DOS

 

1. Start small. Try writing a short story. Many writers began that way. A good short story forces you to create strong characters and a good plot with limited number of pages. You need to develop character and plot from the start right through to the finish.

 

2. Search for a writing class or writers group near where you live or on line. You can learn a great deal from other writers about story building, character voice and story lines. Other writers can keep you writing when you are feeling doubtful about your skills. They can be inspiring and very supportive.

3. Keep notes. Often you will have an idea for a story or a character and will tell yourself you’ll remember it later, the truth is you won’t, so write it down. That way you will have a list of ideas to use in your stories.

 

4. Write every day. You wouldn’t attempt a ski jump without practising would you? Writing takes practice. It doesn’t have to be great writing, you just have to write.

 

5. Read books on writing. Successful authors are willing to share, find their help books and read them. Take suggestions from them that you think will work for you. Try Stephen King’s, A Memoir of the Craft ON WRITING or Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down The Bones.

 

DONT’S

 

1. Don’t let your life interfere with your writing. The laundry will be there later, the vacuumingcan wait another 30 minutes. We are all working and have families, but we find time to write. We work other jobs while we wait to write that great novel. Try not to procrastinate.

 

2. Don’t fall in love with what you’ve written. Try to read your work with a critical eye. If necessary, put it away for a while, come back to it fresh, then edit what doesn’t work.

• Plotting and Basic Writing Rules

3. Don’t keep your work a secret. You need to send it out to get published. Submit to magazines, look for Short Story writer’s markets, enter writing contests. Get your name and story out there.

 

4. Don’t forget to ask for help if you need it. Network with your friends, they may know someone in the publishing industry. Try to find an agent that fits with what you are writing and what you believe in.

 

5. Don’t forget that it is your story. Any advice and suggestions are open for discussion, but you will determine what goes into your story and what does not. It’s your call.

• Tips for Writing your First Novel