#PMInc 11th Anniversary Guest Author:
Pamela S Thibodeaux
When I was invited to write for Personalized Marketing Inc’s blog, I wondered what on earth could I say that you haven’t already heard or, for that matter, something I haven’t already said and/or written about. So I thought I’d just recap some of my most valuable writing advice. Here goes….
Read. Read extensively in your genre and out. Take note of phrases & descriptions that capture your imagination or make your heart sing and mind race. I’ve yet to meet a writer who isn’t an avid reader!
Write. Doesn’t matter if it’s daily, weekly, or 2-3 days a month, just make time to write consistently. Don’t worry if it’s dribble to begin with just write. Whether you’re at a desk, the kitchen table, the library, or a coffee shop, get in the habit of sitting in your writing space and putting words on paper (or computer, or notebook, or i-pad)…You get my drift. Forget the rules and write the book you want to read! You can always check for publisher guidelines and edit/revise your project to fit, but those first drafts can be whatever you want them to be!
Edit. Most projects need a minimum of 3 edits…. Initial where you layer in descriptions, the five senses, etc. Second pass where you check for plot holes and pacing. Third round where you check for grammar, punctuation, etc. Make sure you take at least two weeks to a month between edits! If you don’t, chances are you’ll miss mistakes that could cost you a contract or precious time in edits after the contract. While you’re letting this one cool, start another! Keep several projects in the works at all times so you don’t worry this one to death.
Query/Submit. At some point you’ve got to turn that baby loose. Even if your initial submission is to a critique partner or group, don’t let fear stop you from getting the feedback necessary to help you grow as a writer and produce the best work you can. Read the last two sentences above – they apply here too. Keep writing while you wait to hear back from your submission.
Revise, Re-submit, Resale. This applies mostly to articles and essays but sometimes you can even revise/rewrite a story and sell it elsewhere. Make sure you abide by any current or previous contract limitations and if someone doesn’t normally take reprints, be sure to let them know the extent of changes you’ve made that add a whole new twist to the version you’re querying about or submitting to them.
Promote. Okay you’ve sold a book or two or a dozen articles. There will be no (or very few) sales, reviews, or new opportunities, if you don’t let people know! Set up a website, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon Author Page. Spend a few hours a week building your fan base and readership. When you do a book signing or speaking engagement, ask for the name and address (email too) of everyone who buys a book! This is your readership. Ask to add them to your mailing/newsletter list. Don’t bombard them but keep in touch on a regular basis, whether that is monthly, quarterly or even annually.
These tips and hints apply to the craft of writing but here are a few more….
Keep good records. Writing is a business and even unpublished authors can claim business expenses such as office supplies, ink, business cards, etc. Check with a CPA or tax preparer and don’t miss out on these valuable deductions especially when you begin to make money!
Take Care of Yourself. Sometimes life throws us a curve ball or hand grenade and we have a hard time focusing on writing. Don’t worry about your career at this point. Take the time you need to recover and/or regroup and start over. Real writers never quit. We may take an extended leave of absence but at some point, we always return to our passion.
And last but certainly not least…
Don’t Quit! Writing is a gift and a talent given to you by God. Don’t hide your gift or bury your talent.
Purchase Links:
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Smashwords: http://bit.ly/16sLHL9
Thank you SO much for inviting me to be on your blog! I pray this advice touches hearts and impacts lives and careers as you do every day.
Good luck and God’s blessings to ALL
PamT
Wonderful tips and reminders! Very thorough!
An excellent post – a very clear statement of what all writers should know and do. Thank you.
Hello Janis,
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your comment.
Hello Pamela,
So great to have you back again. Thank you for snaring some great advice with our readers.
Thanks so much Joy and Janis for stopping by!
Good luck and God’s blessings to you both
PamT
Wise words are meant to be repeated. Thanks for reminding me of some of the basics. They can be easily overlooked in the mire of so many other writing distractions.
Hello Mary,
Thank you for your comment and stopping by to visit Pamela.
Pam,
Excellent advice! Sensible and useful information.
Hello Jacqueline, thank you for stopping by and visiting with Pamela.
Pam, Great suggestions! Even if you’ve heard these before, it takes about 7 xs to remember and turn these into auto pilot habits! This would be a great theme for a Tues. Chat on WRP. Everyone must have a couple good suggestions that work well for them–which didn’t occur to other writers??
Hello CJ, glad that you are enjoying the #PMInc 11th Anniversary Blog Theme.
Thanks for stopping by and visiting Pamela.
Pamela,
We have loved having you visit with us and reading your advice. We look forward to having you on #PMInc again in the future.
Have a blessed weekend everyone.
Personalized Marketing Inc
All good advice! Thanks for sharing!
You’re right Mary, it is easy to get away from the basics amid other writing/publishing distractions!
Jacqueline, I’m so glad you found my advice useful and sensible.
Yeah, CJ this would make a great topic of conversation! Feel free to use it. Let me know and I’ll do my best to join in.
THANKS ladies for stopping by. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Good luck and God’s blessings to each of you
PamT
Thanks so much for the advice, Pamela, most of it is things most authors are aware of but it is all too easy to forget or overlook, especially the advice about revising, in the excitement of having finished a piece of work and itching to send it off (I’m guilty of the opposite, revising and re-editing and not wanting to ‘let go’!) The last piece of advice is especially important – thanks and blessings!
Good advice, Pam.
Oh Alina & Hywela so glad you dropped by and found the advice useful!
Thank you both!
Good luck and God’s blessings to you two
PamT