It's been a decade since my first book was published in April 2009. What have I learned?
Here they are, the first 5 of 10 writing tips learned from my decade as a writer, on my publisher's blog:
- 1. Write the story that torments you. Writing is a lonely, often difficult journey, so tell stories you love, that inspire or even torment you, and keep you up at night. That passion will carry you through to the finish line.
- 2. Finish it. There’s a lot of craft in writing endings. Also, sometimes it’s only when a manuscript is finished that I realize what the story is actually about.
- 3. You’ll despair. Creative doubt is a real thing. There may be a writer out there who never doubts their skill … but I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve felt like I have no idea what I’m doing, especially at the start of something new.
- 4. Hang out with other writers. Talk books, story, and craft, because writers will get you. They’ll inspire you, too.
- 5. Brace yourself: you’ll get a bad review now and then. We all do, it’s part of the job of being a writer. BUT … you’ll get good reviews, too. Here’s a 10% rule: even the most beloved author of all time (insert favourite writer here) has about a 90% approval rating (give or take) on book sites. So on average, roughly 10% of readers won’t like a book, no matter what it is. There will be people who DO love your book though. Embrace them. Thank them. Remember them.
For the rest of my "10 Writing Tips", read on at my publisher's website:
Thanks everyone for the fantastic ride, it's been a great 10 years! Also, many thanks to the Dundurn Press marketing team, and publicist Elham A., for all the hard work this month helping me celebrate!
More April 2019/10th Anniversary Celebrations on this Blog:
Listen to The Gargoyle Shuffle, music by the author and editor (Allister Thompson)
Listen to the author read two chapters of the book:
Chapter 5, Ballerinas and Daisies
No comments:
Post a Comment