deciding where to end your chapters and begin new ones, remember that each chapter should conclude with some kind of cliffhanger - an intriguing thought, dialogue, or action that makes your reader want to continue with the journey. You also need to follow up on where you left off in the previous chapter when you begin the next one. If you concluded the previous chapter with a question that needs to be answered at the start of the next one, don't disappoint your readers by holding out too long to reveal the secret, or worse yet, not revealing it at all.

Try to keep your chapter transitions smooth and consistent. Make the reader want to continue reading by using interesting cliffhangers and not leaving unanswered questions. Build up the suspense, and then deliver an amazing conclusion. Your readers will love your story for this.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

How to Set Goals Without Driving Yourself Crazy

2009-12-07T12:14:00.003-05:00

Goals are helpful in giving us direction and motivation, but they can easily overwhelm us if we allow them to. For example, you may have a goal to finish drafting your story within the next two months, but as you approach your self-chosen deadline, you come to realize that you're working in some state of panic, frustration, and exhaustion. The stress of working toward too lofty a goal can eat away at you and leave you unable to write a single sentence. You can't push yourself too hard, or you'll ultimately be terribly disappointed if you don't succeed.

Here's how to set goals without driving yourself crazy: take time to enjoy the journey instead of just focusing on the destination. Take a deep breath, and don't work yourself into a frantic mindset unless you want to end up with a sloppy story that could have been great if you'd only written it with less anxiety, and more focus and intention. So as you're working, remember that your story will only be written once. The experience of telling that story to the world will never be repeated, and so you should make an effort to enjoy every moment. Writing a book is something that millions of people dream of doing. The fact that you're doing it shows that you have the drive to undertake something potentially spectacular. Don't drag yourself through it, and keep in mind that if you love it enough to stick with it and not make writing a chore, one day, your goal will be realized.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Have a Plan, But Leave Room for Growth

2009-12-04T19:40:00.003-05:00

Usually, it's best to know how your story is going to end before you start writing it. You may not know exactly how your main character will get from point A to point B, but as long as you have a basic framework, your plot and subplots will fall into place as you develop the draft, and this will eventually create a cohesive storyline.

With this in mind, you can create a detailed outline if you choose, or you could simply build a list of chapters and construct a basic plan for what has to happen in each chapter for the story to progress the way you want it to. Whatever method you choose though, you must allow for possible plot twists, new characters, and fresh ideas as they come to you. It would be a mistake to have a plan so strict that anything unexpected would destroy the story or prompt a case of writer's block. Writing is a long process, and as we go along we must be able to adjust our story as it expands from a simple thought into something truly great.

Having a solid foundation of ideas is always the right way to begin, but don't let your plan limit your creativity. Structure your story in such a way that it is stable and well thought out, yet flexible enough to grow.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Keep a Calendar

2009-12-02T22:07:00.005-05:00

I find that keeping a physical record of how much I write every day helps me to keep on track toward my goal of finishing my story. It's a good idea to maintain either a calendar or a notebook with a list of dates and spaces where you can write how many pages you get done each day. When you're writing a story (especially if it's of novel length), it's easy to get off task and lose valuable writing time. But with a calendar reminding you to keep working staring you in the face each day, you'll probably come to use your time more efficiently.

Writers aren't robots. We all have our own little ways to help ourselves complete our work in a timely manner. This is just one of those methods. So try to make yourself a daily writing calendar and put it in a place where it's in plain sight. It doesn't have to be fancy or complicated; it's just a way for you to chart your personal progress. Over the weeks and months, watch for improvement in how much work you complete and reward yourself accordingly. If you get a lot done one week, take some time out the next week for yourself. You earned it, after all.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi
Author
The Guardian of Kelmar
www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Set Aside a Writing Space

2009-11-30T19:50:00.002-05:00

Every writer needs a special space where they can work productively. Your space can be your bedroom or office, or it doesn't even have to be a separate room. You can be perfectly productive writing from the comfort of your couch, sitting at your kitchen table, or lounging under a tree in your backyard. But wherever your writing space is, keep it clean and organized, and make sure that you limit the distractions. Try not to work in a place that's noisy or has poor lighting. It's important that you can concentrate and see your work.

