Janet Evanovich

Writer’s Wisdom 39

/ inkspeare

Learning from the best

As aspiring authors it is important to learn as much as we can about the craft.  There are many books about writing, genres, and writing tips.  The best source is to learn from best-selling authors who have walked the path.  With the technology these days, this is easy to do.  There are many interviews of best-selling authors in You tube and in book stores.  These interviews are full of great real tips and ideas from these authors.

Another way is to visit their websites, which are full of insights to the craft and many interesting and useful tips.  Many authors have frequently asked questions sections on their sites, which are a big help for an aspiring writer.  Many have written books on the subject, according to their own writing experience and journey.  A book that I recommend is:  How I write, by Janet Evanovich.  It is full of very important and useful information – worth every penny.

If you are serious about your writing, start learning from the best.  Take it a step further and not only read their books, but visit their sites and listen to interviews; or if you have the opportunity, go to their book signings.

Writer’s Wisdom 23

/ inkspeare

Writing, Just Do It!

Best selling authors agree on this.  You can take as many creative writing classes and seminars, read books on writing, but if you don’t do it, your knowledge is just that – knowledge.

There is no minimum or maximum amount of pages to write a day.  It is different for everyone, and you should find what works for you.  Best selling author Eloisa James, writes 20 pages a day.  She says that, “writing is hard work; it is tough.” (interview with Borders).  John Grisham from 5-8 + pages a day.  I recommend Janet Evanovich’s book:  How I Write, Secrets of a Best Selling Author.  It is full of information, and real life advice on writing – excellent book for aspiring authors.

One of my favorite quotes, is from best selling author Sherrilyn Kenyon, and has become inspiring to me:  “Over, under, around or through, there’s always a way to get where you want to go; you just have to find it.”

We have to find our own way in writing, our own path.  Debbie Macomber is one of the greatest inspirations in writing.  As told in an interview with Borders, she was dyslexic, and learned to read in the 5th grade.  She is a best selling author, and in her own words:  “I Loooooove to write.”

Author Claire Cook is another inspiration.  She knew all she wanted to do was to write, but it took her 25 years because she was afraid of the big step.  Her recommendation to aspiring writers:  “Just try it; small steps every day take you there.” (Borders)

And who can say it better than one of my favorite authors – The Donald.  In an interview with Borders, for his book Think Big and Kick Ass, he said:  “Keep your left up; never ever quit.” – Donald Trump.

So, if you love writing, but are procrastinating, stop now, go pick up your pen, (or mouse), and let it flow; don’t think about it, just do it! 

Writer’s Wisdom 13

/ inkspeare / 2 Comments

“Research the subject.”

Research is a necessary evil when you are writing your piece.  The amount and intensity of the research will depend on the kind of writing you are about to do.  A historical novel will take a decent amount of research as opposed to an article on the ozone layer.  The depth of the research is different in these cases.  Most best selling authors do research before writing.  I say most, because some, like Kate DiCamillo has said that she does not (as told in a Border’s interview).  For her, the writing process happens different.  Her book “just shows up”– to quote her.  When she knows she has to write the story, she writes it.  Jody Picoult researches the subject sometimes even months before she starts writing.  Other authors travel to places or other countries to do their research before starting a book.  Others, like Janet Evanovich, interviews people in ocuppations that relate to her book.  Every research style is different, they do what better works for them and the story.

If you don’t like to do research, I have bad news for you, it is a necessary tool. If you are creating a fantasy piece – here you are creating all your worlds and characters from your mind, and inspiration –  maybe you will get away with it and disregard research.  But for most other genres, research in one degree or another is necessary.  If you are completely allergic to it, then hire someone to do the research for you.  That’s one way to go around it.

For many, the passion for writing is enough to enjoy the research aspect of it, for others, a research assistant is as good as a Muse.

Writer’s Wisdom 7

/ inkspeare / 2 Comments

Love of the craft – write, write, write.

Some best selling authors seemed to have writing in the back-burner, and somehow, fell into it as if by chance or destiny; others, did not even know if they were any good.  But one thing they have in common is that they write, write, write.  They have a discipline about writing, and they love writing.  It is their passion, as if a birthright.  However you feel about writing, if you want to become good at it, then you have to be disciplined about your writing and give it a serious place in your life.  There are many inspiring bios of best selling authors.  You may want to check out Stephenie Meyer, Janet Evanovich, Lalita Tademy, and Sara Grwen.  They had their very unique start in writing, and they will inspire you.

So, pick up your pen, wake up your PC, and write, write, write.

Writer’s Wisdom 3

/ inkspeare / 2 Comments

Send hundreds of queries!

Don’t take no for an answer, keep at it.  Eventually you will get a yes!

That is the advice of many seasoned published authors, unless you plan to become an independent or self-published author. It may sound obvious, but many will stop short of that.  If you love writing, but also intend to become a published author, then you have to send hundreds of queries if you don’t get answers right away.  Perseverance and focus are of the essence here.  For some, it goes faster than others.  It took Janet Evanovich, ten years going at it.  It took Stephenie Meyer, a few queries (less than 20).  Both of them are exceptional best selling authors.  However, if you love writing, are passionate about it, and can’t see yourself doing anything, but write, then approach each day with a smile, exercise your keyboard (or pen), arm yourself with the latest copy of the Writer’s Market (or go to writersmarket.com), and keep at it, eventually you’ll get a yes.

Follow these series.  New tips everyday.