In writing, we don't start off at our destination. It is a journey with lots of discoveries along the way. Author Carole Brown provides a few tips for enjoying that journey. -- Sandy
Carole: One of the toughest things an
author needs to learn pronto once you decide to “write,” is to be true to
yourself and your writing. How can you do this? Here are a few tips that will
help guide you to your writing journey:
- Discover what type of writing you do. Sound simple? It’s not always so cut and dry, but can be done, in a general way if not specific. For instance, when I wrote my debut novel, I had no idea what genre it was. But a smart agent I talked with labeled it aptly. Women’s fiction with strong elements of suspense and romance. He’d hit the nail on the head, so to speak, because that’s exactly what my book was.
Two more examples:
Say you write suspense, but
put in healthy dosages of romance within your pages. That points strongly
toward a romantic suspense genre.
With my latest series, my
editor suggested it matched a romantic mystery type of book, each element half.
Once you get into the swing of it, you’ll
find it fairly easy to label the type of writing or books you do.
- Realize that your writing is unique and personal. Don’t try to imitate others’ works. Study, learn from the experience of other writers, but never compare yourself or your writing to their books, their ability or how many books they’ve published or how many awards they’ve won.
Realize, too, that whether
your journey is quiet, seemingly unnoticeable by the many, or filled with
excitement of awards and recognition, it’s YOUR journey. Make the most of it.
- If you write inspirational, then seek God’s direction for your work. Allow him to use your talent the way he has planned for you. Don’t hesitate or bulk or whine, but yield yourself to his plan. It will be worth it and so much more satisfying when you accept that God will bless your labors and make them fruitful as he wills.
Not only will you have God’s
blessing upon your books, but the joy and peace will remain. Notice, I didn’t
say you won’t be stumped or discouraged or stressed. We can feel all those
emotions, but when we turn our eyes back onto our God, and accept anew his plan
for our unique writing journey, the peace and joy will resurrect again.
I’ve always believed that
people should do what they love. And if you are following YOUR journey and know
you want/need to write, then you’ll face the struggles and discouragement so
much easier.
Recapping:
- Discover your writing genre and nuances.
- ŸSteer clear of comparison.
- Yield to God’s plan for your personal and unique journey.
That’s the key to a wonderful
writing life.
Happy traveling!
What is your best tip for enjoying the writing life?
~~~~~
Besides being an active
participant of many writing groups, Carole enjoys mentoring beginning writers.
She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books,
and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and
her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and
internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening,
good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
