Welcome to my page dedicated to anyone who's always wanted to write a novel, but didn't know where to start. I'll post a tip each day from my book YOUR PERSONAL FICTION-WRITING COACH: 365 Days of Motivation & Tips to Write a Great Book! and then, I want to hear from you: Like the Personal Fiction-Writing Coach FB page and leave a comment to let me and your fellow writers know if the day's tip or writing exercise resonates with you and your project. Grab your writing pals and send them over, too!
So you want to be a writer? Or maybe you’re already a writer, but can’t seem to get that novel written? Or you’ve written a few books, but the thrill is gone. Is there a trick, you wonder, to writing a great book, or even finishing a so-so book? Why, yes—there are three tricks, actually, that veteran writers like me keep top secret (shhhh!):
The list probably isn’t the romantic, idealistic answer you were hoping for, but I wrote this book with the idea of dispensing daily inspiration to get you to think about your story—and to write. Because I know from experience your motivation will give out before your imagination will. This book is structured to ease you through the life-cycle of creating a full-length novel, from broad stroke advice and self-evaluating questions, to more specific tips when you get to the planning and writing stages. I’ve also included pitfalls to avoid, lessons I’ve learned and techniques to help you manage your writing time.
If you like guarantees, writing isn’t for you. That said, if you write a novel and put it out into the universe, I guarantee you will:
And that’s cool. Ready? Let’s do this. ~
This daily serial will run through December 31. Each day's writing tip or exercise will be posted for 24 hours, 4am Eastern to 4am Eastern. Set a reminder on your calendar, fridge, or phone so you don't miss a single day of advice to get your novel finished!
Lots of aspiring writers dream of quitting their day job to write. If you have a day job, please don’t quit…at least not at first. The idea that you can get more writing done without a day job is a myth—some of my most productive years were when I was working full-time and later, part-time at my corporate job. Having a limited amount of time to write meant I had to be ultra-productive, so I was. And the money for a novel, if you’re lucky enough to sell it, can be loooooooooooong in coming. The submission process takes a long time, and if you get an offer, contracts take seemingly forever to negotiate and be processed, then it will be months or maybe a year or more before the book is released, and royalties are even farther down the road. If you self-publish, the money will be more immediate, but the amount will be unpredictable and unreliable. Good decisions are rarely made from a position of poverty. Don’t put that kind of pressure on yourself, and don’t think that committing to a writing career means dropping all other work obligations. You will be more creative and productive if you’re not worried about making ends meet. ~
Q: What's your reaction to my advice about not quitting your day job? Share with other writers on Facebook.
Check back tomorrow for the next tip from
YOUR PERSONAL FICTION-WRITING COACH:
365 Days of Motivation & Tips to Write a Great Book!
Can't wait or need to catch up? Get your own copy!
