Today I’m happy to welcome Sunayna Prasad, author of Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions: From Frights to Flaws. She’s sharing some tips about writing.
Don’t Write Overnight
When writing a book, you want to take your time as much as you can. If you write to fast, you not only receive writer’s block more frequently, but also—your writing gets filled with grammar and spelling issues. Of course, if you’re writing a first draft, you want to get your ideas down, so grammar and spelling aren’t as important as if you’re polishing your final draft. But keep in mind that if you want to publish your book, you need it to be as error-free as possible. Not only do you need good spelling and grammar, but also content. I don’t think anyone can write quality book content in two weeks, or even two months, and consider him or herself finished. It’s just not possible. In fact, when I was in high school, I made that mistake.
I lacked the skills and knowledge of how fiction writing works. I wanted to publish my book before I graduated, so I wrote only three drafts. The first draft took about a month. The second one took two weeks, and then I didn’t return to it for a year. When someone wasn’t impressed with it, I rewrote it following the same plotline. The plot was sloppy, suspended disbelief, and lacked literary elements.
Nevertheless, I still convinced my parents to let me get it published. I was happy when it finally became available to buy online, but then some people complained about it. I couldn’t remove it from the market myself, because I wasn’t eighteen yet. It’s been a year and two months since I’ve cancelled the contract, but a couple of websites still have it available.
Although it took me a year and a half to write that book, I didn’t study the writing craft or rules for creative writing. Here’s a tip for young authors who are in high school or college. If you want to write a book, I’d suggest studying the craft first by reading books in your niche or genre, and researching the rules of writing. Those in their junior and senior years of high school and college, it’s very tempting to want to publish a book before you graduate. However, unless your skills are way above average, you’re better off graduating first. You can always use the Internet to tell your old friends and teachers about your book. Just keep in mind that quality writing is important, and it should never be rushed.
About Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions: From Frights to Flaws:
Twelve-year-old Alyssa McCarthy can no longer stand the toughness of her uncle and wants a better life. But one day she discovers not only the existence of magic, but also a villain hunting her down. The villain uses magic and magical technology to kidnap Alyssa to the Fiji Islands. As much as she wants to go home, she has to face some dangerous challenges first. Not only that, the villain himself must also be defeated. Can Alyssa succeed, even with the help of her mentors?
Purchase: Amazon
About the author:
Sunayna Prasad has been writing stories for over thirteen years, starting at the age of six. Now nineteen, she will start her junior year of college this fall, and will study accessory design as well as continue to write for children. Aside from that, Sunayna also likes to cook, watch movies, and draw. She lives on Long Island, New York, with her family.
Her latest book is the middle grade fantasy, Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions: From Frights to Flaws.
Visit her website at www.SunaynaPrasadBooks.com
If I was MG age then yes