If you’re just finding me among the hundreds and hundreds of A to Z bloggers, I’m thrilled. I’m sharing about writing, coaching and inspiring others.
I’m tempted to blog about Kritiques, but I guess I should keep it real. 🙂 Today I’ll give you keys to writing and publishing; my tips that will benefit you for as long as you’re a writer.
Read. Don’t read just anything—read the best of the best. I could give you a list of books, but my opinion of “the best” might differ from yours. Just remember, the saying garbage in-garbage-out is true.
Write. Every day. Some people argue that writing daily isn’t necessary. I believe the more you write, the better writer you become. And yes, I believe in forcing yourself to write. We force ourselves to wash dishes and clothes and toilets (or am I the only one?) so why wouldn’t we force ourselves to do something we truly love?
Write long. Tell your story then cut it short. You’ll be surprised how many unnecessary words you’ve used. Make every word count.
Write short. I believe writing fillers, letters to the editor, very short pieces teach us to write tight. I’ve heard writers say they can’t create anything in a 100 words. Like my mama always said, “Can’t never could do a thing!” If you can’t create in 100 words how will you ever write your book blurbs?
Submit. Find a couple of markets to conquer: Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Sun, Women’s World. There are many opportunities within those three markets.
Join a local writers’ group. If there’s not one in your town, start one. You might belong to thirty online groups, and that’s great, but there’s nothing like gabbing with other writers at your favorite coffee shop.
Call yourself a writer. Tell people you meet for the first time that you’re a writer. Yes, it’s hard because they always ask what you’ve published and you may not have published anything. That doesn’t matter. Tell them you’re working on short stories, a novel, a screenplay and hope to submit soon. The more you say you’re a writer—out loud—the more you’ll believe it.
Recognize opportunities. When you talk about writing and call yourself a writer, opportunities will come your way–from local magazines and newspapers, the Chamber of Commerce, or from church or club newsletters. Don’t ever pass up an opportunity that falls in your lap.
Learn. How-to books, trade magazines, online classes and writing blogs are at your fingertips. Take advantage of them. You may become a New York Best Selling author, but that doesn’t mean you know everything. You never will. Never. Educate yourself about markets, the business of writing, agents and publishers, traditional and indie publishing. Don’t depend on anyone to do your research for you. Your career is your responsibility.
Don’t ever, ever quit learning.
Good tips. I especially like your take on writing everyday and forcing yourself, like cleaning the toilet 🙂 But, I’m not sure I would be able to say I’m a writer out loud until I published something. Something to ponder.
Cheers – Ellen | http://thecynicalsailor.blogspot.com/2016/04/k-is-for-knot-nancy-drew-investigates.html
But Ellen, you’re writing–even if you aren’t published–you’re writing. That makes you a writer in my opinion. I understand though. I still have trouble saying it. 🙂 Maybe it’s our respect for the talent and the profession that makes it so hard to call ourselves a writer.
Good advice all. I tend to write every day unless work is just overwhelming. But sometimes I only get in a paragraph or two.
Thanks, Charles. I always wonder what you’re going to say. 🙂
These are all VERY good. Although, one of these I don’t do…do you know which one? ; )
I agree it’s important to write every single day (Sundays off, maybe?). I’ve noticed what a difference it makes when I keep myself focused on writing daily.
You recommended following The Seekers so I subscribed a few days ago. They had a recent article about writing in chunks. Part of that is learning to take advantage of those smaller windows of time by getting a “chunk” of writing done. This is something I would love to improve on. Daily chunks!
Good job, Coach (See #7 above).
Heather, are you saying you don’t call yourself a writer? I thought it would be that you don’t submit. 🙂
Don’t ever quit learning – my sentiment, exactly!
I always tell my students that I’ll be learning until the day I die. Education never stops. Some of them look at me strangely…well, I suppose they’re just kids, and some can’t wait to get out of school.
A great set of tips! 🙂
Thank you for sharing them.
Thank you, Michelle, for popping in, leaving great comments and sharing wonderful books with us!