Determine where you write best, and make that area your designated working space. When you have a writing space it will be easier to stay motivated and focused on your project. It serves as a subconscious reminder that we have a task to complete - and that is to tell the best story that we can. Such a feat is best accomplished when we are in a familiar environment conducive to creativity.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Make Your Story Stand Out

2009-11-28T20:13:00.006-05:00

When you're considering selling your work to the public, it's imperative that your story stands out from the endless competition. Your book must have unique elements that make it unlike any other book on the shelf, or else it won't generate much interest amongst book buyers. There are countless ways to be different - you just have to use your creativity and brainstorm ideas.

Your original story concept should be original, and so should your writing style. So if you have these two things going for you, you're already well on your way! You should also consider making your character names and personalities vary from the norm. There's nothing wrong with choosing ordinary characters, but most of the time, they're just not as much fun to read about. So show us individuals that are truly individuals. Make them memorable!

Striking cover art is also very helpful in making your work stand out. The cover is the first thing that readers see, and if it doesn't grab them right when they see it, they're much less likely to read far into the book. Go the extra mile to make your cover special. The cover design could make or break the success of the book.

Your synopsis on the back cover (or front flap, if it's a hardcover) is also key. It should make the reader want to dive into the book right when they pick it up. It should be engaging, while giving the reader a picture of what to expect. It ultimately should excite them for what they are about to read.

These are just a few of the ways to make your story stand out. Do everything you can to show the public something that they've never seen before and that they will adore. Be fresh and interesting, and your readers will love your work!

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Believe in Yourself!

2009-11-25T18:54:00.008-05:00

As with any profession, along the way, you're going to encounter people who will try to discourage you. Writing is no exception. People may try to tell you that you're not talented enough, that you're not doing the right things, or that your work will never sell for one reason or another. You can never take that kind of talk to heart. Don't allow any sort of negative thinking to stop you from moving forward. You have to believe in yourself and in your writing. If you don't, your pessimism will show through in your story, and it won't be your best work.

The good news is that there are positive people out there too. Have a support group of individuals who will encourage you. You'd be surprised what a difference it makes in how you feel and write. In the end though, you have to love yourself and love your work. You need to be your biggest fan. When people ask you what your favorite book is, you should tell them, "Mine." Believe in yourself, or nobody else will.

If you want to become a successful author, you need to have a strong sense of belief in your writing and in yourself. If you stay optimistic, others will feed off of your positive energy and you will make a difference in the world. You'll be pleased to see all the smiles that you can create when you wholeheartedly believe in what you do.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Be Consistent Throughout Your Story

2009-11-23T20:14:00.006-05:00

While writing and editing your story, pay close attention to keeping your facts and the rules that govern your universe consistent. Make sure that if you change a character's name halfway through drafting, you go back and fix it every place that it appears. This is easily done if you're typing your story using basic word processing software. Most programs have a "Find" and "Replace" feature that allows you to go in and search for all instances of the mistake and have the program correct it automatically.

A key area to watch for consistency is in the laws of your world. If your story takes place in a universe other than our own, you must have a concrete vision of how this realm operates, and make it a point to provide explanations for occurrences that take place there. For example, if you're writing a fantasy story and you've made it clear that a certain spell only works underwater, then your reader had better not catch that spell being used on dry land without a reasonable justification. Even though it's fantasy, there still must be the same level of stability if the story were talking place in a more realistic situation.

