Three Fabulous Writing Tips I’ve Received
1. Write what you love. Writing is a lonely industry, and therefore, one full of second-guessing and self-doubt. If we only focus on the end result—that finished novel, that stellar agent, that juicy contract,—we’ll spend most of our time dissatisfied. So whatever WIP you’re doing, keep a WIP that is just for you. Write something that makes you happy, or want to wake up at 5 a.m., or laugh out loud. This will likely be your best work. But even if not, you will have written what satisfies, and that is the heart of writing.
2. Expect rejection. I watched a documentary on teenagers from around the U.S. who won a JIMMY award (a musical-dance-theatre award), and who spent a week traveling around New York City, preparing to perform on Broadway, and competing for the number one male or female teen actor/singer in the U.S. What hit me was this: one of adult judges said that for the many kids who didn’t make the three rounds of cuts for the final award, he was happy for them. Because, he said, they had chosen a profession mostly made up of rejection and it was good that they learned that now. That’s writing. And if we accept this fact, we can stop focusing on it and put our energy toward writing an absolutely fabulous book.
3. Positively use negative feedback. One of the challenges of writing is that as you become better, you see more to improve. It’s the Flaws in the Furniture principle—when you buy a new couch you suddenly see the need for new drapes, and prettier lamps, and brighter paint color, and on and on. So it’s first wise to look at critiques or feedback with a positive view—how is this improving my manuscript, how is this helping me become a better writer—even when it’s painful to read. You’re learning to see the flaws and to know better how to fix them. At one point, I wanted to re-edit and refresh Create a Powerful Life Plan, one of my self-published books. It had sold well for ten years, so at first I was tempted to simply do a cursory edit and re-release it. Thankfully, I hired a professional editor and used her suggestions to tighten and update my writing as well as the look, feel, and tone of the book. Same great message, incredible difference in presentation. Critiques and feedback are part of a writer’s way of life—find the beauty in it early and it will bless your life and writing for years to come.
Try one of these pieces of advice and hopefully it will be as helpful to you as it has been to me!
by Connie E. Sokol
Do you desire a more Christ-centered Easter?
You’ll experience a more fulfilling Easter season with this collection of inspirational thoughts on trying to become more like the Savior. For forty days, enjoy a daily scripture and personal insight on a character trait of Jesus Christ. Learn more of who He was and what He taught.
As you read these daily devotionals, you’ll feel a joyful connection to the character of Jesus Christ, understand how much He is involved in your life, and discover how knowing Him better makes your life better, too.
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~Connie donates 100% of the profits from her books to charity~
