Angela Winters
Every week, I get letters or e-mails from readers who are aspiring writers looking for advice on what to do, where to go and how to go about it. Honestly, I have to tell them I got pretty lucky. Don't get me wrong, I work hard, but I got into the market at a time when Kensington was hungry for new writers and sold my first manuscript only a month or two after I sent it out. However, I do have some advice for aspiring authors. Some of it I'm sure they've heard before. Hopefully some is new: Read, Read, Read! - Whether you want to write romance, mystery or science fiction, find out who the best sellers are in that genre and read what they write. Not to copy them, don't do that. But do study how they plot, how they develop their characters and pull the readers in. Join a critique group - Whether it be at your local library or college, or on the internet, join a group of other aspiring writers so you can support each other with writing tips, industry news and possibly attract writers to come speak to you. Check out Writer's Digest - It is the beginning and end for writers. They have a library of books on how to write and information on specialty genres that can help you get the edge on others when writing your manuscript. They have information on agents, publishers, editors, and anything else you would want to know about writing. Write something every day - Whether it's a short story, a short short story or even a poem, start making writing a part of your daily life. When you get up, write a quick note on what you dreamed about. When you get home from work, write a quick note about an interesting thing that happened or something unique you saw. These are the things that spark ideas for characters and stories. Focus on the characters - Some people say the plot is the main focus of the book, but I have to say that great characters make a plot easy. Who are these people? What do they want? Where do they come from figuratively and literally? Why would they get along or not get along? Develop your characters into strong, sympathetic heroes and heroines, and the story will come from them. Utilize the Internet - Even if you have to go to the library or local University to do it, the internet is an invaluable source of information for aspiring writers. There are countless sites devoted to helping you with the craft of writing. There are classes on writing that you can take online, as well as sources that will critique your manuscripts for you online. Publishing industry and houses have a lot of submission information on their sites. Also, authors have websites that give advice and information a lot more in-depth than my own. Be Professional - I can't stress this enough. Editors and writers are always talking about how someone sent them an inquiry with several misspelled words, poor grammar or unprofessional (too personal) word usage. Some requests aren't even requests, but more like orders for them to help them with their writing. Don't treat these people like they don't have anything to do but help you out. That's very offensive and unprofessional. Don't constantly call editors to follow up on your manuscript. Many an editor has declined a writer just because they were so annoyed with their pushy behavior. Sending the SASE with your manuscript is the most professional way of getting a response. Want To Send A Review of One of My Books? Got A Suggestion For My Website? Want To Get on My Mailing List for New News? Contact me by e-mail: ajw827@yahoo.com
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