If you are writing (or plan to write) about an alternate world, I would suggest writing yourself a guide to this universe, along with a list of key rules that can never be broken. You want to have as clear a picture in your head as you can of what this world is and what makes it run day-to-day. If you don't have a solid plan when you start writing, just draft a basic outline, and then fill in more of the details as your story progresses and you develop your ideas more thoroughly. You might also consider drawing up a map with the names of cities, mountains, lakes, etc. These reference materials will be extremely useful to you as you are writing, and will make the revising process considerably easier.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi
Author
The Guardian of Kelmar
www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Good Editing is Vital for a Good Story

2009-11-21T22:06:00.008-05:00

Most writers will tell you that the hardest part of the writing process is not the drafting of the story; it's the editing. As you write your first draft, you can make mistakes, leave out names to be filled in later, and generally just concentrate on getting the story down on paper. But when it comes to the editing stages, you must have a meticulous eye for perfection if you want people to have an enjoyable experience reading your story. You must revise, edit, and edit again several times to get the story ready for the eyes of others.

Make sure that when going over your story, you take the time to carefully proofread, and have at least two other people read it after you. Many times, it takes a second or even a third set of eyes to spot mistakes in grammar or the story itself. Get other people's opinions, and then go back and edit again before reading the story for a final time. You can never edit too much.

The more you focus on solid editing, and the more time and energy that you put into it, the better your story will be.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi
Author
The Guardian of Kelmar
www.laurasepesi.com

There is No One "Right" Way to Work

2009-11-19T11:21:00.002-05:00

Don't think that you have to follow any specific set of "rules" to become a professional writer. Some people will tell you that you need to have an outline before you can write a good book. Others will say that stories of your genre have to contain a certain number of words in order to get published. Many more will tell you that you can't be a good writer until you are older.

Young and upcoming writers, I want to tell you that you can feel free to ignore these rules. Just concentrate on writing the best story that you can. That's exactly what I did. In writing my first book, I didn't make an outline (it was in my head, but I didn't write it down), my word count was much higher than books of my genre are supposed to be, and I was eighteen when I started writing it.

Don't get caught up in trying to do things the "right" way, because with writing, there are many different ways to accomplish tasks. That's the great thing about being an author - there is no set way that you have to do your job. As long as your final product is well written, polished, professional, and your best effort, no one will care if you did it your own way.

This being said, if you like to write outlines, by all means, do it. If you like keeping to the guidelines of "acceptable" word counts, or if you too believe that you won't be able to write a decent book until you're older and have had more experience, I would say to go with your gut feeling. You know yourself as a writer, and you'll come to learn how you work best as time goes on.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Don't Be Afraid of Writer's Block

2009-11-17T10:52:00.003-05:00

All writers, at one point or another, struggle with their work. If you find yourself with "writer's block" or are just unable to focus, get up and stretch, and walk away from your computer (or pen and paper) for a little while. Take a walk outside or read. Sometimes you just need a mental break from writing, and if you use the time to do other things, you'll be able to come back feeling more refreshed. You might even get inspired with new ideas that will pop into your head and help you continue your story.

Don't force the ideas - most of the time, the best ones will come to you without much effort. They can come at any hour of the day, and oftentimes when you're not writing, or even thinking about writing. Walk away from your story for a few minutes, or even a few hours, and you'll likely be more motivated to go back and continue. Writing a story is a long process, and all authors need to step away from their work from time to time to get recharged and come up with new ideas. So release your stress about writer's block, because your plot will move forward when it's ready.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Make It Interesting From the Start!

2009-11-15T20:13:00.003-05:00

I'm a day behind on this entry because I was getting ready for a book signing on Saturday and lost track of time, but I hope that today's post will make up for that :)

When writing your story, start out with an action scene. You want to hook your reader from the first page. Don’t open on a boring or typical moment in your character's life. Begin with a unique and interesting action to bring us into their world. For reference, the prologue of The Guardian of Kelmar opens with this:

Blaine Fox ran through the dark alley, wanting to get as far away from the burning building as he could. His sleeping granddaughter was wrapped in a bundle of blankets in his arms, her tiny hand clasped around a small, golden key. The smoke from the fire, which had engulfed her parents’ printing factory, billowed out in great black clouds, up into the starless night sky and onto the street. Onlookers gasped, pointing up at the building whose structure would soon collapse upon itself, leaving only a charred pile of ash in its wake as the first rays of dawn came to life over the horizon.

