Nancy S. Brandt
#1. Don't do this if your plan is to make a lot of money. Do it because you can't imagine NOT doing it.
#2. Give up the idea that you won't let anyone change your words - not if you want to be published. I've seen too many authors ignore the advice of their editors because they are convinced their words are golden, and generally, those authors don't see their books published unless they do it themselves. No one is perfect, especially new writers. Everyone can benefit from editing and constructive (important word) criticism.
#3. Keep writing, reading, and learning as much as you can about the craft. Never get to a point where you think you know it all.
#4. Write from your heart. Write the book YOU want to write, not whatever the latest trend is. Readers are smart and will know if you truly love your characters or are just following whatever the latest trend is.
#5. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, cheer for your, and support you. Surround yourself with people who understand you as well. Mom will tell you your work is wonderful, don't change a thing, but another author will challenge you to go beyond the cliche to the truly original.
#6. Polish your work until it's the best it can be, but at some point you have to declare the work finished and move on to the next project.
#2. Give up the idea that you won't let anyone change your words - not if you want to be published. I've seen too many authors ignore the advice of their editors because they are convinced their words are golden, and generally, those authors don't see their books published unless they do it themselves. No one is perfect, especially new writers. Everyone can benefit from editing and constructive (important word) criticism.
#3. Keep writing, reading, and learning as much as you can about the craft. Never get to a point where you think you know it all.
#4. Write from your heart. Write the book YOU want to write, not whatever the latest trend is. Readers are smart and will know if you truly love your characters or are just following whatever the latest trend is.
#5. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, cheer for your, and support you. Surround yourself with people who understand you as well. Mom will tell you your work is wonderful, don't change a thing, but another author will challenge you to go beyond the cliche to the truly original.
#6. Polish your work until it's the best it can be, but at some point you have to declare the work finished and move on to the next project.
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