Writing Tips

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I just want to mention a little about writing that might be helpful…

I find that if writing a novel feels a struggle, then write a novella. You can add chapters to it after you’ve finished. Some of my books have started this way. Also, you don’t have to know the whole story before you make a start. Honestly, half the time writers don’t know what’s going to happen next. Sometimes the characters lead you.

Please remember, there is no right or wrong way to write a book. Do whatever works for you. So many get wrapped up in textbook styles and simply forget to flow. Writers are artists, and although artists work with some structure, we are famously known for working from the heart. Have fun. It’s not just the reader who gets to escape. It’s an escape for you too. Entertain yourself and enjoy the wonderful world of make believe.

One other thing. This was said to me. Now, I say it to all authors…

‘You are not just an author. You are a business.’

Please read that one more time.

Treat your job this way. Be an author when you’re writing, then go full Karren Brady when it’s time to hit the market. Stop allowing people to treat your career as though you don’t have one. You do work. This is your job. You do deserve to get paid. It takes many hours to write, edit, proofread, research, design, market, advertise, run media accounts, update your business accounts, run campaigns, meet and greet readers, sell your soul, wash your socks, feed your cat, and be at the top of your game in order for your story to, hopefully, get spotted in amongst all the other books out there in the giant library of the world.

You’ll probably have to learn as you go when it comes to the business side of your job. The art section is so far from the business sector. You’re more likely to try-out for The Great British Sewing Bee than The Apprentice. Also, most artists, with the exception of the kids from Fame lot, tend to be introverted, which basically means, you’d rather eat an entire bag of cotton wool balls than pitch on Dragons’ Den. Don’t be fooled by the authors out there openly selling their wares and doing talk shows etc. Most aren’t like that, so don’t fret. You just do you and whatever you’re comfortable with.

However you decide to run your business, please, please stop apologising for it. I see this over and over, especially from women. If you own a fruit and veg stall down the market, you wouldn’t say sorry every time you told your customers the apples were on offer. Just remember being an author is a business. Don’t feel embarrassed or bigheaded for simply selling your books or talking sales. Readers want to know what’s for sale, what’s on offer, what you’ve got coming next and so on. And, yes, you do need to repeat your posts etc, because your buyers come online at different times.

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