Mary E. Pearson
1. Read. A lot. Of course if you're on Goodreads you're probably already doing that. Yay!
2. Reread your favorite books a second or even a third time. On rereads you can see more of the structure of the book and just "how" the author builds this story that captured your attention.
3. Write. Try to write everyday if you can, even if it's only a few words. It keeps the creative juices churning. Writing begets writing. My mantra on days I am not in the "mood" to write is "just write ten words." Butt-in-chair is the hardest part, and ten words always turns into more.
4. Become your own best critic. Step away from your finished manuscript for a while, and when you return to it, revise with a fresh eye. Find a like-minded group of writers like yourself and trade critiques. Listen for recurring suggestions and questions. Those are probably your weak areas and every writer has them.
5. That said, don't expect perfection with a first draft. It may only look like a big lump of clay at first--but now the fun begins. Second, third, fourth (and many more drafts) are where you get to play with this clay and shape it into something beautiful.
6. Don't give up. I have seen many aspiring writers give up on their manuscripts half way through because they feel lost. I call it the muddle. Don't feel like it's just you--we all feel like this--with every single book. Keep going. Trust the process. You will find your way.
7. Now go write! Even if it's only ten words!
2. Reread your favorite books a second or even a third time. On rereads you can see more of the structure of the book and just "how" the author builds this story that captured your attention.
3. Write. Try to write everyday if you can, even if it's only a few words. It keeps the creative juices churning. Writing begets writing. My mantra on days I am not in the "mood" to write is "just write ten words." Butt-in-chair is the hardest part, and ten words always turns into more.
4. Become your own best critic. Step away from your finished manuscript for a while, and when you return to it, revise with a fresh eye. Find a like-minded group of writers like yourself and trade critiques. Listen for recurring suggestions and questions. Those are probably your weak areas and every writer has them.
5. That said, don't expect perfection with a first draft. It may only look like a big lump of clay at first--but now the fun begins. Second, third, fourth (and many more drafts) are where you get to play with this clay and shape it into something beautiful.
6. Don't give up. I have seen many aspiring writers give up on their manuscripts half way through because they feel lost. I call it the muddle. Don't feel like it's just you--we all feel like this--with every single book. Keep going. Trust the process. You will find your way.
7. Now go write! Even if it's only ten words!
More Answered Questions
Chelsea
asked
Mary E. Pearson:
From the moment I picked up Scribbler of Dreams I knew you were my all time favorite author. With every new book of yours I've read, I become more and more entranced in your characters and stories. My question for you is do you ever do book signings? And if so when will you be in the Midwest or Pacific Northwest? Or is it possible to mail a book to you and have it signed and sent back?
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Dec 11, 2019 10:11AM · flag
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