Writers can never get enough tips and advice from their peers. In an effort to give back from my own experiences here is a list of 20 things I’ve learnt.
1) If you don’t enjoy writing, stop and look for a new job/hobby.
2) You will always look back and think that you can improve what you’ve already written.
3) When selling books to strangers, Book covers are more important than your blurb and often more important than your story.
4) Anyone who says ‘write everyday’ obviously hasn’t got a full time job and a family.
5) That being said, write when you can, as often as you can. Even if it is only 200 words.
6) Your back, neck, hands and arms will suffer. Maintain posture and take breaks!
7) Don’t write what you think will sell, write what you WANT to write. Otherwise it will be rubbish.
8) You are way more excited about your writing than your friends and family. Remember not to talk about it all the time.
9) If someone is helping you with reading/editing make sure you really show them how much you appreciate it.
10) There is nothing wrong with tropes and clichés as long as what you write is entertaining.
11) Finishing a story is hard. Every time you do, pop a bottle of champagne to celebrate.
12) Some people plan, some people write as it comes to them. Neither approach is wrong or right.
13) Grammar is incredibly important. Don’t trust your spellchecker.
14) Writing can be isolating. Make sure you step outside into the real world just as much as you step into your imagination.
15) Reading for enjoyment is one of the most important tasks for someone who intends to write what others will enjoy.
16) Set yourself small goals. My first goal was to get 1 single person I didn’t know to read my work. So far I’m doing alright!
17) Even with a lot of hard work, it’s tough to make a living out of writing. But never give up.
18) It is very easy for us to become overly critical. Be careful in how you judge the writing of others.
19) Google really is your friend.
20) Stop to smell the roses every once and a while. Then get back to the keyboard, you’ve got writing to do!
Remember the most important piece of advice, don’t take someone else’s opinions, tips or advice as gospel. Different things work for different people and different people have different tastes. Find your own happy spot and just don’t forget to never stop learning.
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Blotting Away 