When I heard that Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief, was visiting Denver, I actually gasped out loud. The Book Thief has been influential in my writing and reading life in more ways than I can name. Suffice it to say that I have about a million favorite books, but when forced to choose just one, I say The Book Thief. The characters don't let you go, the plot is so original, and to say the writing style is beautiful is an understatement. So of course I jumped at the chance to hear Zusak speak, and to get my copy of The Book Thief, as well as his new book, Bridge of Clay, signed. Zusak was a funny and charming speaker, and warm and welcoming when I met him in the signing line. I wish I could have just recorded the whole talk and posted it for you, but here are six things he said that stood out to me the most. Know the backstory Zusak said that the way he is able to tell if he'll be able to turn an idea into a novel is how much backstory comes to him. When you're planning your book, knowing the background of the characters is incredibly important. Even if most of it doesn't end up in the book, pieces of it will, and that's what will give your characters life and make the story memorable to readers. The more your characters seem like real people you know, not just one-sided figures you write about, the more they'll come alive in the reader's mind. Having a deep backstory is the best way to accomplish this. Incorporate details Zusak used this simple metaphor to convey the importance of details: Once he was at an airport, and forgot his jacket in the security line. When he returned to claim it, the guard asked him what it looked like. He didn't just describe the color, but also the logo, and how there was a piece of folded-up paper in the pocket. With these precise details, the guard had no trouble believing he was telling the truth and the jacket was his. Likewise, when we incorporate specific, unique details into our stories, the reader is able to believe that we are telling the truth, even while knowing it's fiction. Details are what make your story jump off the page and lodge itself in the reader's mind. They're what make a reader stop and think, Yes! That's exactly how that feels/sounds/looks. How did they know?! If you don't feel something, neither will the reader Robert Frost once said, No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader. Zusak modeled this when writing both The Book Thief and Bridge of Clay. During the Q&A session after his talk, a young reader asked him if he cried when writing the end of The Book Thief. He confessed that he had ugly cried as he wrote the ending--like many of us as we read it--and had actually cried even harder when writing the end of Bridge of Clay (causing many of us in the audience to groan with grim but eager anticipation). If you have laid out the backstory of your characters and incorporated details that bring them to life, you as the writer will end up caring deeply about them, so that whatever you feel when writing their fate, the readers will also feel. Keep writing, no matter what During the Q&A session, someone asked him who had encouraged him to keep writing when he was young. With a laugh, he responded, Absolutely no one. He spoke of how he had never won a contest, never had a short story published, how his parents and his English teachers never thought he would publish a book--but something in him knew that's what he wanted to do, so he kept trying. When I met him in the signing line, I mentioned how I was a writer and The Book Thief had been so inspirational to me. To my delight, he asked about my writing, and when I said I was writing an adult contemporary fiction novel and had just sent it to people to read, he reminded me that even if I got negative feedback, I was still a writer and I needed to just keep writing. It is easy to be discouraged when we don't get glowing responses to our work, but imagine if Markus Zusak had listened to those around him and given up. Know that you are a writer, and so you must keep writing. Write the book only you can write This might have been my favorite thing Zusak said all night. He doesn't try to write books that are better than other writers or that win all the awards; his focus is on trying to write stories that only he is capable of writing. No matter how you feel about The Book Thief or Bridge of Clay, I know that they're books only I could write, he said. Don't compare how good your book is to other books or other writers. Focus on the story that only you can write. Writing takes a bit of luck Throughout his talk, Zusak mentioned several instances of luck that contributed to his success. Not just in terms of finding an agent or publishing, but in the actual writing of his stories. Before writing The Book Thief, he was visiting a school and leading an activity in which students choose a color and write from its perspective. He ended up writing from Death's perspective, and thought, Hey, maybe I should use this in that book I'm planning set in Nazi Germany. He also had another page-long piece about a girl in modern-day Sydney stealing a book and had the same thought of incorporating it into the Holocaust story he was planning. Of course, these two ideas are crucial to making The Book Thief into what it is. Likewise, with Bridge of Clay, when he first came up with the idea for the book, he chose the character name 'Clayton' at random. It was only later in the process of planning and writing that he shortened it to Clay, and realized it fit perfectly with the idea of building a bridge. Writing takes a lot of skill, and you have to know how to use those strokes of inspiration in your stories, but it's also helpful to know that a bit of luck is always involved. A huge thanks to Markus Zusak, both for his incredible stories and for a wonderful evening. Denver's Tattered Cover bookstore also has my undying love for bringing amazing authors to visit. To buy Zusak's newest book, Bridge of Clay, click here. You can also read more about Zusak and his books on his website. (FYI–This post includes affiliate links. I promise to never recommend anything that I haven’t loved and think you should try!) Have you read The Book Thief or any of Markus Zusak's books? What's your favorite? Who is the author you would most love to meet? Who is someone you've already met and loved? Let me know in the comments!
