6 Tips for New Writers, guest post by Annette Marie
1. It
isn’t just about writing. Getting that first draft done is only a small part of
the job. I spend at least as much time or more on revisions—lots and lots of
revisions! A painting isn’t one layer of paint, and a book takes many passes to
reach a final product.
2. Writing
gets better, but it doesn’t get easier. I’ve learned so much since I began this
journey, but no matter how many good days I have where the sentences flow like
magic, sometimes every word is a struggle. Even after fifteen books, I still have
bad days. The only thing to do is keep writing—push through the tough periods
until you find the magic again.
3. Publishing
a book is terrifying. For my first book, I think I had more butterflies waiting
for that first review to appear on Amazon than I did when I was about to walk
down the aisle at my own wedding. But by the time the book is up for sale, its
success is out of your hands. There’s nothing left to do, so channel that
excess energy into writing the next book.
4.
Reader reviews can be awesome—or they can break your heart. One of
the most rewarding experiences for an author is to hear how much readers loved
their book. But no book is universally appealing and there will always be
readers who don’t like it, or even hate it. Enjoy the good reviews, but don’t
even read the bad ones. Save yourself the bullet holes.
5.
Other authors are your allies! Since I started publishing, I’ve
discovered a whole community of talented, generous, and amazing authors. So
many are delighted to help their fellow writers with everything from beta
reading to sharing insider tips to offering much needed consolation when you
have a bad day. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
6.
Be prepared to work harder than ever. I pour more hours into
writing and publishing than I ever spent on a regular desk job. To make writing
into a full-time career requires a huge commitment of time, effort, and
energy—including emotional energy. It’s demanding, but absolutely worth
it.
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