Don’t try to be too clever in your writing. Even your husband who knows you very well might still be stymied by a convoluted turn of phrase. Or even something simple, really. Maybe it’s more a comment on your husband than your writing. But still, don’t try to be too clever. It might just shove the reader right out of the story.

Also, leave your ego out of it. Telling a story is not about demonstrating how smart you are. Or how clever. Or how many obscure words you know. The reader can sense this. Telling a story is about … telling a story and hopefully being entertaining.

I worry from time to time that I tried to be too clever with the first Millie book and maybe the sequel too. I’ve tried to follow my own advice with all the other novels I’ve written.

But in the end, no matter what, it all boils down to having fun with your writing. I believe that if you had a good time writing it, the reader will sense this and have a good time reading it.

Images courtesy of OrgShakers and Parade, respectively

Writing is not my only passion, I also make jewelry. Please visit my home page and hover over SyZyGy Jewelry for stories about my jewelry making journey.