Just Write?!

I absolutely love my job, all seventeen of them.  However, I think the most rewarding aspect is empowering new writers in the writing world and stretching established writers past what they have viewed as their writing glass ceiling.  I really feel a sense of pride when I have a writer who i have worked with on editorial and I finally get the assignment where our practice and their persistence and flexibility has come together for a well thought out , research piece of work.  I really get a high off of seeing writers understand their writing style and see the progress in their journey.

As the author of two novels, I am often asked the famous question I believe any author is asked a million times over, "How did you write your book?"  If not that question then this statement, " I really want to write a book but I don't know where to begin."  I always tell people, if you want to write a book, just start writing.  Come out of the mindset of constructing a bestseller right off.  You will have many revisions and edits before you arrive at the place of being ready to publish.  Just pick up a pencil and begin.

Here are some tips to get you started:

1.  Get a journal. 

2.  Set aside time each day that is devoted strictly to writing.  You can start off with 15 minutes and work your way up.

3. Release all pretense.  You  are in the beginning phase so you don't have a deadline to turn your book into an agent.  Just write. 

4.  Its okay if you started writing about one thing and it leads to another.  That is creativity working at its best.  Often times your characters will begin to take on a life of their own, go with it.  Let them tell their story.

5.  Read, read, and read.  The best way to improve your writing skills is to read.  This enables you to view all different types of writing styles as well as help you to develop your own.

Writing is self-expression through words.  Be creative, have fun, and don't be too hard on your self.  Now get to going and I'll see you on the Best Seller's list.  Happy Writing!