Category: Books/Stories Announcements

Some writers write off on an outline. Some just think up an idea and go for it. Others like to write stuff on paper until an idea emerges.

There is no wrong way to get started in writing.

I like to do a combination of the above—if I have an idea I am having trouble fleshing out, I will do an outline and see where the pieces fall. Mostly though I like to muse on an idea, and see what comes out when I write.

There are a million people out there who want to sell you their course on how to start writing. Sometimes they are helpful, but really, just like anything else, it comes down to practice.

Honing those writing skills. Developing your voice.

Some people start out better than others; some have further to go.

I read a lot when I was younger (not as much these days—just too busy), and in my writing I played with the different writing styles that I read. This helped shape my own unique writing style, and eventually my voice emerged. I have my favorite authors that I emulate and have gleaned techniques from them and others along my writing journey.

For Black Cat Scribbles, I tried to lean my writing style more towards Edgar Allen Poe, the great gothic writer. I grew up on his stories, and the writing, while sometimes tedious, has many great attributes. Another one that left its mark on me was Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. I have the complete series still on my bookshelf, and to this day I remember that scared feeling I got from reading those stories and looking at the pictures. Over the years I have read other horror stories, and some taught me other techniques to include in my writing, while others showed me stuff not to do.

In any project, find an awesome example of what it could be, and take cues from there. Your own style will eventually emerge, and you will end up with a unique finished product. The greats are great for a reason, and there is nothing wrong to take lessons from them. 

Speaking of great writing, I am getting ready for a Halloween sale of my book, Black Cat Scribbles Vol. 1. Even if you aren’t sure about the whole collection, I just recently uploaded all of the stories for individual sale as well—they are cheaper and can give you a taste of the whole collection–check them out here. The sale on the book won’t last long though, so get it while you can. I will give more updates through email (this would be a good time to subscribe) and on future posts.