Starr Writing Tips:
1. Put in writing what you know or are interested in. You may have a treasury of good ideas you can draw from your own life experiences. If you have great ideas for a best seller but have little or no knowledge or interest in the subject that means RESEARCH. And a lot of it. Chances are you will never complete the first draft of your manuscript. Writing a novel is a long process and self-motivation will play a major role in being able to finally write the end. Lack of interest in the subject equals lack of motivation.
2. Write. Sit down and write. Don’t worry about what people will think, don’t worry about rules, and don’t back up to read what you’ve already written. Just write. Let the story flow from your mind to the page. Don’t try to edit as you go. Editing will come later. If you try to edit as you write you take the chance of blocking your creative mind.
3. Join a Writer’s group. This is crucial for your success. Family and friends are great encouragers, and may think your story is the best and in dire need of publication. They may be absolutely right, but before you’re tempted to send your first draft to an agent, editor or publisher get some unbiased opinions from others who write. These will be your best critiques as members of a writer’s group won’t be afraid to hurt your feelings with suggestions and comments.
4. Toughen Up. Your writing is a progressive learning craft. There is always room for improvement. Allow critiques from your group members to work for you. If you are out for self-glory and a pat on the back for a job half-done then stop where you are and let those close to you give you what you’re after. If you’re serious about getting your story polished to shine and professionally published then rub on the thick-skin lotion and fasten your seatbelt for an enjoyable but tough ride.
5. Expect Criticism. Ouch... Yes, it hurts when someone casually suggests you delete two paragraphs or even pages you worked on day and night for an entire week choosing just the right words to describe the emotional scene that will lead into the next chapter. Keep your seatbelt on, and let the suggestion go for a day or two and then go back and read it again. They may be right; the story may flow better without it. If you get the same feedback from two or three critiques then definitely give consideration to the suggestions. In the end, the story is yours and you have the final say as to what you change and what you keep. But remember, it is an extremely competitive business and if your story is good it is unlikely to be published. There is an abundance of good stories out there, yours has to be better than good—it has to be great.
6. Read. Become as well read as you possibly can. Read books on writing, as well as books in your genre. Read e-zine articles, writer’s blogs, and author interviews. Read a variety of subjects both fiction and nonfiction including the Bible. The Bible is a collection of books written by various writers covering a diversity of genres. The knowledge and wisdom you’ll obtain from this one book trumps all other reading materials, but no matter what you select to put on your book list-- never stop reading and never stop writing.
7. Don’t Limit God. Keep writing. Keep editing. Keep learning. Your chance to be published only stops when you do.
