A guest post from children’s ghostwriter Karen Cioffi
Tips for Writing Success
Successful writing can be hard to achieve.
Some authors seem to make it overnight, while others struggle for years withnot much success.
There are at least four must-know tips that every writer should be aware of to help get over the bumps in the road and experience writing success.
1. It’s going to take time to write your story.
It’s important for new writers to know that writing a story can take a while – if you want to get it as ‘right’ as possible.
One reason for this is you should occasionally take a break from your story to look at it again with fresh eyes.
Take a week or two or more.
Another reason is, as you’re going along and reread your story, you’ll no doubt find things here and there that you want to change or that don’t read right.
And, often, writers don’t know when enough is enough.
You keep trying to tweak the story until your think it’s ready to go.
There are events like ‘Novel in a Month”, but most of those who participate create a draft in 30 days, not a ready to submit manuscript.
So expect it to take a while to write a story you will be proud of.
And don’t try to rush the process.
If you get done sooner than expected, it’s icing on the cake.
2. Don’t expect your first story to make it.
Your very first attempt at writing a book may not be the one that actually gets published.
In fact, chances are it won’t be.
It may be that the story just sits in your computer, in a file somewhere.
Or, you may occasionally work on it, never being quite satisfied with it.
Or, you may keep submitting it, but it never finds a home.
What do you do in the meantime?
Keep writing.
Get another story started and keep honing your craft.
Don’t be discouraged.
3. You need a critique group or a critique partner.
New and seasoned writers can benefit from critique groups or having a critique partner.
It’s almost impossible for a writer to see her own work with fresh eyes.
You know what you intended to say, so even if it’s not really there, you will see it.
You won’t know if you’re missing clarity or possibly a blatant grammatical error.
And, there are all the other writing pitfalls, like character development, plot, story arc, and so on, that you may glaze over.
Another writer, particularly one who writes in your genre, will be able to spot what you may be missing.
Or, at the very least, give you some insight.
4. Don’t compare yourself to other writers (at least try not to).
Writers can feel insecure in their abilities, their progress, and their successes.
This one goes for authors and freelance writers.
You may feel other writers you know are getting publishing contracts while you’re not.
Maybe you’re a freelance writer and don’t feel you have enough credits.
You may feel you’re not as good a writer as others.
It may be hard to do, but DON’T go there.
If you think you need to hone your writing skills, take classes and hire a writing coach.
Instead of feeling unworthy or discouraged, take steps to move forward.
Keep honing your craft and persevere your way to success.
5. If you don’t go for it, it’ll never happen.
Okay, this is a bonus reality, but super-important.
If you don’t submit your manuscript, it’ll never find a home.
If you don’t query magazines to get a foot in the article writing arena, you’ll never get an article in a magazine.
Don’t procrastinate and don’t think you’re not good enough.
Just go for it.
Do the work and SUBMIT.
Remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
About Karen Cioffi
Karen Cioffi is an award-winning author, children’s ghostwriter, and an author/writer online platform marketing instructor. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Writers on the Move. http://writersonthemove.com
In addition, her site, Karen Cioffi Writing and Marketing, was named Writer’s Digest Website of the Week, June 25, 2012. Brian A. Klems, Online Editor for Writer’s Digest commented: “This site from Karen Cioffi should stand as a model for other freelance writers.”
For more on children’s writing tips and writing help, stop by Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi. http://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com
Be sure to sign up for her newsletter and check out the DIY Page.
Ways to successful writing: Click Here
