Writing advice for #NaNoWriMo folks and anyone else who ever wanted to write a book!

Since it is NaNoWriMo month, this is my best advice for anyone who wants to write a novel.

1) Write what you love.

There are two basic problems with writing for the market is that you limit yourself as a writer AND writing a saleable book and getting it published takes time. By the time you get your opus to market, the market has probably moved on.

 

2) Hard work trumps inspiration.

Inspiration is fickle. Hard work matters. I’m telling you, if you want to be an author only one thing matters: butt in chair and words on a page. Enough said.

 

3) Focus on the present.

Stop thinking about seeing your book on TV. Don’t look at previous triumphs and failures. They don’t matter anymore to your current project than your jerk of a sophomore English Teacher who said you can’t string two sentences together. Focus on the ‘right-now’ and the right now it is your job to put words on a page.

And once that novel is completed…

4) Face rejection/critiques like an ADULT.

We all face it. We all have ways to deal with it. Be sad, that’s natural, but realize after every rejection there is a next step. Take that step. And if you get rejection with personal feedback, read it closely. Is there something to be gleaned from this?

 

5) Face success like an ADULT.

Don’t shove your successes into other people’s face. Be humble, because another failure is just around the corner.  Marketing takes work–almost as much work as writing the damn thing. Anyone who says its easy is generally trying to sell you a book on how to market your book.

There is the myth of “If I just get my foot in the door…” It’s a myth. My second book The Martlet was rejected over 30 times. I thought once I was published the first time the next time it would be easier. Nope.

So good luck, and get writing, everyone!

And please feel free to add your own writing advice in the comments if you wish!

 

Writer’s Block

So many people ask how have I conquered the dreaded beast known as Writer’s Block?

First of all, I am one of those people who just work through it. Generally I have writer’s block because of the new and shiny idea which is trying to wrangle my attention away from my current project. So I give myself an hour to work on new shiny idea and then set it aside until my current project is over.

 Sometimes when I am stuck on an idea, I go on long walks with my dogs and talk out the problem. They like it because I am talking with them.  Strangers don’t bother me, because I obviously am having deep discussions with two dogs. 😉

If I can’t or don’t feel like leaving the house, I get up and clean the house. A clean house can clean out my mind.

I also create lego structures. 

Things I have heard from other authors:

Keep a journal. You must make writing a habit.

Go to the library and read something new and exciting that interests you.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Geek Girl Con Presentation

Here is me doing the How to Write (and Finish) a novel at GeekGirlCon!
Photo Taken by Alan Tauber