I begin the book with a key moment in the life of my main character, Carmen Fox. It's fast-moving, atypical, and it sets the stage for the rest of the adventure.

To determine if your opening scene is doing the job, you should ask yourself if it would make a good opening scene in a movie. Would it be interesting enough to captivate an audience? Would they be on the edge of their seats, or falling asleep? If you don't think that they'd be riveted, you should probably consider doing some rewriting to make it more exciting.

Have fun, and whatever you do, don't be ordinary, and keep it interesting!

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Keep Your Ideas Organized

2009-11-12T23:20:00.004-05:00

While writing your story, as well as during the planning stages, it's crucial that you have a way to store your ideas so that you don't forget them. Make yourself a file - a computer file and/or a physical file in a folder or binder, in which you'll keep all of your ideas and outlines. Store the file in a place that you can find at a moment's notice. You never know when inspiration will strike, and this way, you'll easily be able to jot down your thoughts and bring them out when you need them.

Among the items in your file can be a notebook that you carry around with you for notes and sketches. Another idea would be to maintain a list of character names, places, and facts. You don't want to have writer's block when it comes to recalling your story's essential information! Finally, include printouts of websites and magazine articles on writing in your file. You can learn a lot by reading about your craft, and it helps to keep the ones that are the most helpful and reread them.

Stay organized throughout the writing process, and I guarantee you that you will get more accomplished each day.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi
Author
The Guardian of Kelmar
www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Patience is the Key

2009-11-10T19:39:00.001-05:00

For many writers, one of the most challenging things about their job is having the discipline and the patience to stick with a project from start to finish. When you're struggling to stay on task or keep going with your work, it's important to remember that no great novel gets written in a day. Likewise, no book becomes a smash-hit success overnight.

If you get discouraged or feel like your story is never going to get finished, you need to remind yourself to remain focused and keep looking ahead towards your ultimate goal. Think about how amazing it will be when you see your book in your hands for the first time. Envision yourself as a bestselling author, doing book signings, and meeting fans. Keep dreaming, because your dreams will inspire you to push forward. There's no limit to what you can achieve - you just need to have the patience and the drive to see it through to the finish line. And once you get there, you'll realize that all of your hard work was well worth the effort.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Write About What You Love

2009-11-08T19:02:00.005-05:00

A refreshing encounter with a young writer I met at one of my recent book signings inspired me to write this post. This bright young lady who I spoke with was interested in learning about getting published, and I tried to give her some of the best advice that I could. With that in mind, today's tip is simple: write about what you love. Don't make the mistake of writing to try to please everyone. There will always be people who enjoy your writing, and others who don't, but if you write what you're passionate about, your enthusiasm will shine through, and it will make for a much better story.

When I began writing The Guardian of Kelmar, I was writing it for no one else but myself. It started out as just a story that I would love to read. What it turned into is a novel that I hope readers all around the world will love as much as I do. But Guardian wouldn't be the book that it is today if I wasn't having the time of my life writing it and pouring my heart and soul into those pages. You only get one chance to convey the story that you want to tell the world - make it the best that it can be. Love your work, be proud of it, and never change it for anyone else.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi
Author
The Guardian of Kelmar
www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Practice Your Craft

2009-11-06T20:03:00.002-05:00

If possible, you should set aside time each day to write. Even if it's just a few sentences, try your best to write as often as you can. If you can't write every day, use your spare time to write on certain days. This is the #1 way to learn and improve your writing. Just like in any other activity, whether it be sports, music, or the arts, practice is critical to reaching your goals.

It doesn't matter whether you write twenty pages or one paragraph each day. Write what you can when you are able. As long as you are putting your heart into your work, you will grow as a writer.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Tip: Read, Read, Read!

