Guest Post: Author, Adam Dustus (win his book!)

Adam Dustus

Today, Adam Dustus guest blogs on WriteLikeCRAZY and is offering his new novel, High School Asylum, to one lucky random winner! Please read the rules at the end of this post for your chance to win!

Begin Your Masterpiece!

Psst…  I’ll let you in on a little secret.  While I’m not certain how many writers know this, you can bet your life they live it.  The secret is attitude.  It is one’s attitude of mind that to a great extent determines what and even how they write, perform, play—or pursue a happy existence.  Writing is influenced by the mood, artistic temperament, and worthy aspirations that always precede goals, both in life and developing a novel.

I find it a major help to begin any writing with the highest expectations for your work.

Since expectations influence outcomes, I ask you to recognize that when writing a piece of any length, the artist needs to do more than brainstorm and develop plots (especially when attempting anything considered socially conscious and relevant). Just as creativity influences narration and outline, your artistic intentions elevate the level of your work through writing down in goal form what you aim to accomplish literally. In taking this important step, the writer automatically begins a journey to fulfill self-generated, noble intentions.

Set out to clearly define your reasons for writing your piece.  Sure it is okay to wing it, vent, and have fun with your writing. However, do not be afraid to “DREAM BIG” by first defining what you set out to do.  Have no limits in your brainstorm.  To illustrate this idea, take my first novel High School Asylum.  The following had been my goals for this novel:

Goals for the creation of High School Asylum:

• Expose the alienation that many young “loners” experience in high school, as well as the social sickness that is alienation (draw from personal experience)
• Realistically create a fictional public high school.
• Design this book to be a beginning for dialogue for the field of education (From “The Ivory Tower” of higher ed. to inside a high school English classroom.
• Expose the violence of suburban New Jersey
• Express my moral conviction against war

Final thoughts… Everyone’s artistic vision will be different.  As it is for most art in many genres and forms (both traditional and digital), the beauty of writing is that artists adapt to methods and make them their own.  Writing is the most personally engaging and intimate artistic form.  Great writing transforms the reader and author in ways that no other art form is able.  Dare to create and make it great. Now, begin your masterpiece!

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Adam Dustus is a blogger, novelist, poet, graphic artist, and podcaster.  His most notable literary work to date is High School Asylum, which depicts the overwhelming emotions of feeling alienated from life and high school culture. Adam is currently putting the finishing touches on his second novel, Sounds From A House.

Visit The Dustus Blog @ http://dustus.wordpress.com.

Adam’s novels and poetry can be ordered through Amazon.com.

Any one can leave a question or comment for Adam today, but only young writers can enter to win a copy of his novel!

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF HIGH SCHOOL ASYLUM:

(RULES)

You must be 25-years-old or YOUNGER to post for entry to the giveaway

You must have a U.S. shipping address

You must post at least ONE Writing Goal you have for yourself (Bonus entry  if you share your plan to achieve that goal!) The more goals you have the more entries you earn!

Be specific, like “I’d like to publish a fantasty novel before I’m 30” or “I want to learn how to write better dialogue.”

Posts must be made by 12 mindnight Central Time, Sept 25, 2009

Good luck!

Come back tomorrow to see if you’ve won ; )

Mary Jo’s Note:  All comments are subject to my approval. Since this is a blog for young writers, I WILL NOT post any comments that are lewd, vulgar or harmful in any way.