My second piece of advice to aspiring writers is know why you write.
Is writing fun for you? Do you see it as a way to make money? Are you hoping for fame and fortune? Do you have a message to share? Or maybe all of the above!
Writing that story you've had swirling in your brain is only the first of many decisions you'll need to make, and in order to make those decisions, you need to understand exactly what you want. Also, understand that what you want today may evolve into other goals as you experience the publishing world or as life changes.
For me, writing is fun, and I see story ideas everywhere I go. I mostly write for my own pleasure and because I enjoy the process of writing. I also love when a reader tells me that I surprised her with a plot twist or had her cheering on a couple to their HEA (happily ever after).
My first decision after completing my manuscript was to publish or not publish.
I decided to publish my stories because I wondered if I could, and when Wished came out and sold its first copy to a stranger (not my family or friends buying copies because they love me), I got addicted to sharing my stories with the world.
My original goal was simply to put out my stories and see what happened. To find out if I could be a "real" author. I've accomplished that goal, and I'm ready for the next one.
My new goal is to market my books and grow my reader-base. Which is one reason why you're reading this weekly blog.
All of my goals prompt decisions I have to make. Writing that great story is just the beginning.
In following Write Advice posts, I'll discuss:
But before we discuss all of that, figure out what you want. Knowing your goals will help you make the "write" decisions for your stories!
Is writing fun for you? Do you see it as a way to make money? Are you hoping for fame and fortune? Do you have a message to share? Or maybe all of the above!
Writing that story you've had swirling in your brain is only the first of many decisions you'll need to make, and in order to make those decisions, you need to understand exactly what you want. Also, understand that what you want today may evolve into other goals as you experience the publishing world or as life changes.
For me, writing is fun, and I see story ideas everywhere I go. I mostly write for my own pleasure and because I enjoy the process of writing. I also love when a reader tells me that I surprised her with a plot twist or had her cheering on a couple to their HEA (happily ever after).
My first decision after completing my manuscript was to publish or not publish.
I decided to publish my stories because I wondered if I could, and when Wished came out and sold its first copy to a stranger (not my family or friends buying copies because they love me), I got addicted to sharing my stories with the world.
My original goal was simply to put out my stories and see what happened. To find out if I could be a "real" author. I've accomplished that goal, and I'm ready for the next one.
My new goal is to market my books and grow my reader-base. Which is one reason why you're reading this weekly blog.
All of my goals prompt decisions I have to make. Writing that great story is just the beginning.
In following Write Advice posts, I'll discuss:
- Different avenues to publish
- Social media
- Cover art
- Money
But before we discuss all of that, figure out what you want. Knowing your goals will help you make the "write" decisions for your stories!