Details: Image For a words person like me, writing a book is the thrill of a lifetime. I'm starting on my second book now and I'm more at ease with the process this time. If you're wanting to write a book too, here are ten things to keep in mind. Things I wish I
Even if you're writing with no experience, this novel writing course turns your story idea into a full novel you can share with everyone.
Check out this list of some tried and true Instagram ideas for authors, as well as tips on how to create content that will build genuine connections.
This downloadable digital art print depicts an antique typewriter with the phrase, "it's a good day to write." Perfect for writers and authors! Great way to spruce up your writing area! INSTANT DOWNLOAD - Minutes after purchasing, an email will be sent to the email address associated with your Etsy account with a link to view and download your files (Make sure to check spam/junk mail if you don’t receive it). - You can also find your files under the “Purchase and Reviews” section in your Etsy account. SIZING - This is a 4:5 ratio file so it can be used to print: 16”x20” | 12”x15” | 8”x10” | 4”x5” PRINTING - If printing at home, using a card stock or art paper will produce the best results. - Print at a local professional print shop. - Upload to an online print shop such as Staples, Office Depot, Walmart, etc. - Colors may vary from printer to printer. Returns & Cancellations: - As this is a digital product, I do not offer refunds or cancellations. Please let me know if you have any other further questions or concerns!! :)
I'm almost pretty sure I'm not the only 22 year old that has high expectations for myself and life in general. I mean sure I'm still "young" and I have "a long ways to go", but is any of that really suppose to make me feel better? Should I not want more just because I'm less than a couple of decades away from being forty? I can't be the only one freaking out about how fast time is flying by, and still I have no idea where I'm going to be in the next five years. Heck the next five months even! I mean in a perfect world, I should be on my way to:
National Author's Day is November 1 - so what better day to celebrate your favorite author and the books they write? Look to these funny memes about writing and author quotes from books that perfectly describe what it's like to write for a living.
Struggling through a first draft of a story or novel? Here are some of the best tips and quotes on first drafts from writers who have been there.
*furiously takes notes*
Now that you know you need an author website, let's talk content. There are four pages that are necessary for an essential author website: Home, About, Books, and Contact Before we get into the key components of each page, a few general comments: Design As we discussed in my last post, a clean organized design, visually appealing without being distracting, is your best friend. Keep your navigation simple and avoid fancy page tabs. Have your page tabs or menus clear and concise e.g. “Home, About,
Check out this list of some tried and true Instagram ideas for authors, as well as tips on how to create content that will build genuine connections.
Writing a novel is a daunting task, one that requires a great deal of discipline, creativity, and attention to detail. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, having a checklis…
When in doubt, scrapbook.
What are your favorite motivational sayings that get you writing? Here are some of my favorites that I'll use whenever I'm in a funk or need a lift.
How do you know if you’re a good enough writer to pen a bestselling book? Book editor and author of THE BOOK YOU WERE BORN TO WRITE, Kelly Notaras, gives 3 clues for assessing if you're a gifted writer.
A list of American author and activist Alice Walker's favorite books, from Elena Ferrante and Langston Hughes to Malala Yousafzai and Zora Neale Hurston.
Your author Instagram account is a great way to connect with dedicated fans and new readers. Here are nine mistakes to avoid.
Recent and upcoming published work, including articles, poetry, devotions, and drama
Pinterest for Book Sales - Why new authors need to promote their books on Pinterest to Increase reach & sales I cannot tell you how upset she was, she'd published her first book last
National Author's Day is November 1 - so what better day to celebrate your favorite author and the books they write? Look to these funny memes about writing and author quotes from books that perfectly describe what it's like to write for a living.