2009-11-04T19:51:00.003-05:00

It's incredibly important that writers read as much as they can. You can learn so much from studying the work of others. Read different genres (including ones you don't think you'll enjoy), and read books from authors that you’re unfamiliar with. Make it a habit of exploring your local bookstores and libraries for new reading.

Inspiration can come from a variety of places. You just might find a new favorite book or author in your search, and all of your reading will help you in developing your own style.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi
Author
The Guardian of Kelmar
www.laurasepesi.com

The Importance of Descriptive Writing

2009-11-02T14:19:00.006-05:00

Being able to write descriptively is a skill that is vital for creating dynamic and interesting prose. At one time or another, we've all come across writing that leaves us asking questions about character appearance or scenery. Most of the time, we can fill in the blanks with our own imaginations, but nevertheless, the need for solid descriptions can't be overstated. We want to know how the author envisions their world, and then we want to develop our own vision based on theirs.

Be sure to remember the five senses when you write. Depending on the situation, you'll want to describe the sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Let your reader feel what your characters are experiencing; allow them a realistic glimpse into their lives.

How you describe a character, a place, or a scene can effectively set the mood for the moment, as well as give the reader a strong sense of being a part of it. When we read, we want to feel like we are in that world that we are immersed in, and one of the best ways to draw us in is through the author's use of adjectives, similes, and expressive writing.

When describing characters, places, and scenes, try your best to balance your lengthier passages with shorter, action-filled prose. You want your readers to know what your world looks like, but you don't want to go overboard and bore them with back-to-back series of drawn out descriptions. Stories flow best when there is variation in the sentence length and type. By working to balance the descriptions and the action, you'll enliven your writing on many levels.

Learning to discover this balance is a process that requries practice, revisions, and do-overs. I, for example, have a tendency to overly describe things in my first draft. Part of the reason for this is because I want my exact vision to be laid out in words, and I know that I can trim it down and tweak it later on. Most of the time, I write out my descriptions in full in the first draft and then narrow them down during the editing rounds. Other writers do just the opposite. They write a basic draft and then flesh in the details later on. I do this sometimes as well. There's no perfect formula for it - it's all a matter of personal preference.

When you find the method that works best for you, stick with it and then let the world see your amazing work.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi
Author
The Guardian of Kelmar
www.laurasepesi.com

The Name Game

2009-10-31T16:35:00.014-04:00

One of the most common questions readers and writers ask is, "How do you come up with names for all of your characters?" The truth is that inventing names is among the most difficult and time-consuming aspects of writing for me personally. I do a lot of research, tweaking, and thinking before I decide on a character's name, particularly if their role is one of greater significance.

I use both baby name books and the internet to help me choose names. Here are a few of the better sites that I've referenced:

http://www.name-meanings.com/
http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/browse-by-alphabet.html?cid=YSSP
http://www.babynamesgarden.com/

Don't worry if you have trouble thinking of original names. Many authors struggle with it. My general practice is that if I get stuck on a name during the drafting phase, I just sub in another name as a placeholder and then replace it with the name I select later on. It's easier that way and it ultimately saves time and frustration.

I put a lot of thought into my character names, and there is always one or more reasons behind what I chose. I need to like the sound of the name, it has to be easy enough for readers to pronounce without great difficulty; they must at least be able to make up their own pronunciation if they can't determine the intentional one. Most importantly, it has to fit the character.

I look for unique names, and ones that I've never heard used before. If I come upon a name in a listing that I like, I might use it as it is, or adjust it to make it my own. I invent the majority of my names, and others are chosen because of their meaning or for some other reason.

I never name my characters after those I've read in other stories. I want my characters to be individuals and not have expectations placed on them from prior usage. I also make sure that my villains' names sound different than those of my heroes. It's just one of my rules of thumb. I never want my readers to confuse the good guys and the bad guys because of similar sounding names.

