1. READ romances.
2. Learn the genres and sub-genres of romance. Find out what type of romance you'd like to write. (Tip: You really should love them before you write them.)
3. Learn what publishers publish the type of romance you want to write.
4. Learn (and correct, if necessary) the Top Ten Beginner's Mistakes.
5. Join a writing group and/or organization, and, if possible, find a critique partner or group. There's nothing like having someone who understands and will cheer you on and lend a shoulder to cry on when needed.
6. Learn how to set goals...and how to keep them!
7. Learn how to manage your time. Too often we put the things we want to do behind all the other things that vie for our time. Make writing a priority.
8. Keep current on publishing industry news.
9. Enter contests and submit your work to pulishers. Someone other than you will have to someday read it. Contests can help you hone your skills. Remember that rejections are part of the writing life, so grow a thick skin. Learn how to use rejections to your advantage.
10. Remember that you'll always be learning, whether you're a beginning writer, have been writing for a few years, or have published twenty or more books.
*Resources for the above can be found within the Bits & Bytes blog.
Happy Writing!!
9 comments:
Great post, Rox!
I'm curious about #4. What does your list of the top 10 beginner's mistakes look like? Mine would be something like this (but not necessarily in this order):
1. Point of view not clear or bouncing around all over the place
2. Characters' conflict not strong enough
3. Characters' motivation not believable
4. Grammar/Punctuation
5. Passive voice
6. Synopsis - what to leave in, what to leave out
7. Development of relationship between hero and heroine
8. Too many adverbs
9. Hooks, including beginning of book as well as chapter beginnings and endings
10. Getting backside in chair and words on the page
Anyone else care to chime in with the top 10 things you've had to work to overcome?
I'm proud of all the information WARA members have been able to share on this blog. This is exactly why people should join a writers group.
Penny, the Top Ten Beginner's Mistakes is on the WARA website. I added the link to my blog post, but you were oh, so close. (grin)
For anyone looking for it...
Top Ten Beginner's Mistakes
Here's hoping that helps! I'm still trying to figure out where the past 4 days have gone. LOL
Well color me red-faced. I totally didn't see your link, Rox. I even had dialogue and formatting on my list, then removed them. I should've stayed snuggled under the covers and posted tomorrow. :D
I agree--the last four days went by way too quickly.
Penny, you didn't see it before because it wasn't there! (Yes, I'm sneaky.) I edited and added it after you asked. As I said, you were very, very close. :)
I agree that our members have posted some wonderful information these last eight months. I've recommended reading our blog to many, many writers. It is one of the best for a writers' group, in my totally unbiased opinion.
You've posted a great check list, Rox, especially when we add in the 10 Beginner's Mistakes! They are points I have to keep constantly in mind. Thanks for a very handy and concise print out!
I've loved discovering everyone's writing "voice." We've had great information presented in many ways, all entertaining in their own way.
Joan,
It's easy to forget some of the "rules." We all do it and need reminders (like this blog!) to get us back on track.
I agree 100% with Pat about joining a writers' group. Writing is a lonely profession. While it's nice to have the freedom that writing can give, if there's no opportunity to connect with other writers, there's no one out there who can completely understand what it's all about. A writers' group, whether face-to-face or online, can be a sanity saver. And it's always nice to have friends who understand what it's like to hear voices in your head. :)
Nice recap, Rox. Thanks to your guidance we've "come a long way baby" in our blog adventure. I know I've learned so much and enjoyed getting to know other writers through their posts. We've got a great bunch of writers on board--but we couldn't have done it without your leadership. XOXO
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