MattTheNovelist

A new year! 
          	That means its time to open up my projects and start writing again!
          	Let's see if we can get Children Of the Clockwork Sky done this year. ;)
          	
          	Also, if you need to email me directly for any reason, email me at mattnoveling@gmail.com

MattTheNovelist

A new year! 
          That means its time to open up my projects and start writing again!
          Let's see if we can get Children Of the Clockwork Sky done this year. ;)
          
          Also, if you need to email me directly for any reason, email me at mattnoveling@gmail.com

MattTheNovelist

Intrepid Readers!
          
          Chapter 10 of the Young Adult Steampunk Adventure Story, CHILDREN OF THE CLOCKWORK SKY, is now available for your reading pleasure. 
          
          Since I have a little more time on my hands, let's see if we can make the updates a tad bit more regular.

touchportyl

@MattTheNovelist  Awesome! Keep the updates coming!  :)
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MattTheNovelist

My Thoughts On Second Book Syndrome - 
          
              Ah! One of the most profound writing traps most of us writers face. We forget to remind ourselves that most readers/literary agents/publishers don't usually read our first book. 
              In most cases, it's our second, third or even fourth manuscript that becomes the true opus of our craft. But that in itself is also the trap. Because who has the creative fortitude to move on to another manuscript, when you've already spilt your heart all over a previous completed one? 
          
          Could readers say, "why should I read his/her second book when I've never heard of his/her first one?"  
          
          Could writers say, "I've spent all my energy, love, blood and tears on the first one. How could I move on to a second book?"
          
              Well, oh writer, there is no easy answer. However, as an author with an undeniable fondness for the craft of story-telling, I must proffer a singular ultimatum for those with the courage to move to their second manuscript:
          
              COMPLETE your first story, BEFORE moving to the second. PROVE you can bless your work with an ENDING. 
          
              It is then, and only then, do I say, begin your next story with all the love, anxiety, doubt and triumph that you have befriended from your first true love that was your first book.

MattTheNovelist

Forget the idea that Cliche's are terrible taboos.
          
          Embrace Cliche's. Own it.
          
          Every great writer has them in their stories, but they enchant their readers in a way where they don't care they're reading cliches.
          
          “The reason that clichés become clichés is that they are the hammers and screwdrivers in the toolbox of communication.” 
          ― Terry Pratchett

MattTheNovelist

Writing students often ask me:
          
           "Are the characters in my story original?"
          
          My Reply: "Forget originality. Cliche', campy, overused. It doesn't matter if your character is original. What you should be asking yourself, is whether or not your character is like able."

MattTheNovelist

I almost forgot to enter SKY OF PAPER into the #wattys2016 competition. Whew, glad I got it in before the deadline. Crossing my fingers.

MattTheNovelist

@touchportal  Thank you! I hope so as well. :)
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touchportyl

@MattTheNovelist   Really hope it wins. Good luck!
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