Writing Advice I'd Give to a Younger Me
/
Someone asked me on a panel recently what advice I would give to a younger version of myself. Here’s a longer answer to that question…
Write every day. I know there are so many other interesting things in this world, but if you want to be published, you need to put in the time. And the more time that passes between writing sessions, the harder it is to get back to work.
Start now.
Find a group of supportive writers. These folks will be there to help you celebrate and to move on after disappointments.
Decide what you want to write and read everything in that genre you can get your hands on.
Pick a few writing books to read. Don’t get so bogged down in the self-help reading that you don’t actually write.
Perfect your craft. The writing part is fun and easy. The work comes during the revisions. And there will be many of them.
Don’t let every little comment bother you. Learn what you can from the feedback and don’t dwell on the negative ones.
Know that the first manuscript you’ve worked on for so long may not ever be published. Many authors have two to three manuscripts in a drawer. I have two abandoned ones.
Writing is a business. Agents and publishers are looking for books they can sell.
You will need to do A LOT of book marketing. Be prepared. Be creative.
Find a schedule that works with your life and try to stick to it. I am more productive if I write every day.
There are going to be set backs and disappointments. This is a tough business. If you want to see your name on that cover, you need the grit and determination to keep moving toward your goal.
Find a critique group or writing partner who will give you honest feedback about your writing.
Don’t rush it. Make sure you are prepared and that your manuscript is ready for the world before you start to query it.
Invest your time and money in things that will help you improve your writing.
This is a tough business, and there are as many ups as there are downs. Keep the faith and keep writing.
