A few days ago I participated in a forum chat with my fellow Musa authors. This particular one was hosted by a romance writers site, but most of what we discussed could apply to fiction writers of any genre. I especially liked the following question:
"What three bits of wisdom would you pass on to new writers?"
My answer was this:
1. Read read read as much as you can! Read fiction, especially the genre/type you want to write. Read blogs about writing and the industry. Read nonfiction books from established veterans of writing and publishing.
2. Write write write as much as you can! Everyone has different circumstances so don't compare how much you can accomplish per day to how much someone else can accomplish per day. Determine a writing schedule that works for you and stick to it. You don't necessarily have to "write every day", just write regularly.
3. Expect nothing and appreciate everything. If someone wants to publish your story, fantastic! If not, move on and write another. Keep writing keep writing keep writing. The great thing about writing is that you can always create something new, and you get better with each story you write.
Writers, how would YOU answer?
~Lydia
I wish I had more to add, but you really hit dead on with these. I completely agree!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips as always, especially the last one.
ReplyDeleteSound advice all the way around. I can't see what else you could add to this. All three are essential to writers at any point in their career.
ReplyDeleteThe big one for me, just keep writing. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. Reading and writing are SO important. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDon't think that knowing how to write means you know how to write STORY. Learn about the craft itself. Be willing to sit at the feet of others who've been there, done that. Great stuff, Lydia!
ReplyDeleteExcellent tip. Thanks, Julie!
Delete