Bad Tips for Writers 012

There's no bad excuse for skipping
a day's writing.

Make your motto: Tomorrow. Seriously.

Encouraging or Discouraging

I have some encouraging, or discouraging, words for you as you continue to write your book.

Longtime authors, such as myself, still hit some tough spots as we work on our books. I'm fast approaching the point where I'm sure "this is the dumbest idea for a novel I've ever had." (Really, Bill? Dumber than an alcoholic pope ending up on Skid Road? What were you thinking?) Fortunately (?), I've been there many times before and will just keep writing.

As you work at your writing skills (by writing) some things do get easier. And some, I suspect, never will.

But after you've written a book or two, and so you know you can write a book or two, it's less likely the tough spots will make you quit.

Don't quit.

Just keep writing.

Bad Tips for Writers 011

Have a question about a publication? Give
the editor a call!

Make your motto: He -- or she-- will want
to hear my idea!

The Kindle Advantage and Disadvantage

I've become a fan of Kindle Direct Publishing. One of its features is a constant updating of what books have sold. Last month How to Write Your Novel in Nine Weeks was my top one (of six books) but so far this month it's been My Great-grandfather Turns 12 Today.

A disadvantage of self-publishing is it's all you. It isn't just the writing and editing. It's the cover and protional description and, truth be told, figuring out how to actually get your book up there. It took me more than a few tries to figure out how to get the cover art to show up. I took a lot of specific notes after my first success. If you're having trouble with that, just drop me a line.

Bad Tips for Writers 010

If your family and friends say
something you wrote is very good
then you can be sure it is very good
and should be published immediately.

Make your motto: Pointing out to the editor
"my family and friends say this is very good"
will seal the deal!

"Creative" Not-Writing

A recent review of How to Write Your Novel in Nine Weeks included this:

If nothing else this book will get my house cleaner than it's ever been. "I'll write after I clean out the pantry." "I'll write after I sort the linen closet." "I'll write after I wash all the dog's bedding." "I'll write after I wash all the baseboards with ammonia." You get the idea.

I think that's true for all writers. Everything else seems so interesting and so important when you know it's time to write.

The discipline does get easier. But, even then, it can be a challange.

Just keep writing.

Bad Tips for Writers 009

A publication's writers' guidelines are meant
for average writers. Ignore them. You're exceptional.

Make your motto: I don't need to actually see
a publication to know exactly what it needs.