Some Advice on Writing

Two years ago I decided I wanted to write. I was so naive that I thought whatever I wrote would be good. I had taken English in high school and college, so it had to be good. Little did I know that so many things had changed in the last da-da-da years. So here are some things I am learning along the way.

1. TAKE CLASSES. That cannot be emphasised enough. Right now I am taking two online and two as I can at home. Why? I want to be a sponge and help someone else learn how to write. When you are studying anything, your brain gets the exercise it needs to keep you young. I also want to be a good writer.

Things have changed in the publishing world. There are ways to write that were okay ten of fifteen years ago that are not now. In older books, I see a lot of head hopping and several Point of Views in different paragraphs. These paragraphs are not separated by chapters or scenes. It makes it difficult to read. In fact, I just quit reading one book because of that.

2. GET GOOD BOOKS. One of my favorite is a 'Flip Dictionary' that will give me different words to use and increase my vocabulary. Anything by James Scott Bell. He is so easy to read and he is also very knowledgeable. Take a college English class if you can. Listen to what other authors and writers say.

3. STUDY PUBLISHERS. I have a favorite publisher. I have read their guidelines for submitting a manuscript. Not only have I read theirs, but I have read other publishers that I like. I read a lot of this one publisher's books. I have my favorite authors and I can't wait for their books to come out, then I devour them.

4. MAKE A SCHEDULE. This is the only way I can find time to write. I schedule everything, dinner, dishes, cleaning and most importantly writing. My husband works third shift, for a little while longer, and I have the luxury to write after he leaves for work. Work your schedule. Someone said the other day that housework and writing does not mix. That is correct, unless you have a plan. Right now, my house is a big mess. I will schedule time to clean up on Friday. Why Friday? My husband will be sleeping and I can get it done.

I'll have more tips tomorrow. These are things that help me.