AUTHOR | HISTORIAN | ARTIST

skasse:

Writing a book is easy

• 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.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Hope everyone gets to enjoy some festivities today!