It's week 51. Only one more week to go in this year's challenge. Thanks for hanging in there with us. This week's topic is "What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?"
There are books filled with advice of how to write the best seller. Sometimes the information is valuable, other times it's just common sense. It could make you rich or fill the coffers of the one who wrote the book. However, after filtering through all the advice I've given, or received, over the years, I'll just give one. For other "words of wisdom" see the other posts in the challenge.
When you start putting thoughts to paper or sit down at a keyboard, eventually there is a question you have to answer for yourself, because no one else can. Do you write for fun, to make a living, or because you “can’t not write.” The answer can help guide you to the publication method that works best for you. Today’s writers have a wide variety of paths to publications.Listen to your muse to see where she (or he) will take your imagination. And if they talk to you, don't forget to listen to your characters.
Writing may be hard and solitary but don’t give up.
~till next time, keep writing and may the muse visit you fruitfully and often. Helen
Update:
Mary McCoy-Dressel
Robin Michaela
Spot on advice, Helen. Never give up. Thanks for sharing. I like your "Reasons" at the top.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's easier to give advice than take it. The hardest to follow for me is never give up.
DeletePersistence is critical! Good post, Helen.
ReplyDeletewhen I first started writing, all you had to do was tell a good story. Next the rule became the characters had to change, to overcome something. Now, years later, I realize authors have to overcome even more than their characters.
DeleteVery good post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
DeleteYes, listen to your muse and hope her whispers are of the popular variety, rather than merely 'oddball'.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with odd-ball. It could become a cult following. Best luck with your sales.
DeleteGood advice. Here's hoping my muse has a Best Seller slot for me someday! :)
ReplyDeleteHope your muse leads you to your dreams. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteWhy we write is a critical piece of our individual journey, and why we do what we do, the way we do it. Great insight.
ReplyDeleteOne of the first questions I always ask when giving a lecture or class on insights into the publishing world is why do you write glad it resonated. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteWonderful advice. Everyone starts writing for different reasons and those reasons may change over the years. Holding on to what motivates you is important.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point that the reason someone becomes an author can change over the years. Thanks for sharing.
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