Writing Advice From... Justin Timberlake

Let me show you 'round

let me take you out

bet you we can have some fun, girl.

("Summer Love" from FutureSex/LoveSounds)

Don't forget about your setting. Pretend you're as cool as Justin Timberlake and cruise your reader around wherever it is your story takes place. You want to make sure the reader can imagine the surroundings. However, less is more. The key word in these lyrics is fun. Don't bring your manuscript down with too many unnecessary details.

You don't have to say what you did

I already know

I found out from him.

("Cry Me A River" from Justified)

You've heard it a million times, but I'm going to say it again: Show, don't tell. This is particularly important with 1st person narration. Don't simply tell the reader what a character is doing or what they are feeling. Instead, show it through action or, like the song suggests, dialogue.

Don't be so quick to

walk away.

("Rock Your Body" from Justified)

Writing isn't easy. There will be times that you'll want to throw your computer out of an open window or shred the handwritten pages in front of you into tiny pieces. Remember that you're doing it for a reason. You made the decision to try out this crazy adventure and you need to see it through until the end.

Now I'm just a junkie for your love.

("Pusher Love Girl" from The 20/20 Experience)

You will become addicted to your work in progress. Your characters and their problems will be the only thing you think about. You'll neglect your real-life family and friends as you become a slave to the pen (or keyboard). The first step is to admit you have a problem, then take a step back for a day or two.

I can't help but notice

you reflect in this heart of mine.

("Mirrors" from The 20/20 Experience)

Sometimes you'll see too much of yourself in your writing. This isn't always a good thing. Of course art is always a reflection of the artist (in one way or another), but you will have to make changes to your story. Remember that edits need to be made and you don't want to become so attached that you refuse to do what's best for the book.

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Now, watch this video. Feel inspired. Write.