Utilize the library and the internet to gather ideas, and then make the names your own. Get input from others by asking them to read and assess the names that you've chosen. If they have issues pronouncing them, perhaps you need to make an adjustment or two.

The bottom line is that you shouldn't worry if you need help with naming your characters. There are plenty of websites and reference books out there to help you. Don't stress about it - we've all been there.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi
Author
The Guardian of Kelmar
www.laurasepesi.com

Dreams Really Do Come True

2009-10-29T14:47:00.009-04:00

I thought that I would make my first post something inspirational, because all of us need a little encouragement now and then :) With that in mind, I'd like to share with you my favorite quote - one that sums up what I believe about following your dreams.

“First, when everybody tells you that you are being idealistic or impractical, consider the possibility that everybody could be wrong about what is right for you. Look inside yourself the way nobody else can. Will the pursuit of your dream hurt anybody? Do you stand at least a fair chance of success? If you fail, will you be seriously damaged or merely embarrassed? If you succeed, will it change your life for the better? When you can persuade yourself that your dream is worthwhile and achievable, then you say thank you to the doubters and take the plunge...How much better to know that we have dared to live our dreams than to live our lives in a lethargy of regret.”

That was said by Mr. Gilbert E. Kaplan.

There are a lot of people out there who would want you to believe that it's foolish or immature to believe that you'll ever become a published author. Most of these people have unfortunately seen their own dreams fail, or perhaps never had a dream to begin with. No matter what, you must block this kind of negativity from your mind. You can't let others' pessimism and fear of failure deter you from following your bliss.

Becoming a published author is not an easy task, but if you can dream it, you can do it. It requires determination, hard work, and an incredible amount of patience. You have to be willing to give everything that you have to make your writing all that it can be. To advance your career, you must set goals and work to reach those goals. If you can do that, success will eventually find its way to you.

I've wanted to become an author since I was thirteen-years-old. That was the first time I remember pointing to a picture in a yearbook of someone who was named "Most Likely to Write a Novel". I turned to my friend and said, "That's going to be me one day. I'm going to become an author."

Eight years later, my childhood prediction turned into reality. I had my book as physical proof that I had accomplished my dream. It didn't happen by itself - it happened because I worked to bring it to life. Endless hours, days, and years of writing, editing, re-writing, and proofing, all culminated in The Guardian of Kelmar.

I continue to pursue my dreams every day. I work to make my book the most successful it can be. I also continue to work on Book 2, which I'm planning to release sometime next year. Book 3 will follow, and I will not stop there.

Whatever your dream is, you can achieve it as long as you work hard and remain dedicated. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. Never stop dreaming, never stop writing, learning, and growing. Work hard, have faith, and see where it takes you. Enjoy the journey, and remember in those less confident moments and times of doubt that dreams really do come true. I promise you that.

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi

Author

The Guardian of Kelmar

www.laurasepesi.com

Hello and Welcome to The Guardian's Quill! :)

2009-10-28T14:29:00.015-04:00

My name is Laura Sepesi and I'm the author of the young adult fantasy novel, The Guardian of Kelmar. My book was published back in August of 2009, when I was twenty-one-years-old. I've just recently turned twenty-two, and I've learned so much on this journey to becoming an author that I wanted to give others the inspiration to follow their passions as well.

I decided to start this blog as a way for me to share my knowledge and advice for young and upcoming authors. I will post regularly with tips on writing and getting published. My goal is to inspire the next generation of young writers to pursue their dreams like I did.

My first tip will be posted tomorrow, and I will provide a new tip every other day. I look forward to imparting my insight and sharing tricks that I have learned along the way. I invite you to comment on my posts and/or send me suggestions on what you'd like me to write about. I love talking with readers and writers. If you want to learn more about me or about my writing, you can visit my website: www.laurasepesi.com

Happy writing! :)

Laura Sepesi
Author
The Guardian of Kelmar
www.laurasepesi.com