As a writer, I always appreciate advice from other authors.
But when I’m asked for my own writing tips, I glance over my shoulder, because
surely there’s a famous author standing behind me. Still, there are a few bits
of advice I can offer.
Surround yourself with people better than you.
This is how you’ll improve. And you can always improve.
Network
Friends make the world a sweeter place. Friends can give you
endless ideas about how to move forward in your career. And, finally, to get
support, you must give support. Read your friend’s books. You’ll learn much.
Trust your instincts and intuition.
Follow your creative impulses—they’ll always be right and
true. But be more business-like and discerning during the editing process and
the subsequent marketing of a book. Don’t crumble at the first sign of
criticism.
Learn the craft.
This will be an ongoing process that never ends. You’ll make
mistakes. Learn from them and move on.
The 80% Rule
If a story is 80% good enough, I send it off to the editor.
With good editing, I strive to bring it up to 95%. It’s impossible to reach
perfection, so stop tweaking and release your creation to the world.
Be authentic.
As an author, as a writer, and as a person. You are your writing. At the same time,
your job is to be as invisible as possible within the work itself. Dig into
your characters and plot. Embrace research.
Follow your own path.
Your journey won’t look like anyone else’s, so don’t compare
yourself to another author.
Have fun.
If playing with words and stories wasn’t buried deep in your
bones, you wouldn’t be doing it in the first place. There are no limitations,
really, so don’t place any on yourself.
Be humble. Be curious. Be grateful.
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