Ten Tips for Writers

Ten Tips for Writers
By Lea Schizas

At times all we need is someone to point the way, to motivate us when we're feeling as though our writing world is crashing down on us. Here are some tips to help you out of a slump.

1. There's a reason why you keep reading this over and over again in almost every writing how-to book: read, read, and then read some more. The fact is the more you read the more you pick up various authors styles, the way they string words together, the way they use most of the five senses, the way they bring their imaginary world to life by their descriptive details. Reading is part of the educational process in order for you to grow as a writer.

2. When you feel as though you've hit a brick wall (avoid clichés-do as I say and not what I do) then put down your manuscript and walk away for a spell. A bit of distance to clear your mind allows you to come back refreshed and hopefully unblocked.

3. When looking over your manuscript, look at it objectively. Put away your writer's hat and wear your reader's chapeau. Is your work fully fleshed out? Are your characters believable? Does the setting make an impression on you? Can you tell what period the story is set? As a reader, you know what a good book entails so jot down several questions you'd like to have answered once you're work is done as a writer, sit down, and answer them honestly. Best tip is to get someone else to review it and answer those questions, as well.

4. Don't wait until your book is published to begin marketing yourself or the book. Build yourself a website and begin promoting yourself, or rather, brand yourself as a writer. Write articles/stories and sub them to various outlets. Get some publishing credits. You need to begin the hype about your book before it hits the bookstores.

5. Begin researching various publishers suitable for your book now. At the same time, begin to research agents who deal with your genre. Don't waste your time and theirs by submitting a manuscript not suitable for their guidelines. READ guidelines carefully and adhere to them.

6. Rejections are part of a writer's life. Get over it.

7. Did I mention to read, read, and then read some more?

8. Remember why you write and have fun. Don't give yourself ridiculous deadlines or goal plans. Think through your commitments before you accept them.

9. Join a writer's group and a critique group. They are valuable areas to help you finetune your writing.

10. Don't sit and think too much about what to write next. There are different methods for different writers and you need to figure out if you are:
A- the type who needs to outline the whole story before you write or
B- the one who writes the whole story down while it's fresh in your head and then worry about the filling in stage and editing.
I fall in the B category.

Author's Bio: Lea Schizas is an award-winning author/editor. She is the author of the Young adult novels: The Rock of Realm (fantasy/adventure), and Doorman's Creek (paranormal suspense/thriller). For more information on all of her award-winning sites and newsletters, link here: http://leaschizaseditor.com