Writing Tips

To all of you aspiring authors, Kudos!!!! It takes a healthy dose of courage to be willing to share yourself with the world through your prose. “If you write because you have to, then you are a writer.” I heard that phrase somewhere and realized that no truer words have been spoken. So if those words ring true to you, recognize that you are a writer, whether or not you ever sell a word.

That said, below are a few tips which I found have worked for me. They are by no means the only way to write successfully and, in fact, you may find that these methods do not work for you. However, my philosophy is that I’ll try anything once (within reason). So, if you’re game, read on:

1. WRITE OR READ EVERYDAY
A writer not only writes all the time, but she/he reads all the time as well. It is important to keep the creative juices flowing and the cockles of the brain warm.

2. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH OTHER WRITERS
Other writers are the best people to be around because they know what you are going through. They can be the best supporters and even better critics. Conferences and workshops are a great way to network, get ideas and learn the business.

3. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Research your topics. Make sure your facts are accurate. Use the library, the internet, other people’s vacation albums, etc. This will make your settings more realistic and your characters more relatable.

4. WRITE WHAT MOVES YOU WHEN IT MOVES YOU
Unless you are under deadline to finish a piece, don’t allow yourself to feel “stuck” with a storyline. If a story no longer interests you, or if you are having trouble advancing it, move on to something else. Save that work and find other characters or stories to develop. You can always come back to the prior piece later on when you’re ready or you may be able to incorporate it into something else. The important thing is that you keep writing.