How to write

I cannot believe how often I get asked for advice on writing. It has become worse since my latest story came out. I am the scum on the proverbial writing world's shoe. If I ever get promoted to a sock, I'll rejoice. But I think the tiara on top is beyond me. Point being, I am the last person you should be asking what to do in regards to becoming a writer. But since you asked...

Let me introduce you to Jennifer Weiner who is a strange breed of not only being able to write well, but also has a flair for writing popular entertaining fiction that sells. Thus, she makes money. On her website is her advice. Click here. 

I cannot agree enough how important / useful it is to read On Writing by Stephen King, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, and if you are really ambitious: Opposite of Fate by Amy Tan and Negotiating with the Dead by Margaret Atwood. (And yes, those are the authors' websites - click on their names and have a good look). 

Other tips have recently been provided: The Guardian did a lovely series. As is a South African blog. Not all writers agree, but it still helps and is interesting! Click on 'em. 

And what do I think...well, I agree with so much that is already said, that there is little left to say. So I'll give you this:

1 - Be stubborn.

If you don't keep at it, nobody will do it for you. Nobody is looking for you. Nobody cares. So unless you put yourself out there nothing will ever happen.

After you put yourself out there you will get rejections. Some are useful. Most are not. In fact, most are curt and faceless. They even make rejection bookmarks these days. (Isn't that sweet? It's so they don't have to take the time to fold the rejection.)

There will be people you love and adore that will be rude to you. There will be people you love and adore that will never read you. Yes, that at times hurts. But you must get over it (mostly). You will fall on your face - get up and try again. And again...and again...

2 - Make a space for yourself.

It does not have to be pretty. At one point my husband (God bless him!) cornered off a stair landing. Small house. Baby-gates and creative carpentry gave me an office. Small and no real door - but it was mine. Find your mine space. 

3 - Time management.

You will never "have time" to write. You simply must write. There is always something else you could be doing right then. Almost everyone you know will have a suggestion for "better use" of your time. Unless you are famous, most people will ignore the fact you are working. Be firm! This is your writing time - tell them to go away!

I don't clean the house very well. I never have. It eats time. Thankfully we can now afford to have somebody help me with that. But when she doesn't show...the house just gets dirty. I believe a certain amount of dirt is healthy. And while I do believe laundry is important - I do not iron. Ever.

4. Read

If you don't read, then why should anybody read you? Enough said.

5. Writing fiction is often a good way to lose money

Some people make money writing fiction. Most do not. I am related to somebody who makes money writing - she writes textbooks. And if you need the money - I recommend! She picks her hours, so long as she meets her deadlines, and gets to work from home.

I mostly lose money. Cost of time, internet, paper, ink...more than I make.

Writing may not make cents, but I can't stop. If you, too, feel this way, then grab a pen, my friend, and get writing right along.
 

 

Comments

[Pamela Moeng]

Great blog and very helpful. Know what you mean about writing, like a scab you can't stop picking. The words are there and you're forced to let them out, either a trickle or a gush. Looking forward to the day I have a sectioned off stair landing since I do most of my writing standing up or adding insult to injury for my dodgy back by writing in bed. :-)

[tiah]

I am so glad you commented on this - realised I'd spelled King's first name wrong. ACH! All fixed now :-)