Shannan Swaim

Writer of #middlegrade and #youngadult fiction in the #writingcommunity

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

@LaraAnnDominick I feel for you. I just lost two chapters that I spent ages editing. Thinking about having to do it all over again has completely destroyed my motivation 😩

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

Unfortunately, I accidentally deleted 2 of my edited chapters and couldn't manage to recover them. I'm grateful only 2 chapters were deleted, but it's still caused a bit of a mental/emotional block for me. I've struggled to find motivation to get going again. #writingcommunity

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

@TedAtchley3 @SianRoseAuthor It's a beautiful area!

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

The process reminds me of eating pasta out of a bowl that appears much shallower than it actually is. You feel like you just keep eating and eating and eating, but when you look down at the bowl there's still so much pasta left there. Am I right or am I right? #WritingCommnunity

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

I've only been working on this round of editing for about a week, but I am already SO. TIRED. OF. ADDING. DETAIL!!!!!
#WritingCommnunity

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

@justin_author My MC has never stepped outside his cult-like community before... So I guess his last (and only) vacation is when he escapes??

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

A beautiful day for editing my WIP in the park! I've already done an extensive amount of proofreading, so I am now focusing my attention on world-building and adding richer descriptions. It's hard work, but the beautiful park and sunny day make it easier! #writingcommunity

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

I know it depends/varies, but approximately how long does it usually take you to complete your first edit? #WritingCommunity

[Alexander Pennington @Authoralexp]

Things writers need to remember:

-Writing is hard
-Most people will never even try to write a story
-The fact that you're brave enough to write is amazing
-You are constantly getting better
-You deserve more snacks
-When in doubt, buy another book
-Pants are always optional

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

Update: Dora the Cat has decided she's going to help me edit.

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

I had my story printed & delivered since I don't own a printer. I'm so happy it's arrived! I desperately needed to hold a copy to motivate me in the editing process & lay it all out in front of me to see clearly. Lots of work to do, but I feel so much better! #WritingCommunity

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

@dehaggerty Now I'm wondering if maybe I irrationally think I'm being too detailed in my writing, too... which then leads to me anxiously cutting out a lot and ended up too simplified. Anyway, it was an eye opening conversation...I never considered that connection to my writing style before!

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

How do you find the right balance between not adding enough detail and adding too much detail that it potentially insults the readers' intelligence by not allowing them space to make their own inferences? #WritingCommunity

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

@dehaggerty Good thinking! I also tend to go for less detail. However, I had an interesting conversation with my dad who asked if maybe my social anxiety reflects in my writing style. I tend to cut myself short when speaking because I don't want to annoy others by dragging on.

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

I posted this picture of my cat Dora climbing the post in my parents' kitchen (her favourite hobby) and an old friend immediately sent this side-by-side comparison back. Who did it better?? #CatsOfTwitter

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

@Keidi_Keating California native here... finished the first draft of my YA fiction book while stuck hiding out in a 1500s farmhouse on the border of England and Wales during lockdown!

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

@Bed_pans "Do you have any updates about the wedding?" texted to my sister who has had to delay hers because of covid

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

@GabriellaBuba @ElenaHartford Declan grew up in a cult-like environment where they encourage children to have a hateful, "us-versus-them" mindset towards outsiders. He therefore treats his enemies harshly, though he doesn't understand why. Throughout the book, it's difficult for him to unlearn his ways.

[Shannan Swaim @SwaimShannan]

@TMWNN2020 Thanks so much @TMWNN2020! Looking forward to being part of the community!