7 Things Writers Should be Doing

Last week, I posted about things that writers need to stop doing. (I know it’s hard. We all get caught up in the stresses, disappointments, and distractions.) This week, I’m focusing on the things writers (at whatever stage of their journey) should be doing. Here’s my list:

1. Writing. That should go without saying, but sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the marketing, events, and other things that the writing takes a back seat. The fabulous Alan Orloff explained the key to writing to me a long time ago. It’s BICFOK. (Butt in Chair; Fingers on Keyboard.)

2. Make sure you have a website. And if you have one, make sure it’s current. Nobody visits a stagnate site. If you are prepublished, you can still create a website with an about you section, a blog, and the events that you’re attending. Start building your following early. Interesting, entertaining content keeps readers interested.

3. Find where your readers are on social media and make sure you have a presence there. Most of my readers are on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. I focus my energies there, but I also have a presence on the other sites. Build your following. It takes time. I spent the months between signing the contract and waiting for edits and publication to build my following. Your social media sites need constant attention. People ignore stagnant or boring sites.

4. Make sure you have a newsletter/email list. You own this list, and it’s full of people who are interested in you and your writing. If a social media site shuts down or you’re banned, then you lose your contacts. If you are prepublished, you can still start a list. Take it with you to events and have people sign up on your website. This is one of your most valuable marketing tools, and it's often overlooked.

5. Invest in a professional headshot. Selfies are good for your socials, but they are not what you want for book covers and publicity. You need a high quality, high resolution photo that can be reproduced in a variety of sizes.

6. Treat your writing as a business. When I acted like my writing was a hobby, my family and friends also treated it like that. I had to start scheduling my writing time and telling people that I was working. It is work. And learn about the business side that involves contracts, negotiations, money, sales tax, tax laws…the list goes on and on.

7. Take care of yourself. Don’t stress or overwork yourself to the point that you’re not sleeping, eating right, or exercising. You are your brand and what makes all of this possible.

What would you add?

5 Things That Writers Should Stop Doing

I’m often asked at presentations and writers conferences what should writers stop doing. What are things that may not be as helpful to one’s writing journey? So, here’s my list.

1. Stop procrastinating. Sit down and write the book. You can edit a bad or sad draft. You can’t edit a blank page. Talking about writing a book is not writing a book.

2. Stop comparing yourself to others. We are all on a writing journey, and we’re at different stages. Plus, something that works for one person, may not work for another. Be you. That’s what makes your writing unique.

3. Stop listening to that negative voice in your head. (Not the one that is warning you about danger…the one that is making you feel bad.) The writing journey is a rollercoaster and imposter syndrome is real. But if you really want to write and publish a book. You need to make up your mind to try. Sit down and write.

4. Stop wallowing. When you get bad news (we all do), have your own pity party. Do what it takes to get over it…exercise, scream, eat chocolate, cry, rant to your dog, and then see what you can learn from the experience and move on. Those that spend weeks, months, and years wallowing, waste all their creative energy on something they probably can’t change.

5. Stop playing at writing. Writing is a business. If you want to be a published author, then treat your writing as such. Learn your craft, learn how to market, learn the business side of it, and network with other authors. Build your social media presence and put yourself out there. Do your research, do your homework, and write.

What else would you add to my list?

Writing is a Business

I am asked frequently about what is one piece of advice that I would give to aspiring authors or a younger me. It’s that writing is a business, and you need to treat yours like one. Writers write books and get royalties, right? Yes, but there’s a whole business side to the process that I didn’t really grasp until I received my first publishing contract. Here’s what I learned.

1. Writing is hard work. It takes time and practice to hone your craft. You have to put in the time to get the best results. And your first draft is NEVER the final one.

2. Editors, agents, and publishers are looking for books they can sell.

3. Not every person who reads is going to buy your book or even like your book.

4. It is hard to hear not-so-positive reviews or critiques of your work. But to improve your craft, you need to learn what you can from feedback (and learn to ignore the trolls).

5. No matter how big your publisher is, you will still need to market your books and build your author platform.

6. It is hard to go it alone. Find your crew who understand the process and the writing life. Your writer friends will celebrate with you and help cheer you up. The best thing I did was to join Sisters in Crime and other writers’ groups.

7. You need to research the business and financial (tax) aspects that affect you and where you live. You may need a professional to help you with the record keeping, business licensing, and other advice.

8. Once you have publications, you need to consult your attorney about what to do with the rights and royalties after you are gone. You need a will if you don’t already have one.

9. When I treated my writing as a hobby, it was hard to get family and friends to understand that this was more than a fun project. Now, I schedule the work and appointments like I do at the day gig.

Writing is tough sometimes and writing for publication is often an adventure. But there is nothing better than seeing your name on the cover when it finally launches into the world.

Building Partnerships

Building strong partnerships in your writer’s life is important. You need a support team. Other writers understand and will help you celebrate the wins and commiserate during the bumpy times.

Find a writer’s group. That is the best thing I did for my writing career. I instantly had a wonderful peer group that shared opportunities, events, and advice.

My first traditionally published mystery credit was from a Sisters in Crime chapter anthology. I met other writers, booksellers, librarians, and a whole bunch of mystery fans from the events that we hosted.

