WRITING TIPS

  • Write for yourself, not to please someone else. It’s like buying a work of art. While a work of art can be purchased as an investment, the real value is in buying a piece you can enjoy. Similarly, the true enjoyment from writing comes from satisfying yourself, not in trying to guess what the market is looking for. Only then will your passion shine.
  • The most realistic dialogue or reactions in a scene, for me anyway, come from placing myself in a given situation. Although I will probably never find myself in some of the situations I write about (at least I hope not), I still try to imagine how I would act or what I would say. I believe it adds a measure of credibility and more realism.
  • Writing is only half the battle. Authors need to make readers aware of their books. Get ready to promote!
  • Life experiences give us something to write about but writing gives us life experiences. The more experience we have, the more likely we are to have topics to write about. However, the highs and lows of writing, putting ourselves out there, taking the negatives with the positives, branching out into new areas, such as promotion, are all experiences that have an impact on our lives. It works both ways.
  • While an author is slaving away writing their masterpiece, they should also be setting aside some money to hire a good editor. The author shouldn’t be afraid to check references and to ask the editor what they consider editing to be to ensure it’s in line with expectations. Suggested changes should be viewed objectively and given strong consideration before accepting or rejecting them. The end result will be a good working relationship and a product that will win readers over and encourage them to want to read more from the author. Most of all, the author will be happier with the result.
  • Inspiration for writing is everywhere: newspaper articles, documentaries, friends, family, travel… Take note of your surroundings and allow yourself to take it all in to be inspired.
  • My favorite reviews mention that the reader was unable to put the book down or that the book was a “page-turner.” That means I have done my job as a writer. I try to end each chapter with a hook so that the reader won’t know what’s going to happen next unless they keep reading. If someone tells me they lost sleep because of my book, I’m happy. It’s that teaser at the end of each chapter that will keep them up at night.
  • Receiving an email announcing your book has been recognized with an award can be one of the most satisfying experiences of your writing career. But it’s the long-term benefits that are really worthwhile. All of a sudden, your writing resume can say you are an “award-winner.” Your book has added credibility. You can add a sticker to the cover of your book to make it stand out. Most literary award contest providers will feature your book in their publications, tweet about your award and post it on other social media. Competing with other books to stand out is not easy so every opportunity to go to the head of the class is one that can’t be missed.
  • Before I started writing, I would rarely, if ever, leave a review for a book I had read. I just didn’t realize the importance. I didn’t know that 20 reviews on Amazon triggers their system to display a book in their “Also bought” or “You might also like” lists. It gets even better. 50 – 70 reviews and Amazon will feature a book in the Spotlight segments or in its newsletter. Readers look at these things! It’s important for authors to find reviews. It’s not easy. People are reluctant to do it because it might take too much time. They have to be convinced it only takes a few minutes. But we, as authors, also have an obligation. There is no excuse for us. We know how valuable it is to receive a review. So we have to make sure we always leave one when we read a book.
  • Createspace recently posted a quote on Facebook that you should write the book you would want to read. I couldn’t agree more. It makes the writing experience more enjoyable and your heart and sole will go into it whether you realize it is happening or not.
  • If you are writing a crime novel, jot down some questions about the police procedures and verify them with your local police service. I found them to be a wealth of information and very willing to help. Police detectives read too and they want to see accuracy in crime novels. Don’t just guess. Ask for help and get it right.