The beginning of a story is relatively easy. The
idea is fresh, and it’s exciting thinking up character names and placing them
in a setting. However, once you hit that first plot point, you’re going to need
to dig deep to continue with and finish your story.
Every writer writes shit out of the gate. Give
yourself permission to write crap, don’t obsess over sentences. Sometimes a
particular scene does not work the first time, that’s what editing is for.
You will learn more from finishing a book than
rewriting the same chapter over and over.
There is a right/wrong way to write a book
Every craft book, youtube video, podcast, and writing
blog you’ll come across is one way of doing it, not THE way of doing it.
Figure yourself out as a writer. Dabble with
different methods and find what works for you, personalize your craft to fit
your own style.
You have to write fast to succeed
Writers need to put out their best book, no
matter how long it takes.
Be honest with yourself, build time in your
schedule to write and take note of how long it takes you to complete a book from
plotting, to drafting, to editing.
Writers progress at different rates, don’t
compare someone’s pace to your own.
There is a best way to publish
There is no right or wrong way to publish,
understand the industry and what you can handle.
If you have no time or interest to produce your
book so it’s market ready – go traditional
If you want to retain full creative control of
your book – self publish.
Keep in mind you can cross publish, meaning
traditionally publish some books and self-publish others. You don’t have to stick to one form of
publishing.
Following trends will lead to success
From draft to publication is a lengthy progress.
Trends change fast, following them and producing a quality book in record time
is near impossible.
When you write a book, be prepared to re-write
that book at least five times. Writing something you love as opposed to chasing
a trend will make that job a lot easier.
Success will come from producing a quality book
in a genre and market that you love, not from chasing what is currently en vogue.