Other writers, especially those in the mystery community, are so generous with their time and advice. They have helped me with blurbs and all kinds of publishing and craft questions.

I have found my critique groups and partners, not to mention folks who plan book events and conference meetups.

Look for writing groups, especially with local chapters. They’ll help you stay plugged into what’s going on in your area. My agent and publishers also have virtual meetings to help their authors network. And if you want to meet people, volunteer to assist with one of their committees or projects.

Writing is often a lonely job. You need a peer group that understands the journey you’re on.

How Planning Can Help You Avoid Plot Holes

There is no one correct writing style. Find what works for you. Here are some things that helped me a long my novel-writing journey.

Before I Start Writing:

• I am a plotter or a planner. I do an outline for each chapter before I start writing the book. It’s usually in paragraph (narrative) form instead of the way your fourth-grade teacher taught you. When I start writing, I make notes all over it.

• I find that I can write much faster, and the story is much more organized if I map it out. When I tried to “pants” it, it took my years to finish the book.

• I mark the funny scenes, red herrings, key mystery points, and romantic elements in different colors, so I can visually see where they are in the story.

The Outline

• This helps me know what happens in each chapter.

• It also causes me to make sure all open items get resolved before the end of the story.

• By thinking through the contents of each chapter, I don’t usually get stuck on a story point that bogs down the writing.

• I still have a day gig, so I write in small chunks in the morning and at lunch. The outlines helps me start and stop a session without having to play too much catch up.

• By the time I start to write, I know the killer, victim, and the motive. I’ve also thought through the motives and means of the other characters.

• The outline helps me see where my story is plausible or just off base.

I usually follow my outlines, but there are time when the characters get their own ideas, and things go off script. The outline also helps me when I have to write the synopsis or marketing materials for the book.

Avoiding Too Much Backstory

I started my writing career as a technical writer for software and processes, and everything had to be explained in detail like a recipe. That was a habit I had to break when I started writing fiction. I put in way too much description, especially about how to do mundane things.

Readers needed to know your characters, but they have don’t have to experience every moment or hear about decades of history.

Here’s what I’ve learned about backstory through the years.

• Sprinkle it in your story. Reveal bits of characterization through dialog and what your protagonist experiences.

• Avoid sounding like a travel brochure or a marketing campaign when you’re describing something.

• When you’re talking about characters or setting, don’t stop the action or the momentum of the story.

• Avoid describing something in minute detail unless it’s important to the story later.

• I do a lot of research ahead of my writing, and I have to fight the urge to add every little detail. Research is important, and you learn so many neat things. Don’t waste what you found. Figure out a way to use it in a newsletter article or a blog post. Readers like to know about behind the scenes things or how you research your work.

• I have to know my main characters before I write. I always create almost a biography for them. I keep it in my character list, so I can refer to it later when I need it. It has things like eye/hair color, birthdate, graduation year, friends, pets, and favorites. There is way more information in there than ever makes it to the book. This helps if you write a series that has reoccurring characters.

Quick Motivators - For When You Don't Feel Like Writing

It’s July! Happy Summer! The weather is warmer, it is vacation time, and I have the urge to go outside and do something. Sometimes, it’s hard to keep your writing routine on track. Here are few ideas that might help.

• Get up earlier than normal to start your writing session. Sometimes, it helps if you finish earlier in the day, and there’s still time to do something else.

• Or flip your day, so you’re inside writing during the hottest part of the afternoon.

• Editing/revising is the hardest part for me. I really have to focus (and stay focused) to make sure all the changes are made. I usually reward myself with a social media break, a walk outside, or a quick research break after I hit a milestone in the process.

• If I really can’t concentrate, I put on my noise-cancelling headphones and listen to relaxing music. I have playlists for every mood (and writing task).

• I always keep a few, small pieces of chocolate on my desk for writing sessions. It’s a nice pick-me-up.

• Take an exercise break when you need to get up and stretch. There are plenty of chair yoga and chair stretch videos online to get your endorphins going.

• And don’t forget to celebrate when you hit your milestones or make your goals.

What would you add to my list?

Mentoring - The Benefits are on Both Sides

I love being a mentor. It’s an honor to get to work with others and assist them with their careers and writing journeys. I enjoy listening to others as they explore their paths and look for opportunities.

Through the years, I’ve been a manager of staff and interns, teacher, coach, and mentor. It takes time and energy and some planning, but I get so much out of these sessions.

It’s always good to have a plan and goals for what each person gets out of the program. It’s also good to set ground rules up front for meeting times and other housekeeping items. I love to talk, but as a mentor, listening is key. I let my partner set the agenda topics, and I check in on goals and progress.

These sessions are great opportunities to get to know others and to talk about the creative things they are doing and to maybe assist with some roadblocks. At work, we often talk about how to navigate the policies and procedures, career paths, and developmental opportunities. When I meet with authors, we usually talk about publishing trends, goals for their work, expectations of readers, and book marketing and promotion.

I have met some amazing people through these mentoring programs over the years. It’s an opportunity to share, and the benefits happen on both sides.