I’m always curious to read the advice of other authors, both unpublished and published. I’ve had several books out now and have garnered my own briefcase full of things I have learned not only myself, but also by observing others. And so I thought I’d share….
In no particular order:
- Write what you want to write even if it is not a popular trend. Publishing is cylindrical and eventually what you love to write will be in demand.
- Be true to your characters. Let them do and say what they want. Don’t control them.
- Remember reviews are another person’s opinion, and everyone is entitled to one.
- Further to that, you are entitled to an opinion as well, but never trash talk another author or his/her work. It is rude and lacks class.
- Be careful of what you say in public (especially at conferences/conventions/book signings). Someone is always listening.
- Write a first draft all the way through without going back. It’s called a first draft for a reason.
- Join a writing organization. It is a great way to network and learn the business.
- Never be afraid to “color outside the lines”. In other words—take chances!
- Take constructive criticism from a select few people who you trust.
- Be kind and thoughtful to those you meet on the climb up. You never know who might pass you by some day.
Remember even the best of the best still suffer from insecurity. Have faith and stay the course. Push through and eventually you WILL see the benefits!
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I am the daughter of the first female POTUS, and today is about to become the longest day of my life…
24 hours—that’s how much time I have to save my mother before terrorists assassinate her. But now my father and brother are missing, too. This goes deeper than anyone thinks. Only someone on the inside would know how to pull this off—how to make the entire First Family disappear.
I can’t trust anyone, so it’s up to me to uncover the conspiracy and stop these madmen. Because little do they know, they picked the wrong person to terrorize.
My name is Sophie Washington, and I will not be a victim. No one, I repeat no one, is taking me or my family down. But the clock is ticking…