The Real Writer – A Do’s and Don’ts Guide #5

On October 30, 2012October 30, 2012 By AdminIn Real WriterLeave a comment

We’ve finished the four Don’ts – time now to have a look at the corresponding Do’s. First up:

Real writers do the trade every day.

Any number of author voices more resonant than mine have extolled the virtues of turning up. Stephen King advocated “bum glue”. Jane Yolen referred to “exercising the writing muscle”. Lawrence Kasdan suggested “being a writer is like having homework every night for the rest of your life”. No doubt engaging with your story on a daily basis is a must. But what’s the deal for emerging authors: the folks who are chasing creativity behind jobs and kids and mortgages and slush piles and rejection slips, whose days are invariably full while their pages are often empty?

Continue reading “The Real Writer – A Do’s and Don’ts Guide #5” →

The Real Writer – A Do’s and Don’ts Guide #4

On October 10, 2012 By AdminIn Real WriterLeave a comment

Real writers don’t leave work unfinished.

During my emerging author days, a noted publishing industry insider told me: “You’d be amazed at the number of writers you get ahead of just by finishing.” Another informed me: “There is only one truism in publishing – if you never finish the story, you’ll never see the book.” Finishing is important, just as important as starting. And many argue it’s a lot tougher than its ‘creative honeymoon’ counterpart.

Continue reading “The Real Writer – A Do’s and Don’ts Guide #4” →